Denver Broncos: Ron Leary likely coming back in 2019
As the Denver Broncos look ahead to 2019, offensive guard Ron Leary will likely be back for Mike Munchak’s offensive line.
In his first two seasons with the Denver Broncos, offensive guard Ron Leary has only played in 17 games.
The Broncos signed Leary to a four-year, $36 million deal in 2017, and are now two years into that deal with not enough to show for it. Leary could have been a candidate to get cut this offseason, but it appears as though his injury in 2018 is actually going to play a huge role in his roster spot for 2019.
According to Mike Klis, Leary is due $5.35 million in guarantees on his base salary if he can’t pass a physical in March, which he will not.
that means the Broncos are going to be on the hook for at least $5.35 million with Leary, and because they would be paying him more than they would be saving by cutting him, conventional logic says they will hang on to him and see if he can stay healthy this year.
The stars are aligned for Leary to play a pretty big role in Denver’s offense. The team hired Mike Munchak as their offensive line coach, so Leary will have one of the best in the NFL coaching him up.
The Broncos are also expected to let Matt Paradis test the free agent market (leave) so Leary’s veteran presence up front could be critical. The key for him is going to be staying healthy. The Broncos will need him.
When he’s right, Leary is a very good left guard both as a pass protector and road grading run blocker. He was paid handsomely by the Broncos in 2017 for good reason after he had some really strong years with the Dallas Cowboys.
Unless Leary stays healthy this year, however, it will likely be his final year with the Broncos. He has to prove he can stay on the field or the Broncos will cut him next offseason and save nearly $9 million against the salary cap.
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It’s possible the Broncos could look to break in a new center and right tackle this year, but it doesn’t appear as though they will have a new left guard. Leary is likely coming back to give it one more shot.