Denver Broncos: 3 potential cap-casualties to be interested in

With the recent news of J.J. Watt signing with the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL Offseason is officially underway. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos are already at work looking to make sure they end up in the playoffs in 2021.

George Paton certainly has several ideas in mind for the offseason, but priority number one is clear: make Justin Simmons a Denver Bronco for life. Followed closely by retaining other star players like Shelby Harris, Tim Patrick, and Phillip Lindsay.

To make room for their returning players, Paton has already moved on from veterans A.J. Bouye and Jurrell Casey, and will likely make another move before free agency opens. The Broncos aren’t the only team needing to make space, however.

Plenty of teams around the NFL will have “cap-casualties”, players who aren’t worth their current contract, and who will be cut to create room for the salary cap. With the salary cap expected to be in the area of $180 million per team (at least), we could see notable veteran names in the free agent pool this offseason.

Here are three potential cap-casualties the Denver Broncos should be keeping an eye on:

1. Kyle Fuller, CB, Chicago Bears

The Denver Broncos welcomed Vic Fangio in 2019 by bringing in one of his former players in Bryce Callahan. This offseason, they could double down on their investment in Vic Fangio with the addition of Kyle Fuller.

Fuller broke out in 2018 with a career year, earning him 1st-Team All-Pro honors, as well as his first Pro Bowl nod. Fuller ended the season with 7 interceptions and 21 passes defended, per Pro Football Reference.

Since his career year, he has struggled to regain form. Fuller benefited from Vic Fangio’s scheme, as well as the surrounding talent in a loaded Bears defense. Facing a make-or-break year, Bears general manager Ryan Pace may choose to move on from Fuller to pursue a top-flight quarterback.

If the Bears go all-in on the 2021 season and bring in a high-end quarterback, Fuller could become a cap casualty. If Fuller does become a free agent, a reunion with Vic Fangio in Denver makes plenty of sense.

With a cap hit of $13 Million for 2021, Kyle Fuller would likely need a restructure for the Broncos to be interested. George Paton could entice Fuller with an incentive-laden contract with a higher overall payout, should Fuller reach his 2018 form.

Overall, Fuller makes too much sense for the Denver Broncos, who have an opening at boundary cornerback with the release of A.J. Bouye. The Broncos will likely look to the draft for a young cornerback, but keep an eye on Fuller as a potential cap-casualty the Broncos should be interested in.