Denver Broncos: 4 most critical decisions facing new GM
Denver Broncos new GM top 4 critical decisions
4. Decide what to do with 2020 acquisitions
The other major item on the agenda for the 2021 offseason for the new general manager will be what to do with some of the team’s top 2020 acquisitions.
Namely, what will they do with cornerback AJ Bouye, defensive lineman Jurrell Casey, and running back Melvin Gordon?
Bouye was suspended for six games after playing in only seven, battling injuries throughout his first year in Denver.
Casey was injured in the second game of the season and wasn’t able to make an impact really at all.
Gordon struggled with fumbles and got a DUI his first year in Denver, which could lead to a three-game suspension in 2021 as well as a void of the guarantees in his deal.
At this point in time, it’s hard to know what the void of guarantees could mean for Gordon’s future with the team. On the field, he proved his worth despite his early struggle with some fumbles and emerged as the clear RB1 both in skill and production.
Phillip Lindsay is a restricted free agent who should be back at a fairly low price, but Gordon’s situation could become complicated.
Bouye and Casey have significantly less complicated situations, it’s just a matter of whether the Broncos want to invest in either.
Bouye, who will be suspended the first two games of 2021, is set to count nearly $12 million against the salary cap with no dead money.
The Broncos would save nearly $13 million by letting go of Jurrell Casey, who is actually under contract for two more seasons.
Both Bouye and Casey were worthwhile risks in the 2020 offseason but counting a combined $25 million against the salary cap in 2021? There’s almost zero chance both guys are back in the fold at their current prices.
It’s possible that both could be approached about short-term restructures, but it’s also possible that both players are let go and the Broncos are essentially no worse for wear having gotten little to no impact from either player in 2020.