The Denver Broncos have almost $30 million in available cap space, so what should they do with it?
According to Over The Cap, the Broncos have 6th-most cap space in the NFL after the opt-out period has passed.
This number was significantly increased with the opting out of starting right tackle Ja’Wuan James and his over $13 million salary for 2020.
Now it is imperative to remember that James’ salary moves to 2021 as his contract pauses for the 2020 season. This means his 2020 salary becomes his 2021 salary, along with any potential dead cap charge the team would incur by moving on, which hits at roughly $19 million.
So, the Broncos and John Elway have a few areas they can go to. One, they can go out and add players right now. Second, they can wait, and see who is a cap casualty closer to the season. Three, the team can rollover the money into 2021.
Or, Elway can dabble in all three options, and here is how.
Option One – Add a player now
The Broncos has a few options of available talent and potential needs. There are two areas of the team that could use competition, not just depth. The team has depth throughout the roster but needs competition for the starting spots at offensive tackle and cornerback.
With James opting out, the Broncos now plan to roll out Elijah Wilkerson as the team’s full-time right tackle. Wilkerson played extensively at right tackle in 2019 with mixed results. Now, one could argue about the lack of consistent preparation Wilkerson received in 2019 at right tackle due to the uncertain availability of Ronald Leary and James.
However, Wilkerson has shown a propensity of being beat by speed rushers off the edge, which brings concern considering the AFC West rolls out Melvin Ingram, Joey Bosa, Frank Clark, and Maxx Crosby among a slew of out-of-division foes.
The Broncos can grab an available tackle on the market, most notably Demar Dotson or Cordy Glenn. While Glenn offers versatility, he also comes with a recent and significant injury history.
Demar Dotson would bring a significant competitor in to challenge Wilkerson and add a veteran piece if either tackle falters.
Per Mike Klis of 9 News, Dotson is in town speaking with Elway about the role.
"“Broncos bringing in former TBay starting RT Demar Dotson for visit, sources tell 9News. Dotson must first go through COVID-19 testing, then physical. If all works out, Dotson would add OT depth to Bolles/Wilkinson after Ja’Wuan James opt-out. Elway knows how to audible.” Mike Klis – Channel 9 Denver"
This would be a move that should cost between $4-6 million a year, using Jason Peters’ one-year/$6 million dollar deal earlier this offseason.
Additionally, the Broncos could and should explore the addition of Logan Ryan.
Ryan, a key contributor to a stout Tennessee Titans defense in 2019 would provide the team with a versatile veteran in a cornerback room in need of more proven talent.
Earlier in this offseason, Ryan would have cost the Broncos upwards of $10 million a year, near Bradley Roby’s contract. At this point, an offer of a one-year deal worth $4 million with incentives could most likely get a look.
Option two, wait for salary cap casualties.
The Broncos can use their salary cap space to pick up a key piece who is an end training camp cut.
This is an area that John Elway has excelled in throughout his time as a general manager.
Go back no further than Jeremiah Attachu‘s signing last year as a steal, helping the Broncos fill the void left by Bradley Chubb’s injury. Additionally, the Broncos have brought in players like Evan Mathis at the end of training camp after the Philidelphia Eagles moved on from him for cap reasons.
Players in danger of being cut may be cornerback Josh Jackson from the Green Bay Packers. Jackson has failed to catch on in Green Bay and has fallen down the depth charts. The Broncos could step in via trade or wait until the Packers prefer to simply cut their losses.
Additionally, a player like Kiko Alonso may also be cut based on key defensive additions and an inflated salary. If the team suffers an injury or sees a regression from Alexander Johnson, this would be a player that offers the versatility Vic Fangio likes.
Both Jackson and Alonso would come in at a cheap deal if they are picked up later, and if the Broncos trade for Jackson, his salary is fairly manageable as he is still under this rookie deal.
Option three, roll over the salary cap space into 2020.
John Elway would be wise to roll over as much money as he can into 2021. As next year’s salary cap is uncertain, a cash strapped team like Denver will need all of the flexibility they can get.
Elway has extensions for Justin Simmons, Bradley Chubb, and Courtland Sutton to begin planning for. The additional cap space would bring the Broncos additional availability to make the necessary moves to keep this team’s core intact.
Additional funds already added to Denver’s over 48,000,000 in salary cap space could provide the team with a significant advantage heading into the 2021 offseason which will be a buyer’s market.
Overall, the Broncos have the luxury of flexibility and the opportunity to impact a team man fans feel high on.
In the end, grabbing a player or two now still allows the team to focus on being aggressive near or during the season while also planning for the uncertainty nature of the 2021 season.