Denver Broncos: Pre-free agency rumors and thoughts

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Running back Royce Freeman #37 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a second quarter touchdown with center Matt Paradis #61 during an NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 18: Jordan Hicks #58 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after making a tackle during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 18, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Eagles 48-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

What about linebacker?

The Broncos declined Brandon Marshall’s contract option, meaning he will be a free agent when the new league year begins.

That means the team is going to have to replace its best coverage linebacker. Colorado Springs native Jordan Hicks could be the guy to do it.

Vic Fangio is going to have a say in what the Broncos do at the linebacker position going forward. I don’t know that the door is officially closed on Marshall returning, and we may just have to wait and see what free agency brings.

With that said, I think Hicks is going to come on a bargain of a contract in comparison to a guy like CJ Mosley, who will draw interest from just about every other team in the NFL. Hicks is potentially a little better in coverage but has a lengthy injury history.

This year’s free agency crop is not star-studded, but there are a ton of players who could end up being great values if they can stay healthy.

Hicks is one of them.

He had 91 tackles, three sacks, and five pass breakups in 12 games this past season.

Still, would it shock anyone to see John Elway and Vic Fangio push their chips into the middle on Mosley? Elway nearly traded up for him in the 2014 NFL Draft, and he might invest heavily in him now that he’s going to hit the open market.

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