A Broncos fan holds a sign expressing his sentiments about head coach Josh McDaniels. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Free Agency can rip a team apart or sky rocket them towards Super Bowl favorite. Either way it changes ball teams no doubt, a good off-season signing of a veteran can propel a team into elite status or establish it as another ho hum experience in surviving twenty one weeks of NFL games.

The Denver Broncos are faced with just this dilemma currently, who to keep, who to cut… Last season the turn around was almost nearly 70%, just look at the offensive side of the ball… Of the skill players only six had remained from the previous season.

So here’s a look at who Denver has the opportunity to re-sign or let walk.

By now I’m guessing everyone is familiar with the CBA and how that will affect a lot of the young players in the league. So I will simply list those affected as Restricted Free Agents:

Restricted Free Agents: Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, Chris Kuper, Matt Prater, Elvis Dumervil and Josh Barrett.

Unrestricted Free Agents: Ben Hamilton, Russ Hochstein, Mitch Berger, and Ty Law.

* – list is an accumulation of several NFL records.

Restricted Free Agents or Unrestricted Free Agents who became restricted due to the CBA:

Kyle Orton (Quarterback)

Possible replacements
On the roster: Chris Simms and Tom Brandstater
Via Free Agency: Chad Pennington, Jason Campbell (RFA), Tarvaris Jackson (RFA)

Speculation:
I might join the ‘Fire McDaniels’ crowd if the team were to not re-sign Mr. Orton, but they will and Orton will be back in Denver. However, don’t be surprised to see Simms someone let go and a surprise veteran picked up (like a Daunte Culpepper or Rex Grossman). Also I don’t see the Broncos not drafting a quarterback this year in April.

***

Brandon Marshall (Wide Receiver)

Possible replacements
On the roster: Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Kenny McKinley and Brandon Stokley.
Via Free Agency: Terrell Owens, Antonio Bryant, Derrick Mason, Vincent Jackson (RFA), Miles Austin (RFA), Kevin Walter, Malcolm Floyd (RFA), Steve Breaston (RFA) and Braylon Edwards (RFA).

Speculation:
This looks like the most talented group of Free Agents on the market as far as positions go. However most of the unrestricted players are a bit long in the tooth. Bryant will be a great addition to any team and could demand a lot of attention this off-season (if he isn’t stamped as a Franchise Player). I expect most if not all of these restricted free agents will be retained by their current teams. Including Marshall. With what’s available the Broncos would be stupid to let him walk or even to trade him. He can be the highest paid decoy in the NFL, if he’s pulling double coverage and Royal can figure out his actual slot position then the offense in Denver is in great shape.

***

Tony Scheffler (Tight End)

Possible replacements
On the roster: Daniel Graham and Richard Quinn
Via Free Agency: Ben Watson, Owen Daniels (RFA), Bo Scaife (RFA), Alge Crumpler, Anthony Fasano (RFA) and Jeff King (RFA).

Speculation:
If and this is a big if, the Broncos were going to waste a first round pick on a restricted player I would do it here on Owen Daniels. They won’t though, he doesn’t fit the system, if he did so would Scheffler. Scheffler will be gone and of course the Broncos will pursue Ben Watson. With the way Daniel Graham was paid I would expect nothing less for Watson (who at 29 is one year younger than Graham).

***

Chris Kuper (Guard)

Possible replacements
On the roster: Seth Olsen, Mitch Erickson, Matt McChesney.
Via Free Agency: Logan Mankins (RFA), Eugene Amano, Damion Cook, Kynan Forney, Rex Hadnot, Montrae Holland, Stephen Neal, Chester Pitts, Tutan Reyes, Ryan Tucker, Keydrick Vincent, Bobbie Williams and Billy Yates.

Speculation:
Wow, slim pickens… I fully expect Kuper to be signed by the Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins or Houston Texans (my how the Broncos tree has extended). I don’t see him back in Denver, but I was wrong once (just to see what it felt like). I don’t see him back in Denver, not because he’s a bad guy or lacks heart, there just doesn’t seem to be room for linemen who don’t fit the system that Josh McDaniels wants to instill here. This position is fully upgradeable via the draft and if the Broncos want to get really cute they can make a run at Logan Mankins (who may be a future Hall of Famer). Either way the Broncos must do something to upgrade this position as two of the three signed guards that they currently employ on their rosters are reserves… The other a rookie backup.

***

Matt Prater (Kicker)

Possible replacements
On the roster: n/a
Via Free Agency: Neil Rackers, Stephen Gostkowski, Shayne Graham, Jay Feely and Garrett Hartley

Speculation:
Prater proved Mike Shanahan and McDaniels right this season for standing by him. I think that he’ll be rewarded by being re-signed as he was quietly one of the best kickers in the NFL this season. Expect him in the Pro Bowl next season.

