Denver Broncos: Possible outside options to replace Todd Davis

Big Trade

This is a bit out of left field, but if the Broncos wanted to take a big swing, then look no further than Jacksonville linebacker Myles Jack. The 2016 second-round pick from UCLA has been a staple in the Jaguars defense, recording his best two seasons in 2017 and 2018.  However, the Jaguars are seemingly in the midst of a rebuild and could be in a full-blown tank to land one of the top quarterbacks in the 2021 draft.

Coming into the 2016 draft, Jack was widely regarded as one of the best linebacker prospects.  However, injury concerns dropped him all the way to the second round.  Jack has managed to stay healthy thus far in his career, starting the first 59 games of his career.  He did however wind up on injured reserve last season with a knee injury.

While there have been no rumors of Jack being on the trading block, if the Broncos think he is a player that can make them better playing next to Alexander Johnson, then John Elway could pick up the phone and make a call.

Myles Jack would add speed to that ILB position, something that is very valuable in Vic Fangio’s defense.  He’s a guy that can get out and cover far better than Todd Davis, which could strengthen the Broncos defense against tight ends–something that has been severely lacking since Danny Trevathan left for free agency following the Super Bowl 50 victory.

With all this said, the price to acquire Jack could be costly.  If the Jaguars are serious on tanking, the draft compensation might not be terrible.  It would likely be a day two or early day three pick that could pry Jack away, however the Broncos would be on the hook for the remainder of his contract which is far steeper than that of Davis.

Jack currently has a guaranteed base salary of $12.75 million that Denver would have to pick up.  Even after shedding Davis’ $4.5 million, they would cut into $8.25 million of cap space.  The future years aren’t quite as bad, as he’d be owed $9.5 million, $10.5 million, and $11.25 million from 2021-2023, none of which is guaranteed.

With the cap highly likely to take a dip in 2021 and possibly beyond, this may not be money that John Elway wants to pay, but if he felt like a 3rd or 4th rounder is something that is worth a 1-2 year rental, Elway could always cut bait with Jack after 2020 with no dead money.

This scenario is highly unlikely, but one that is fun to think about.  A combination of Myles Jack and Alexander Johnson could be an elite duo at ILB for the Denver Broncos in Vic Fangio’s defense.  One thing is clear if Todd Davis is due to miss significant time, the Broncos need to make a move, either for depth or to replace him in the starting lineup.