Broncos Chopping Block: Britton Colquitt
By Tylor Walden
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos punter Britton Colquitt (4) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
With the NFL Draft completed and free agency on the down low for the time being, the Denver Broncos are looking to focus on their roster to include 53 of the best players to compete during the 2015 season. While the punter is not normally focused on, Britton Colquitt might not be in those plans.
Before the 2013 season began, Britton Colquitt signed a deal with the Denver Broncos for four years and $13 million dollars. As of now, he is one of the highest paid, if not the richest, punter in the NFL right now. But in my eyes, he did not prove that last season after perhaps the worst season during his time with the Broncos.
Let’s look at his stats from last year.
During the 2014 season, Britton Colquitt punts accumulated over 3,000 yards. However, those punt yards only netted just a few ticks under 2,600. That’s somewhere around 400 yards of extra field position for the opposition. Not a good number, especially if the Broncos are trying to establish field position. Britton Colquitt also averaged 44.2 yards per punt, which is the lowest in his career.
The biggest thing with Britton Colquitt is his contract. In 2015, the Broncos are set to pay him three million dollars. That price is quite hefty for a punter. The biggest question is are the Broncos willing to pay him that much? According to most fans, the team is not willing to.
#Broncos fans do not think Britton Colquitt should be paid $3M. Time will tell if team agrees: http://t.co/A1iG04tUf6 pic.twitter.com/uNCWtVUoKa
— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) March 12, 2015
In what would be a very quiet move, the Broncos brought in a new punter during the free agency period to compete with Britton Colquitt. And it appears that he could really push Colquitt more than he has ever been pushed.
Did #Broncos just sign Britton Colquitt's replacement? Check out video of the new punter: http://t.co/RvIGYrunyY pic.twitter.com/OywCmjvpUv
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) March 12, 2015
I would not be surprised if Karl Schmitz runs Britton Colquitt out of Denver before the 2015 season begins. The Broncos may not be willing to pay Colquitt the money his contract asks for. And with Karl Schmitz looking to threaten not only his job, but Brandon McManus’ as well, it could be farewell to the longtime punter.