2. Kareem Jackson, S
Since coming over from the Houston Texans before the 2019 season, Kareem Jackson has cemented himself as one of the better safeties in the NFL.
At 33 years old, Jackson is the oldest player on the Denver Broncos.
Additionally, the Broncos took two safeties in the 2021 NFL draft, Caden Sterns and Jamar Johnson, which all but guaranteed Jackson won’t be on the roster next season.
I had Benjamin Allbright on my podcast a few weeks ago, and he echoed this same point. It’s further evidenced by the team cutting Jackson and re-signing him for less money.
Even though he might still be effective in 2022, Jackson won’t return to the Broncos after next year.
3. Bryce Callahan, CB
The same reasons for Jackson’s unlikely return to the Broncos in 2022 are virtually the same for Callahan, but Callahan has only played 10 games in two years for the Broncos, so there’s a giant injury concern.
Callahan was one of the best cornerbacks in the league last year and is one of the biggest reasons why the Broncos have the best secondary in the NFL.
However, the Denver Broncos’ secondary is also stunningly deep, and Callahan appears to be the odd man out.
With the additions of Ronald Darby, Patrick Surtain II, Kyler Fuller, Kary Vincent, Caden Sterns, and Jamar Johnson, a new era of the Broncos’ passing defense is around the corner.
Perhaps if Callahan didn’t have injury concerns, this would be different, but it’s very unlikely he returns to the team in 2022.