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Denver Broncos roster moves: What’s up next?

By Sayre Bedinger

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 30: Offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson #68 of the Denver Broncos on the bench during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 30: Offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson #68 of the Denver Broncos on the bench during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald #98 of the Denver Broncos warms up before the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald #98 of the Denver Broncos warms up before the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line/Edge Rusher

In my mind, the Broncos have 12 guys that need to be on the active roster in these two particular areas.

The problem with that is, when you employ a 3-4 base defense, the typical number alotted for these two positions on the roster is 10.

So, the Broncos have a surplus, and a surplus of excellent talent, at that.

Let’s look at players in the last year of their contracts with the team:

Shane Ray
Shaquil Barrett
Domata Peko
Zach Kerr
Shelby Harris

These are not slouches — these are key starters and role players.

The Broncos have a lot to think about here, but they have to keep the future in mind. You can’t cut a player like Jeff Holland, a stellar rookie free agent who is under team control for three years because you have two players in Ray and Barrett on expiring deals.

This is where trades could come into play.

The Broncos could keep this band together for a full year and enjoy the embarrassment of riches without getting much in return down the line. Or, they could get something in return now and sacrifice a little bit of that stellar depth to keep the future of these position groups in good standing.

The Broncos could look (and should look) to re-sign some of the players listed above, but some are likely in their last year with the team. Some may have suited up for the Broncos for the last time.

But the Broncos are going to have to be blown away by a trade offer and that means they will have to sacrifice elsewhere on the roster.

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