Five Broncos players who might be finished in Denver

Will Parks, defensive back

This one would really sting.

Not only has Will Parks been one of the Broncos’ best draft picks of the last five years, he’s also been one of the team’s biggest and brightest personalities and a leader on and off the field.

After playing a career-high 60 percent of defensive snaps in 2017, Parks’ usage has gone down ever so slightly in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, although he did ‘start’ a career-high seven games this past year under Vic Fangio.

Parks emerged as the primary nickel defensive back for the Broncos late last season and flourished in that role for Vic Fangio’s defense, proving his versatility as a nickel/dime defensive back in today’s NFL with the ability to match up on receivers and tight ends.

Given that Parks has a number of ties to coaches who are now elsewhere in the NFL, he could have a substantial market in free agency and a number of offers for a more expanded role than what the Broncos might offer him.

Losing Parks would hurt, even though the Broncos are likely to spend some money in free agency on the defensive backfield.

He would be a nice player to have back, but what role would he play in Denver in 2020? Would they re-sign him to be their top nickel corner? Would he simply be a third safety behind Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson?

Can the Broncos offer Parks the money he deserves and the increased role he undoubtedly covets?

All of these questions lead me to believe Parks could be playing for another team in 2020.

Just 25, Parks’ best playing days could be ahead of him. The Broncos would be wise to invest in him, but he may be looking for a more immediate chance to show that his best days are ahead.