Denver Broncos 2018 in-house Free Agents

Shaquil Barrett, OLB (RFA)

Shaquil Barrett is the Broncos’ top restricted free agent. I suppose that is arguable given another player on this list, but I would consider Barrett to be the best.

He is a complete edge defender, able to apply pressure on the quarterback as well as stout versus the run. Barrett has a very well-rounded game and as a former undrafted player, he’s really developed into a star for the Broncos.

In case you aren’t familiar with restricted free agency, it means that the Broncos will make Barrett a pre-determined contract offer that is the exact same for every team in the league. There are different levels to the offers they can propose, and each one carries a different level of compensation if the Broncos would lose him to another team.

The most likely offer Barrett will receive from the Broncos is a second round tender. This would indicate that Denver is both happy to keep him, or happy to entertain the idea of getting a second round draft choice in return for his services.

With Shane Ray also in the fold, it’s possible the Broncos would get no better than a second rounder in a trade for either guy, though I feel Barrett is worth more than that.

If some team wants Barrett bad enough, they are going to have to pay him a contract the Broncos won’t/can’t match, and they are going to have to surrender a high draft pick.

My best guess is that he’s back on the Broncos at the 2nd round RFA tender price.