The Denver Broncos may have a quarterback controversy, but defense is their biggest offseason issue. Re-sign the linebackers first in free agency and the rest falls into place.
We’re tackling each team in the league, traveling alphabetically to debate their biggest offseason issues. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.
TODD:
Interestingly enough, though the Denver Broncos’ quarterback situation is of vital importance with Peyton Manning leaving (via Chris Mortensen of ESPN) and Brock Osweiler set to hit free agency, the most pressing issue for Denver this offseason is actually on the other side of the football.
Von Miller received the exclusive franchise tag, eating up north of $14 million next season unless a long-term contract is agreed to. Via Spotrac, the move put Denver over the salary cap heading into free agency, yet they still have a number of other important defensive pieces that need to be retained or replaced.
With Manning’s now-expected retirement announcement on Monday, the departure frees up around $19 million. This seems like a foregone conclusion; a necessity at this point. With that room, the Broncos will have to address decisions on defensive end Malik Jackson and inside linebacker, who can both become unrestricted free agents on March 9. Fellow inside linebacker Brandon Marshall can’t hit the open market but will be a restricted free agent who still needs to be re-signed. All three players immensely important pieces to what Denver was able to accomplish a season ago.
The Bronco defense was elite because it had pass rushers that could get to the quarterback without blitz help (Jackson and Miller on the franchise tag, as well as DeMarcus Ware obviously), linebackers who could cover all kinds of space (Trevathan and Marshall) and the secondary that could shut down receivers on each boundary. If the pass rush is hindered and the linebackers are gone, how good will this defense be in 2016?
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The team also has questions on the offensive line and obviously the quarterback question. Where does it go first? I’m not sure it will be able to afford any of the pending defensive free agents, let alone all of them. How can it address every concern and get back into Super Bowl contention? Or was 2015 a perfect storm, and this team will be taking a step back?
Miller was the biggest piece that needed to be taken care of, but he was just the first piece.
DAN:
It appears that it is now a foregone conclusion that Peyton Manning walks away from the Denver Broncos (via Chris Mortensen of ESPN). Now they must turn their attention to re-signing quarterback Brock Osweiler. But that’s not necessarily the priority here.
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The Broncos must push the hometown discount as hard as they possibly can. This is a Super Bowl champion, a team that made two of the last three title games, and one that can truly solidify itself as a mini dynasty by keeping things together. What will be more important to Denver’s free agents, the largest payday possible, or a chance at making history?
Watch the Broncos bring back 75 percent of their guys on one or two year deals, or on longer contracts with incentive laden bonuses on the backend. Manning would be a one year deal, if he returns. I think linebacker is where Denver focuses its money. That means Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall must be locked up first this offseason. The center of the defense was the key to their title, and is integral to any hopes at repeating next season.
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Linebackers can make up for a lack of pass rush from the defensive line. They are key to the run game as well. In terms of stopping the pass, this core of backers was great at disrupting the opposition in the flats, making the cornerbacks’ and safeties’ jobs that much easier. They are the leaders of this unit and where the money must go first and foremost. Defense won Denver the title in 2015 and it can again next season.