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Would Broncos consider moving on from DeMarcus Ware?

By Sayre Bedinger

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) hugs outside linebacker Lerentee McCray (55) after defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) hugs outside linebacker Lerentee McCray (55) after defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Is it possible that the Denver Broncos could move on from DeMarcus Ware this offseason? Anything is possible, but…why?

The Denver Broncos have a lot of important decisions to make this offseason, not the least of which is finding out a way to create as much cap space as possible to retain their top free agents over the next few seasons. We’ve discussed the options of re-signing Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan and certainly quarterback Brock Osweiler at length, but one thing that hasn’t been discussed is which player/s could be candidates for roster cuts.

One such player that I hadn’t even considered was mentioned on Sunday — DeMarcus Ware. Ware is a player that was not fully healthy in the entire 2015 season, but played an absolutely critical role in the team’s Super Bowl 50 win over Cam Newton and the Panthers.

Despite having back problems, Ware is still a top flight NFL pass rusher, and along with Von Miller, he gives the team two superstars coming off the edge.

The Broncos have Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett as well, but this isn’t a team that is really in position to be releasing some of its best players when they are going to try to repeat next season.

Would releasing DeMarcus Ware give the Broncos their best shot at repeating? He is set to count nearly $11 million against the Broncos’ cap in 2016, which is a very high number for a player of his age at his position and with his injury history. Perhaps instead of flat out cutting him, the Broncos could approach him about an extension and shuffle around some guaranteed money into some performance bonuses like they did with Peyton Manning.

Heck, after having won a Super Bowl, Ware might even be open to taking a pay cut.

One thing about this that I think people aren’t really thinking about is the ramifications on Von Miller. Miller loves Ware. Ware is Miller’s mentor. The last thing the Broncos need to do this offseason is anything to upset their MVP, and cutting Ware would certainly not be in their favor.

I personally hate the idea of cutting DeMarcus Ware, mainly because his ability on the field and leadership off of it is more valuable than whatever cap space could be created by letting him go. He is still a great player, and probably will be for another couple of years.

Find a way to create cap space without cutting Ware.

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