Denver Broncos: Top 3 financial values on the roster in 2021

1. Malik Reed, EDGE

2021 cap hit: $855,000

NFL rank at EDGE: 231st

The Denver Broncos got one of the best values in the entire 2019 offseason when they signed Nevada’s Malik Reed as an undrafted free agent.

Turning on Reed’s Nevada tape at the time he was picked up, everyone could see that this guy was not only making the team, but he was going to factor into the rotation at outside linebacker.

Out of necessity, Reed has been thrust into the starting lineup and into a primary role off the edge for Vic Fangio and the Denver Broncos, and he’s produced.

In the 2020 season, Reed racked up 53 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 33 QB pressures, eight sacks, and 17 quarterback hits.

He ranked 16th in the NFL in pressures last season and for a reference of just how productive Reed was, Khalil Mack finished last season with 50 total tackles, nine sacks, 13 QB hits, and 31 pressures.

When it comes to bang for your buck, it really doesn’t get much better than what the Denver Broncos got in 2020 from Malik Reed who was filling in for Von Miller as the team’s primary edge opposite Bradley Chubb.

Not only do the Broncos get Reed for the low price of just $855,000 in 2021, but he’s also a restricted free agent in 2022, so his salary next offseason will come in at a bargain price of under $4 million.

This was a big-time find for the Denver Broncos’ scouting department and a great recruiting job for whoever called Reed after the 2019 NFL Draft was done and convinced him to come to Denver.