Denver Broncos: Jeff Heuerman a likely cap casualty?

Denver Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman could be a cap casualty in 2020.

As training camp begins in 2020, albeit in a very different fashion this time around, it seems to be a good time to look at veteran players that are unlikely to make the Denver Broncos’ 53-man roster. Tight end Jeff Heuerman is the player at the very top of that list, to the point where it would be a major surprise if he ended up on the roster.

Over his four seasons (minus the 2015 season on injured reserve) the Ohio State product has proven himself to be a reliable player in both the running and passing game, even earning himself a second contract following the 2018 season, something that is hard to come by in a John Elway-led organization.

However, his 2019 numbers were down significantly as he registered only 14 receptions for 114 yards and a lone touchdown.

A large part of the dip in production had to do with Noah Fant, the rookie sensation that was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.  Fant accounted for 66 targets, 40 receptions, and 3 TD’s, proving worthy of the starting Tight End role for 2020.

This offseason, the Denver Broncos added even more firepower to their tight end room, adding Albert Okuwuegbunam in the fourth round of the draft.  Okuwuegbunam is expected to at the very least crack the rotation as he already has great chemistry with quarterback Drew Lock from their time together at Missouri.

Add in the fact that the Broncos also have players such as Troy Fumagalli, Jake Butt, and free agent addition Nick Vannett, you can see how the room has become awful crowded, awful quick.

Despite the crowded room, there is a good chance that Jeff Heuerman is still the second-best tight end on the roster as of today behind only Noah Fant. With that, you may ask why is Heuerman the odd man out?

The answer is going to be in the money. In 2019 signed a two-year deal that carries a 2020 base salary of $3 million, and a roster bonus of an additional million that all becomes guaranteed if he is on the opening week 53-man roster. According to Overthecap.com, Heuerman carries a cap figure of $4.375 million, and if released would save Denver $3.875 million in cap space if released.

With the league revenues projected to be down significantly, leading to a reduction in the Salary Cap beginning in 2021, saving $4 million in cash, along with an additional $3.875 million in cap space that can be rolled over to 2021 seems like a no-brainer for the Broncos.

Seemingly the only way Heuerman has a shot to make the team is if one or more of the tight ends on the roster end up getting hurt during camp.

The NFL is a tough business, and when there are lots of players on the roster that can offer similar production for less money, it’s always the best place to look when you want to start looking at candidates to be cut.

Although he’s been a solid player, Jeff Heuerman never truly lived up to his 3rd round draft status.  His likely departure will allow the Broncos to be able to add more talent in next year’s free agency period, and also open up the floor for younger talent to emerge.