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What Denver Broncos could be entering final year with team?

By Lou Scataglia

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 14: Ronald Darby #21 of the Denver Broncos is introduced prior to their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Empower Field At Mile High on November 14, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 14: Ronald Darby #21 of the Denver Broncos is introduced prior to their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Empower Field At Mile High on November 14, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos could get cornerback Ronald Darby back against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5.
Sep 12, 2021; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) catches the ball over Denver Broncos cornerback Ronald Darby (21) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Player turnover happens all the time in the NFL. Which Denver Broncos could be entering their final season with the team in 2022?

Roster turnover happens all the time in the NFL.  For the Denver Broncos, there is only one remaining player from the Super Bowl 50 team, kicker Brandon McManus.

This won’t change going forward, either.  In fact, there may be some unexpected players on their way out after 2022 because of Russell Wilson’s pending contract extension.  Denver might feel more comfortable releasing or trading a player or two to give themselves more cap room to get the deal done.

There also may be players who the team won’t bring back in free agency.  This year, all of Kyle Fuller, Bryce Callahan, and Melvin Gordon seem unlikely to return.

The Denver Broncos are armed with eight draft picks in 2022 and can still draft several impact players.  Let’s also not forget about potential second-year players making a big leap and making other players expendable.

It’s never fun to see perhaps fan favorites not brought back, but it’s the reality of the business.

Looking at the entire roster heading into the 2022 season, which players could be entering their final season with the club?

Denver Broncos entering final season with team

1. Ronald Darby, CB

Ronald Darby was good for Denver in 2021.  He played and started in 11 games for the team.  He does come with a significant injury concern and turns 29 at the end of the 2022 season.

However, I see a scenario where Darby doesn’t stay in Denver beyond this season.

If he can’t stay on the field, which is unfortunately likely given that he’s only played one full season in his career, Denver could choose to release him so they wouldn’t have to endure his $13 million cap hit for 2023.

If they did release him next year, they could save $10 million against their cap, which is a ton for a CB2.

Denver can easily draft a cornerback or two, or even bring someone in via free agency during this year or next.

Patrick Surtain II is also going to get a massive payday in a couple of years, and Justin Simmons still has a massive contract himself.

It’s not that Darby isn’t good; his role as the CB2 on this team is perfect, but his contract and potential cap savings that Denver can take advantage of might be too good to pass up.

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