T.J. Ward Deserves to Stay in Denver in 2017

With the rumor mill going around that T.J. Ward will not be a Denver Bronco in 2017, I give my reasons why he deserves to at least finish out his contract.

The Denver Broncos are in a “win from now on” mode. The No Fly Zone has been a big reason for the success of the defense. However, it looks as if the team could be prepared to move on from T.J. Ward.

The plan for the team is to release or trade the veteran safety by the 2 PM MT deadline. We are nearing 24 hours since the final preseason game has been played. So far, T.J. Ward is still on the roster.

For the 2017 season, T.J. Ward will make $4.5 million dollars. The Broncos can save that money if they end up trading or releasing him. A release would cost the team $1.25 million. But it is believed that in order to secure some of the players that could hit the market in 2018, that clearing themselves of T.J. Ward would help.

I believe that T.J. Ward deserves to play out the remainder of his contract. The Broncos are in a winning championship mentality. But ridding themselves of the member of the No Fly Zone member does not make sense this season.

Since he arrived in Denver during the 2014 offseason, he has really helped the defense get to where they are. Not to mention he has made some solid plays for the team.

I believe that the Denver Broncos should allow T.J. Ward to play the remainder of his contract.  If the team decides that he can walk after this season, then I can understand. But releasing or trading him before the season starts could really put a negative mood in the locker room. The players have already expressed their displeasure if T.J. Ward was not with the team this season.

Next: Denver Broncos 2017 Roster Cut Tracker

Saturday will tell us a lot more. But I think a restructured contract should be an option if the Denver Broncos are really considering the alternative.