Denver Broncos: Possible outside options to replace Todd Davis

Who could replace Todd Davis if he were to miss time or be cut?

The Denver Broncos lost starting inside linebacker Todd Davis during Thursday’s practice to an apparent calf injury.  Davis has been an integral part of the defense for the past four seasons.

In 2019, his first under Vic Fangio, he played in 14 games and had 134 combined tackles, six for a loss. He has however been criticized in the past for his pass defense, as he only had a single pass defensed.

A year ago in training camp, Davis also suffered a calf injury on the first day of camp that held him out of action until Week 3 of the regular season.

While the injury doesn’t appear to be something that would cause Davis to miss the entire season, it is a troubling trend if he were to miss significant time with a similar injury to a year ago. Mike Klis from 9News had some bleak tweets, indicating that if Davis isn’t healthy, he could find himself on the chopping block as a cap casualty:

Cutting Davis would free up $4.5 million in cap space for the Broncos, and if they feel like he isn’t going to contribute until mid-year, this could be the route they decide to go.

If Todd Davis were to find himself on the street at the beginning of the season, that could bode well for some in-house options such as rookie ILB Justin Strnad.  However, there are a few outside candidates both via free agency or trade that could make sense for the Denver Broncos as well.

Free Agent Targets

Alec Ogletree:  Although it didn’t quite work out with the Giants after signing a large contract back in 2018, Ogletree is still an experienced veteran that could provide solid coverage and tackling.

In 2019, he played in 13 games and recorded 80 combined tackles, a figure far lower than Todd Davis’ production from a year ago. However, he could prove to be an upgrade in the passing game as he did have six passes defensed to go along with an interception.

The free-agent linebacker is only 28 years old, and if he agreed to a one-year prove-it deal for the right price, could end up being an upgrade over Davis at a similar or cheaper price.

Corey Nelson: Nelson would be a logical choice, as he would cost very little and already knows the playbook as he completed his second stint with the Broncos just last year starting two games and appearing in seven.

While he may be a depth guy behind a Strnad or Josey Jewell, he would be added depth that can fill in when needed. This wouldn’t be the sexiest of signings but would provide depth at the linebacker position.

The Broncos should be able to get him on a veteran minimum deal which would be appealing if they like some of the younger guys to step into the starting role.

Wesley Woodyard: How about this guy as a blast from the past–Wesley Woodyard, a former Broncos captain could come finish his career where it all began.

While the veteran is getting up there in age, Woodyard would provide a fantastic voice in the locker room, and could step in as either a starter or a bench guy. Last year in Tennessee, Woodyard appeared in 15 games, 13 coming off the bench, and recorded 42 combined tackles, a pass defensed, a forced fumble and a sack.

This would not be bad for someone who could come in for at or near the veteran minimum.  Signing a player like Woodyard at this point of camp are the types of moves that help get great teams over the hump come playoff time.  Do you know who else would like this move? Jurrell Casey.

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.