As much positive news as has come out of Denver Broncos headquarters this offseason, there have been plenty of reasons for fans to be uncomfortable, not the least of which is the curious situation of one Terrance Knighton. Knighton, voted a team captain and one of the favorite players of the Broncos fan base, has apparently been getting antsy due to the fact that the Broncos haven’t discussed a new contract with him.
Just spoke w/ Broncos DT Terrance Knighton who's set to bcm a UFA. Very honest telling me he's frustrated w/ lack of communication w/ team.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 19, 2015
For what it’s worth, the Broncos and their new coaching staff have probably not even yet finalized their offseason plan. We haven’t heard negotiations going on with any player — including Demaryius Thomas — so it’s not a huge shock that we haven’t heard anything about Knighton, who is probably the third highest priority on the team in terms of in-house players this offseason.
The Broncos would obviously like to keep everyone if they can, but they can’t, and Knighton is a guy who might be allowed to test his market value, though he did say at one point he’d play for the Broncos for less money. In fact, Knighton even threw out the specific value of about $5 million per season, which is more than reasonable for a player of his caliber going into the prime years of his career.
If the Broncos could get Knighton back on a three-year deal worth $15 million, it would be a surprise if they didn’t consider it. Denver has to focus on its plan to re-load the team this offseason, starting with the stark reality of starters who are free agents this offseason. Yikes.
Knighton’s potential departure leaves a huge hole in the middle of the Denver defense, which is moving to a 3-4 alignment under Wade Phillips this season. Phillips will need someone to man the nose tackle position, and many think that Knighton could be a natural fit for it, but at this point, there has been no communication between he and the Broncos, and he’s apparently getting upset.
The ball seems to be in the Broncos’ court, what with all the public statements that have been made by Knighton and now this report coming out. There are so many unanswered questions surrounding the Broncos right now, but most get the feeling that every big name free agent aside from Demaryius Thomas will likely be playing elsewhere in 2015.