The 2016 NFL season is just a few short weeks away (March 9, 2016 at 2 p.m. MDT) and the Denver Broncos have some very tough decisions to make with key veteran players if they hope to free up enough cap space to not only retain key playmakers on the defense, but also bring in new additions to help improve an offense that struggled to carry its weight throughout the season.
The Broncos currently have just over $11 million available to spend at present, according to Spotrac.com, ranking them 25th in the league in cap space by their top 51 contracts. Veterans like Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware and Ryan Clady are at the top of most every list of players who either need to retire, be cut or (preferably) be restructured in order to free up money to make moves elsewhere (like re-signing Malik Jackson or Brock Osweiler, not to mention Von Miller).
Those names, along with the likes of Brandon Marshall, Danny Trevathan, Ronnie Hillman and many others, will dominate the headlines as John Elway and his staff try to re-work deals, free up cash and retain key players. But lost in all the free agency talk will be the players that Denver already has locked up for 2016 and beyond.
Through both the draft and free agency, John Elway has built a deep roster with some key contributors coming in at very reasonable price tags. Here’s a look at some of the best values on the Broncos roster with contracts already in hand heading into 2016.
No. 5 – Emmanuel Sanders
2016 Cap Hit: $6.6 million
Emmanuel Sanders is entering the final (and most lucrative) year of his three-year contract. Even in what was considered a “down” year for the Denver offense, Sanders still produced more than 1,100 yards and had his most-productive season ever in terms of yards per catch last season. The emergence of Bennie Fowler (an ERFA) and a rocky year now in the past for Demaryius Thomas should equate to another big year for Sanders in 2016, especially if the Broncos can find a tight end (perhaps Jeff Heuerman) to take some pressure off the receivers. Yes, his salary is the largest number on this list, but his consistency has so far been worth every penny. The fact that he’s almost 29 years old and in the last year of his current deal should have him playing extra hard next year for what could be his last big NFL contract.
No. 4 – Kenny Anunike
2016 Cap Hit: $525,824
Kenny Anunike is really the only unproven commodity on this list, mostly because the only thing that’s proven constant throughout his pro and college career is injuries. Anunike missed his rookie year because of an elbow injury and then played just three games last year because of a knee (which had previously been an issue while at Duke). Still, the Broncos have high hopes for the defensive end who, along with Vance Walker, will compete for the position that will likely be vacated by Malik Jackson in free agency. His cash contract is one quarter of Walkers’, plus Anunike represents only a $824 dead cap hit if Denver has to cut him.
No. 3 – Darian Stewart
2016 Cap Hit: $3.25 million
The addition of Darian Stewart in 2015 paid immediate dividends when he ripped a potential game-tying touchdown away from Crockett Gillmore in the opener. He continued making big plays all season long, including a forced fumble in the Super Bowl. Stewart seemed to be the missing link (along with Wade Phillips) in a good defense turned great. He’s also in the final year of his deal and will become a UFA next season, so expect even more big hits and takeaways as he plays for a mega payout in 2017.
No. 2 – Max Garcia
2016 Cap Hit: $611,423
The Broncos have big expectations for Max Garcia who will very likely be the starting left guard opposite Louis Vasquez in 2016. Evan Mathis is a free agent who will likely ask north of $2.5 million. Garcia split time with both Mathis and Vasquez last year, his rookie year, and should be ready to step in as a full-time starter. Not only did Garcia get to learn from two of the best in the business, he also emerged as a young leader in the locker room. That’s a great thing for a young o-line (and John Elway’s pocketbook) as Garcia is under contract until 2018, never costing more than $781,423.
No. 1 – Bradley Roby
2016 Cap Hit: $1.89 million
2015 was a breakout year for Bradley Roby, whose time learning the position under Pro Bowlers Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib has turned him into an incredibly valuable commodity. The best news for John Elway is that Roby still has two years left on his contract and will max out a $2.2 million next year. There are 49 cornerbacks making more money than him at present (with perhaps more to come when free agency hits), but Roby is quickly becoming a top-25 player at the position.