Broncos 2016: Important Offseason Dates

With the end of the Broncos Victory Parade, the team can now officially begin the offseason program. It is going to be a long five months before training camp.

How are we doing Broncos Country? The victory parade and the end of season press conference is over. Now, we begin the long road that is the 2016 NFL Offseason.

The parade was awesome to watch. However, I do wish that the players and coaches got to talk a bit more. But none the less, the Broncos go into the offseason as NFL Champions. No better feeling that that.

With the Super Bowl victory, that means that the Broncos will open up the 2016 regular season at home on Thursday September 8^th. The opponent that they will play will be determined at a later date, but here are some key dates to keep in mind as the Broncos look to regroup and attempt to repeat as champs in 2016. The rest of the big dates you can find by following the link here.

February 16^th: Teams can designate franchise or transition players.

As we all know, Von Miller becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, so this is the first date that the Broncos can give him that tag. Although I believe that the Broncos will try to get him resigned before this date.

February 23-29^th: NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium

This is the event in which NFL teams will be watching college players who are entering the NFL Draft show off their skills. Events include the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, bench press, three cone drill, and many others.

John Elway and company will be there to scout the talent that is coming from the collegiate rankings. We at Predominantly Orange will be taking a look at what our biggest draft needs will be for this season, but I am sure that offensive line could be looked at this year.

March 1^st: Deadline to use franchise tag. 2 PM EST

This is the final date in which the Broncos can use their franchise tag if they plan to use it. If the Broncos can’t come to a deal with Von Miller by this time, they will most likely slap him with this tag to bide them some more time.

March 9^th: Free Agency Begins. This is the period in which the Broncos can start signing players who become unrestricted free agents. Before this date, the Broncos can re-sign players as well as long as it is done before this date.

Also before this date, Peyton Manning’s final year of his contract becomes guaranteed. If he decides to return to the Broncos, his $19 million dollar salary becomes guaranteed. However, if he chooses to retire, or the Broncos release him, the team gets an extra $19 million for their salary cap.

March 13^th: Demarcus Ware’s $3 million dollar roster bonus becomes due. When the 2016 offseason beings, Ware will be in the final year of his contract. If the Broncos decide to release him, they will free up $10 million dollars in cap space. (He is set to make $7 million this year plus the bonus)

March 20th-23^rd: Annual League Meeting in Florida.

All 32 owners of the league will meet to discuss plans for the 2016 season. This includes rules to be adjusted among other things.

April 18^th: Teams with returning coaches can begin OTA’s

Since Gary Kubiak is returning to the Broncos this year, the Broncos could begin OTA’s at this time. The dates for their OTA’s are yet to be determined.

April 28th-30^th: NFL Draft in Chicago

The Broncos draft their rookie class during these three days. As it stands now, the Broncos hold the 31^st overall pick in this year’s draft. (by virtue of the Patriots forfeiting their first round pick due to Deflategate)

Next: Broncos NFL Draft Top Selection Set

We look forward to bringing Broncos fans the coverage they need during this offseason. But for now, celebrate. We are the Champions my friends! Go Broncos!