Washington went 11-5 in 16 games that he started over the last three seasons ... and 6-27 in all other contests, including the postseason.

There is one statistic that shows why Tyrod Taylor might fit what Vic Fangio wants above all.

In order to keep Denver below the expected $180 million salary cap, tough decisions will need to be made on many of the Broncos' current players. However, there's a handful of players that are safe thanks to their contracts.

Barring an unexpected revival, Dalton's days as a mid-level starter are behind him. But if the Broncos are seeking just a backup who can be a bridge if Drew Lock falters, the 11-year veteran might fit the bill.

Mariota is an unlikely candidate -- and perhaps won't inspire any hopes of greatness -- but in some ways, he's ideal.

There were high expectations for the rookie coming out of Penn State, not only as a receiver, but as a playmaker. Did Hamler and his electricity live up to those high expectations his rookie season?

Michael Ojemudia's rookie season was anything but easygoing. But the third-round rookie was able to end the season on a high note and give the Broncos confidence in him moving forward.

If it's about hedges to provide competition for Drew Lock, the Broncos have their choice of options. Andrew Mason's series examining these options begins with a former Super Bowl MVP whose elite play is tantalizing, but whose consistency is lacking.

The expectations for Cushenberry entering his rookie season were simple: Become the Broncos' starting center by Week 1 and keep the job for the entire year.

The third-round pick did that. Mission accomplished.

The answer is more muddled than some would like.

"Vincent, as a man, he always came in with a great attitude," said Vasquez. Along with the rest of the NFL world, Vasquez was stunned to learn of the Feb. 15 death of Jackson, a Colorado Springs native and a product of the University of Northern Colorado.

George Paton was a part of the Vikings' management team that drafted Xavier Rhodes in the first round eight years ago. Could Paton look to Rhodes again to rebuild the Broncos' cornerback corps?

With the salary cap expected to drop to roughly $180 million, NFL teams will be looking to save cap space everywhere they can.

Here are the players George Paton and the Broncos could move on from this offseason to open up cap space.

The 61-year tale of Broncos history isn't complete without noting a few worthy foes who did battle with Denver time and again ... and chief among those is Marty Schottenheimer.

At times throughout his rookie season, Jerry Jeudy looked like an incredible first-round pick. Other times, the rookie looked, well, like a rookie making the huge transition from college to the NFL.

It's almost as if Peyton Manning and John Lynch were meant to go into the Hall of Fame together.

There was a time, not too long ago, when the Broncos were the most underrepresented franchise in the Pro Football Hall of Fame relative to their accomplishments. Not anymore.

Better days are ahead for Jeudy.

With a large $10 million cap hit, A.J. Bouye was instantly expected to be Denver's stud outside cornerback in 2020.

Was the veteran corner able to live up to the high expectations his first year in Denver?