In the 30 days leading up to the start of Denver Broncos Training Camp 2016, we’re examining 30 big questions for the season. We’ll make a case for each answer; you’ll vote and tell Broncos Country what’s going to happen this year.
Now that Von Miller has broken the bank, the Denver Broncos are looking to save money in any way they can.
The Broncos’ roster is littered with pricey veterans that all of a sudden seem expendable. If the Broncos can cut ties with an expensive veteran for a younger, much cheaper player, it’s hard to believe they won’t jump at the opportunity to do so now. Fortunately for the Broncos, there area few players on the roster that fit the qualifications.
The Broncos have already shown that they’re not afraid to let go of a veteran they believe to be occupying too much cap space regardless of performance when they released long snapper Aaron Brewer back in March. Brewer, who never botched a snap during his time with the Broncos, was released in March along with Louis Vasquez and Owen Daniels to free up money.
There are a few players that will be looking over their shoulders come training camp with the Broncos scrambling for cash. But as in life, cheaper is not always better.
Here are a few players that might deserve to keep their roster spot over a cheaper option .
Britton Colquitt
Britton Colquitt has been the Broncos punter since 2010 and, other than some midseason struggles last year, has been absolutely lights out. In a year where the Broncos’ offense was forgettable, Colquitt came through on many occasions, helping the defense out when he could. During his six-year career, Colquitt has only had one punt blocked. Currently, Colquitt is the 11th highest-paid punter in the National Football League according to spotrac.com and that’s partially because of the the fact that he took a paycut in 2015 to help free up money to pay wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The Broncos appear to have let Colquitt know the direction they intend to head come cut time when the selected a punter, Riley Dixon from Syracuse, with their seventh-round pick. Although his successor may be on the roster, Colquitt’s willingness to take a pay cut in 2015 and perhaps in 2016, along with his contributions to the team thus far may be what keeps him his roster spot.
Ronnie Hillman
Ronnie Hillman is coming off his best season as a pro. Not only did he lead the team in touchdowns with seven, he also led the team in rushing yards as well with 863. Hillman is entering his fifth year in the NFL, but despite having his best season to date, still hasn’t turned into the player that John Elway and the Broncos imagined he would be when they selected him in the third round of the draft in 2012. Hillman signed one-year, $2 million deal to stay with the Broncos in the offseason, and it could turn into more if he can have a big year in head coach Gary Kubiak’s run-oriented offense. It seems, though, that Hillman finds himself in this position year after year. The Broncos drafted Devontae Booker in the fourth round of this year’s draft and have a few other young running backs chomping at the bit. If Hillman proves that he can take care of the football and be the one-cut runner the Broncos want him to be, he will certainly have a roster spot come September.
Cody Latimer
Cody Latimer is entering his third year in the NFL after being drafted by the Broncos in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft. It has been tough for Latimer to see any time at receiver with Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and veteran Andre Caldwell occupying the positions in front of him. But with Caldwell now in Detroit, the third receiver spot could be Latimer’s for the taking. Latimer has proved his worth on special teams, but if he can’t come through as a receiver he could find himself without a job. With only eight receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown in two years, the Broncos could turn to Bennie Fowler or Jordan Taylor could save them money and produce just as much as Latimer did. Elway has already proved he won’t be shy about cutting a second-round pick who isn’t panning out. Just ask Montee Ball.
Vance Walker
29-year-old defensive end Vance Walker is in his eighth year in the NFL with four different teams. Walker was a quiet contributor on the Broncos world championship defense in 2015, starting in four regular season game and playing in 18 total games. Walker registered two sacks and 32 tackles in the regular season and added five more tackles in the playoff run. It’s safe to say that Walker has been around the block a few times, and his experience could be what keeps him on team instead of cutting him in favor of Adam Gotsis, the Broncos’ second-round draft pick, and Kenny Anunike, who played in three games for the Broncos last season.
What does Broncos Country think? Which veteran deserves to keep a roster spot over a cheaper option?
30 QUESTIONS: Which of these veterans should keep his job over a lower-priced option?
— Mile High Sports (@MileHighSports) July 16, 2016
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