Broncos full mock free agency: How George Paton wins the 2021 offseason

Step 1; Addressing the current roster

Extensions –

Von Miller, Edge

Von Miller is now clear of his potential legal matters and is the next priority for the Broncos. Paton should pick up his option of about 7,000,000 due March 16th, then offer an extension for three years/45 million with 25 million guaranteed.

New 2021 Cap Hit – $9,625,000

Kareem Jackson, S

Vic Fangio’s defense relies on the safeties playing the run and the pass. Teaming with Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson is a perfect complement in the backend of the defense.

However, Jackson carries a high cap hit, and his age screams cap casualty. I believe that Jackson has some really good football left. Paton would be wise to add a year to Jackson’s deal to bring down his cap and keep him in orange and blue for one more season.

The Broncos offer Jackson an extension providing new guarantees and an overall value of 16 million over two years. This brings Jackson’s cap number down from $12,882,353.

2021 cap hit – $8,000,000

Shelby Harris, DE

Shelby Harris is critical to the defensive success over the last few seasons. He should be a priority this offseason.

Harris is due a solid payday and comes back to the Broncos on a 3yr/$30 million deal, with $18 million guaranteed.

2021 cap hit – $7,500,000

Will Parks, DB

Will Parks showed to be a versatile player upon his return in the middle of the 20202 season. Bringing him back this offseason on a one-year deal seems like a smart hedge to ensure there is depth in the secondary. A deal worth $1.5 million with half of that guaranteed should make both sides happy considering Parks signed from something similar the year before with the Philidelphia Eagles.

2021 cap hit – $750,000

Cuts

Nick Vannett TE

Nick Vannett was a luxury addition and provided little impact and he is cut.

2021 cap hit – $875,000 and $2,678,125 cap savings

Jeff Driskel, QB

Jeff Driskel was not enough as Drew Lock’s backup and lost his job to Brett Rypien, making him expendable and he is cut this offseason.

2021 cap hit -$750,00 and $2,500,000 cap savings

Nate Hairston, CB

Hairston was added later in the 2020 season. He is cut as the team adds more top-flight talent.

$990,000 cap savings

Restricted Free Agents (RFA)

Tim Patrick, WR

Though I would let Tim Patrick deserves a chance at a bigger role, the Broncos most likely will keep him around with a 2nd round tender. The wide receiver room is too young to let a produced player like Patrick leave just yet.

2021 cap hit – $3,384,000

Alexander Johnson, LB

Alexander Johnson is a good player, not great, but good. He should stick around at least one more season. The Broncos will use a 2nd round tender on him this offseason.

2021 cap hit – $3,384,000

Phillip Lindsay, RB

Phillip Lindsay is not a fit for what the Broncos want to do, however, he is a really good football player who deserves a chance to excel with a team that highlights his strengths. Lindsay will be tendered with an original round designation.

As he was undrafted, the team has a chance to match any offer from another team. They do not, and Lindsay leaves for greener pastures.