Everything you need to know from John Elway's press conference at the NFL Combine

INDIANAPOLIS — On Wednesday afternoon at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, John Elway was in classic form, dropping dimes left and right.

This time, however, it wasn’t to the end zone or sidelines, it was about the future of the Denver Broncos.

With free agency and the draft looming, Elway broke news and hinted at what’s to come.

Here’s what we learned.

Options for Sanders and Wolfe exercised

The first piece of hard news Elway broke was that the team plans to exercise the contract options of both Emmanuel Sanders and Derek Wolfe.

“They’re good football players. That’s why we plan on exercising [their options],” Elway stated. “[They are] different situations, but we’re planning on exercising both of those.”

This, however, doesn’t mean that Sanders and Wolfe will absolutely be back in Orange & Blue in 2019 with the way their contracts are set up.

Sanders’ option guarantees him just $1.5 million of his $10.25 million salary, while Wolfe’s option guarantees just $1 million of his $8 million salary. If cut, even after the options are picked up, the team would save a significant amount of money against the cap.

The only concern with Sanders, according to Elway, is he’s coming off an Achilles injury.

“I love the way Emmanuel Sanders plays the game. I love his heart, I love his competitiveness… He’d be a great asset for us, but the question is, how is he going to come off of that Achilles at the 31 years old? So, we’ll be in that process and try to figure that out.”

Chris Harris Jr. on the back burner

As Chris Harris Jr. enters the final year of his five-year deal, there’s been no talks between he and the Broncos about an extension.

“That has not been thought about just yet,” Elway said, despite speculation saying otherwise. “We’ll see where things go. We’re going to get through this first wave and see what we can do in free agency. Then after that, we’ll look at different options. But that has not been thought of yet.”

Later, Elway admitted that the Broncos aren’t necessarily swimming in available cap space.

Get used to Flacco

While Elway couldn’t comment on his soon-to-be quarterback Joe Flacco, due to NFL rules, it became more and more obvious that a first-round quarterback is not in the cards for the Broncos this year.

“We’re still in the process of studying them,” Elway said, not giving any indication of his interest in a first-round signal caller this year. “We’ll keep looking at them. I think that there are a lot of people excited about next year’s class. But we’re going to spend the time on this year’s class and see where we come out on that. I think there are some good players in this draft too.”

Throughout the rest of the day, Elway gave numerous hints at why the Broncos likely won’t go with a quarterback at No. 10.

Striving for stability on the offensive line

Elway and Vic Fangio were hopeful the team would be able to re-sign Matt Paradis, but it’s clear that won’t be an easy task.

“We’ll have to see where Matt falls,” Elway said, referring to his contract demands and injury status. “We’ve told him that we would like to have him back, but he’s coming off of a pretty significant injury. We have to evaluate that process. Matt has been a great warrior for us for four years. But obviously, with the injury that he did have, that changes the thought process. We’ll have to see where that falls.”

Elway also divulged that the team is “trying to get something done” with versatile lineman Billy Turner as well as with right tackle Jared Veldheer.

“I’d love to bring all our guys back, but there’s only so much we can do. That’s why until you get to the market and see where everything is—that’s where everything becomes realistic,” Elway said, hinting that it might take until free agency opens to get a deal done with either or both players.

“We can talk about it and evaluate and say what we’d like right now, but until we see what’s out there and what’s involved, it’s hard to be concrete with which direction.”

Keenum’s future in his own hands

John Elway stated he wants Case Keenum back. Yes, that is correct, he wants Keenum to return in 2019.

But at a discount. And, obviously, as a backup to Joe Flacco.

“There has to be an adjustment of the contract, first of all,” Elway stated. “And that’s going to be up to him, so we’re going to do whatever he wants to do there. As I told him on the phone, we’re going to work with him, and it’s up to him for what he would like to do. And we’re going to accommodate him. My preference would have him stay here. But we’ll have to sit down and talk to him again.”

Along with a potential pay cut, Elway said he would allow Keenum and his camp to explore a trade, although they have not requested that just yet.

“I would like Case back because I think he’s a good football player that could help us,” Elway said. “Now, like I said, I gave that flexibility to Case.”

Cravens’ future is in his own hands, too

Last offseason, Elway hoped Cravens was a long-term answer at the safety position.

This year, he’s just trying to make the team.

When asked if the former second-round pick is expected to be part of the team in 2019, Elway said, “It’s up to him.”

“He’s going to have a chance to make the football team. So, we’ll see what he does.”

Finding Kubiak’s replacement

In a shocking series of events, Gary Kubiak left the organization just as he was on the doorstep to becoming the Broncos’ next offensive coordinator.

Denver quickly filled that void by hiring Rich Scangarello, but wasn’t as quick in hiring Kubiak’s replacement in the personnel department.

His position, senior personnel advisor, remains vacant.

“We [will] evaluate that after the draft, and we have not looked at [filling] in that position at this point in time,” Elway said. “But we will look at that in May and see where we are in May.”

Not done adding pass rushers

The Broncos have two top-five picks at outside linebacker.

Yet despite having Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, the Broncos could look to add a third option to the already dangerous attack.

“The market is big. There’s a lot of outside backers in the market as far as free agency, as well as the draft — there’s a lot of edge rusher in the draft. So, I think we’re going to have an opportunity to get a third one,” Elway stated. “Whether it be free agency or with Shaq [Barrett], or in the draft. We’ll have to see.”

Finding a No. 2 corner

Wednesday morning, Fangio said the Broncos will let Bradley Roby, their No. 2 cornerback last year, hit free agency.

In the afternoon, Elway made it clear they need to fill that void, not once mentioning Roby’s name.

“We think there are some cornerbacks in the draft. We think it’s a rather deep class, and so, that’s an option. But there’s also an option in free agency, too,” Elway said, optimistic that they will be able to find corners in the offseason.

“Obviously, we know with Chris [Harris Jr.] coming back that we’ve got a solid No. 1. We’ve just got to find some depth there and find a [No.] 2.”

Oh captain my captain

Last year, the Broncos focused on adding players with past leadership qualities, specifically former team captains, in the draft.

After deeming it a success, Elway’s focused on taking a similar approach in April.

“I’m sure we’ll lean that way again this year,” he said. “But again, I’m going to try to find the talented football players.”

Not closing the door

With reports surfacing that the Broncos will move on from Brandon Marshall and let Domata Peko test the free agent market, Elway made it clear this doesn’t mean there’s no chance either return in 2019.

“I never close the door on anybody,” Elway stated.

Saying this, neither player will be high — or even in the middle — on the team’s priority list this offseason.