New Denver Broncos general manager George Paton will have plenty of difficult decisions to make in his first couple of months on the job.
Although at this point, he likely hasn’t had enough time to dive into the 2020 film to really evaluate the roster he’s inherited, there are some decisions that will be weighed not only in terms of game tape but also in terms of financial impact.
One player the Broncos have to make a particularly difficult decision with is 2020 trade acquisition AJ Bouye, the projected CB1 for the team heading into the 2020 season.
In a recent article, Denver Broncos insider Mike Klis of 9News in Denver noted that cornerback is the team’s number one need heading into the 2021 offseason and that AJ Bouye — who missed time both because of injury and suspension — is not expected back with the team in 2021.
"Bouye missed five games with a shoulder injury, and was suspended the final four games for violating the league’s performance enhancement policy. He is not expected to return, as Bouye is one of several key defensive starters – Jurrell Casey and Von Miller are the others – who are on the wrong side of 30, are scheduled to make large, nonguaranteed salaries and are coming off major injuries.Mike Klis, 9News"
This doesn’t necessarily mean that AJ Bouye’s departure is imminent, but it has felt likely for quite some time.
Bouye is due a non-guaranteed $11.9 million in 2021, a number which dropped by two game checks with Bouye needing to complete his six-game suspension (he served four games of it in 2020).
There is a chance that Bouye could return to Denver at a greatly reduced salary, but that has not been reported by anyone in the know.
Bouye ended up playing in just seven games with 410 snaps, his lowest totals since the 2015 season.
Coming off of injury and entering his age 30 season, Bouye will be a candidate to sign a prove-it deal for the Broncos or some other team if he is let go and potentially get another short-term contract if he can prove his availability in 2021.
Letting Bouye go would free up nearly $12 million in cap space for the Broncos, which would also go up substantially if Brandon McManus’ guess of a $188 million salary cap is correct.
If the $188 million figure is correct, the Broncos would have $26 million (roughly) in cap space before letting go of any veterans under contract. Letting go of Bouye would put them at nearly $38 million in cap space.
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Bouye is not the only veteran whose spot on the roster is in jeopardy in the coming weeks and months. The Broncos have difficult decisions to make regarding veterans Kareem Jackson, Jurrell Casey, Von Miller, and others.