We're about halfway through the 2023 NFL season, which means it's probably about time to put one eye on the future. The Denver Broncos are 3-5 and although it looked like they might be contenders for the top overall pick in next year's draft for a bit, this team now has plans on "flipping the switch" in the second half of the season.
And after beating the Kansas City Chiefs rather convincingly in Week 8, there's reason to believe they might be able to do exactly that.
But as we keep one eye on the future, which players currently on this roster (and even maybe a coach) won't likely be back in 2024? Some won't be back due to contract situations, and some won't be back due to performance.
8 Denver Broncos players (and coaches) not likely to be back in 2024
1. Adam Trautman, TE
The Denver Broncos struck a trade with the New Orleans Saints during the 2023 NFL Draft to acquire Adam Trautman, and the results have been mixed up to this point. Trautman has done his job as a blocker and he's certainly got familiarity with the Sean Payton offense, but he's not dynamic enough as a receiver.
The Broncos listed him as the TE1 over Greg Dulcich, but we've quickly discovered that distinction has nothing to do with Trautman's pass-catching skills. With Dulcich injured most of this season, Trautman has played the lion's share of snaps at tight end the Broncos need to make an upgrade here.
2. Josey Jewell, LB
As much as I would love to see Josey Jewell back in 2024, I don't know if it's going to happen. The Broncos drafted Drew Sanders in 2023 and he should be in line for an expanded (starting) role by 2024. Josey Jewell has been in Denver since he was drafted in 2018, and he's continually found ways to make big plays over that timeframe.
Most recently, he forced a fumble that helped the Broncos beat the Chiefs.
If Jewell is allowed to test the market, I'm just not sure the Broncos are going to allocate the funds to keep him around beyond this season.
3. Kareem Jackson, safety
Kareem Jackson is a free agent in 2024 for the Denver Broncos, and I think the team might do a slight reset of the safety position altogether next offseason. The Broncos planned on Caden Sterns taking over a starting role this year, but he was hurt early in the season and injuries have, unfortunately, blurred his future with the team as well.
Jackson stepped in as the starter but has gotten in a ton of trouble with the league. At the time of this writing, he's getting set to face his second of a two-game suspension from the NFL and he's had multiple other major fines besides that.
Jackson's longevity has been inspiring, but it might be time for the Broncos to move on after this season.
4. Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator
Although the Denver Broncos' defense has significantly turned things around in recent weeks, I can't say with certainty that Sean Payton will ignore the possibility to make a change in the offseason. We'll have to see how the remainder of 2023 goes.
Heck, if the Broncos continue performing well defensively, who's to say that Vance Joseph won't get a head coaching chance elsewhere? You never know, and that would be a heck of a story after his unit gave up 70 points against Miami.
Whether Joseph is replaced by a superior candidate or leaves to be a head coach, I think there are a couple of paths that could see him out of Denver in 2024.
5. K'Waun Williams, CB
The Denver Broncos signed K'Waun Williams in 2022 free agency, and he was arguably the team's most underrated addition last year. Despite playing through injury at times, Williams showed toughness, ball skills, and veteran savvy when he was on the field.
He's been out this season due to another injury, and won't see the field because of it. The Broncos will likely be saying goodbye to Williams in 2024 not because he's a bad player when healthy, but because it looks like they have found another gem in the slot with second-year player Ja'Quan McMillian. McMillian has been key to the Broncos' recent defensive surge, and looks like he might be a long-term option at the position.
6. Mike Purcell, DL
The defensive line for Denver is going to require some reshaping in the 2024 offseason. While Mike Purcell is far from the team's biggest issue at the position, he's a free agent in 2024 and will be 33 years old in April next year.
That's not too old to play on a one-year deal, so perhaps the Highlands Ranch, CO native will want to come back for another run at it, but the Broncos might be able to save some money here by going younger on the interior defensive line, and perhaps going after some players who can stay on the field a bit longer.
7. Tim Patrick, WR (at his current price)
These last two will come with some qualifiers, because I truly believe Tim Patrick will be back with the Denver Broncos in 2024...
...but not at his current price.
Tim Patrick is slated to account for over $16 million on next year's salary cap for the Broncos with around $6 million in dead money if he's cut. I think the most likely scenario is we see the Broncos and Tim Patrick rip up the final year of his deal, and maybe sign him to a less risky one-year pact.
But with a $16 million cap hit, there's no way Patrick is going to be back and rocking his new no. 12 with the Broncos absent a new contract.
8. Garett Bolles, OT (at his current price)
The Denver Broncos simply cannot justify the $20 million Garett Bolles is occupying on next year's salary cap. The veteran and former first-round pick has played pretty well in his first year with Sean Payton as the head coach, and I think the Broncos should work to bring him back.
But with the $20 million cap hit and just $4 million in dead money, a rookie left tackle sounds more and more appealing by the day.
The Broncos will likely try to work out an extension with Garett Bolles, but if a deal can't be reached, I don't expect his $20 million cap hit to remain in 2024.