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Denver Broncos: Possible cap casualties ahead of 2019 free agency

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos passes against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos passes against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 14: Guard Ronald Leary #65 of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The Rams defeated the Broncos 23-20. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 14: Guard Ronald Leary #65 of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The Rams defeated the Broncos 23-20. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Ron Leary, OL

2018 cap hit: $9,218,750
2018 dead cap: $1,750,000 ($8,550,000 cap savings)

The Denver Broncos signed Ron Leary to a big-money free agent contract in the 2017 offseason.

Leary was really their prized addition that offseason and he’s played well when healthy since coming over from the Dallas Cowboys, but he’s landed on injured reserve each of his first two seasons in Denver.

Leary will be 30 in April and has not played a full 16 game slate since the 2013 season.

Sometimes in the NFL the old adage ‘availability is the best ability’ is overused but in this case, the Broncos have to weigh whether or not their $8.55 million could be better spent in free agency than on Leary this season.

The thought of blowing up the offensive line and possibly losing three starters from last year’s unit is a bit scary, and Leary is a very good player, but this is a tough situation.

Do the Broncos keep their pact with Leary believing he’s going to be able to stay healthy, or do they try and upgrade the position with someone who’s proven to be more durable?

My guess is they make the tough decision to part with Leary, but that’s about 50-50 right now.

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