Broncos Holding Door Open for Departing Players
By Adam Malnati
The Denver Broncos have been active this offseason. Many of them have been active becoming players on other teams. The Broncos have lost several players to free agency, and it feels like that was all part of John Elway’s master plan. Bringing in a new coaching staff means turnover, and the Broncos have been holding the door open for players to leave ever since the start of the new NFL season began.
The high-profile exit of Julius Thomas was the headline catcher. He was leaving, and apparently new it all of the 2014 season. Thomas, and his camp, made it so Denver fans did not care about him leaving when it happened. Aside from JT, there have been other departures that do not sit well with Broncos Country.
The departure of Orlando Franklin is tough to swallow, and to see him going to protect Philip Rivers in San Diego makes it even worse. He may not be the best tackle in the world, but with the offensive line being so weak last season, the Broncos need all the help they can get.
Terrence Knighton tested the free-agency waters, found out teams did not value him as highly as he valued himself, and ended up with a one-year contract with the Washington Redskins. Could the Broncos have retained his services, knowing that he was not going to get the big contract he thought he was worth? Maybe.
What about Mitch Unrein? Knighton’s departure seemed to make keeping Unrein a smart move. With this a new Moneyball approach, did Unrein become expendable? He’s another guy who stayed in division, following Franklin to San Diego. The weather must be really nice there.
It has been like watching two old friends get together who have been planning something like this their whole lives, then someone hands them the keys to the kingdom.
With all of the tight end signings, the Broncos surprisingly lost another one when Jacob Tamme signed with the Atlanta Falcons. I suppose he saw the writing on the wall. No problem here, but this is another loss in free agency that raises some questions. The Broncos like Tamme for his ability on special teams, and he has a good relationship with Peyton Manning.
Rahim Moore? Good riddance. Nate Irving? Meh? But there is something strange with the turnover at Dove Valley. John Elway and Gary Kubiak are making changes to the organization. It has been like watching two old friends get together who have been planning something like this their whole lives, then someone hands them the keys to the kingdom.
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Mitch Unrein (96) during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Only time will tell if these changes are good or bad. The Broncos still look like the team to beat in the AFC West, which means another trip to the playoffs should be in the future of this team. This team is going to look different, not just in the names on the jerseys, but in the style of play. In Elway we trust?