***

Elvis Dumervil (Outside Linebacker)

Possible replacements
On the roster: Mario Haggan, Jarvis Moss and Wesley Woodyard.
Via Free Agency: Shawne Merriman (RFA), Aaron Kampman, Jason Taylor, Derrick Johnson (RFA) and Thomas Davis (RFA)

Speculation:
Despite rumors that there was a divide developing between McDaniels and Dumervil, Doom just isn’t the type of player that the Broncos can let ride out of town. Although it is troubling that Denver didn’t work something out with him during the season, I’m not sure what’s in their head for this off-season. Maybe they’ll make their offer and see if anything better comes in the form of draft picks, but I don’t see the Broncos letting Dumervil go… He’s as good of a pass rusher as Broncos fans have ever seen. Aaron Kampman is also worth a kick of the tires, though he may not work as well with the 3-4 as he would in a 4-3 as he has demonstrated in Green Bay.

***

Josh Barrett (Safety)

Possible replacements
On the roster: Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill, Darcel McBath and David Burton.
Via Free Agency: Ryan Clark, Tyrone Carter, Jermaine Phillips, Lawyer Milloy, Darren Sharper, Nick Ferguson and Roy Williams.

Speculation:
It’s difficult for me to guess, because the Broncos have established veteran talent and youngins to back them up. I’ll go ahead and guess that Barrett is allowed to test the market unobstructed. As for who is available, the Broncos would do well in pursuing Tyrone Carter. [I originally included Ryan Clark in this sentence as well, but forgot about his health issues in high altitude, thanks Roy88!]

Unrestricted Free Agents

Ben Hamilton & Russ Hochstein (Guards)

Possible replacements
On the roster: Seth Olsen, Mitch Erickson, Matt McChesney.
Via Free Agency: Logan Mankins (RFA), Eugene Amano, Damion Cook, Kynan Forney, Rex Hadnot, Montrae Holland, Stephen Neal, Chester Pitts, Tutan Reyes, Ryan Tucker, Keydrick Vincent, Bobbie Williams and Billy Yates.

Speculation:
Interesting two here, as one replaced the other during the season… Only to be replaced by his predecessor when he went down injured. Astute fans saw the signing of Hochstein as a foreshadow that things were changing in Denver and gone soon would be the small quick linemen. In there place would be giant beasts who knew not of the zone block, only of the power game. With having the ability to cut bait with two of the former regime so easily, I fully expect McDaniels and Brian Xanders to do just that. I see Hochstein coming back, but would be flabbergasted if Hamilton were to return. Denver will upgrade this position in the draft most definitely.

***

Ty Law (Cornerback)

Possible replacements
On the roster: Champ Bailey, Andre’ Goodman and Alphonso Smith.
Via Free Agency: Dunta Robinson, Leigh Bodden, Dre’ Bly and Nick Harper.

Speculation:
Law is amongst the better corners of all time, he’s also 35, but, the list of free agent corners is very underwhelming with the exception of Dunta Robinson and Leigh Bodden. Robinson was unsuccessful in getting a guarantee that the Texans would not re-Franchise him if he came back as their Franchise Player. Thus runs the risk of deja-vu and Leigh Bodden will most likely be re-signed by the New England Patriots. Law has expressed interest in returning to Denver, but I think Denver will allow him to walk.

***

Mitch Berger (punter)

Possible replacements
On the roster: Brett Kern Britton Colquitt.
Via Free Agency: Michael Koenen, Sam Koch and Jon Ryan.

Speculation:
The Broncos signed both Berger and Colquitt kind of out of nowhere and in the middle of the season. I see Denver drafting a punter as early as the fourth round, given McDaniels fixation on Special Teams.

Other players who may be available in Free Agency:

Chester Taylor (RB) is available, he’s similar to Correll Buckhalter, except less injury risk. I love him, despite Knowshon Moreno being on the roster. I don’t see the appeal for Taylor in coming to Denver though, unless he just likes his chances or has a ton of respect for McDaniels.

Karlos Dansby (MLB) though I really like Denver’s current inside linebackers, Dansby has just as much upside as DJ Williams and can you imagine having to game plan against both of them?

Kyle Vanden Bosch, Julius Peppers and Richard Seymour (DE) Peppers will be the Albert Haynesworth of the Free Agency of 2010, he’s wanting to switch to a 3-4 defense and possibly switch out to an outside linebacker.

Vince Wilfork, Casey Hampton and Tank Johnson (DT) to me if Denver isn’t to sign either Wilfork or Hampton (pending their availability) this off-season then I don’t want them back. Hear that Xanders? Don’t bother coming back until you get one!

What do you think Nation? Am I off my rocker? Who did we miss any absolutes or deal breakers on the list?

Alex Neth scouts his top 5 defensive back prospects for the Broncos.  Rashad Johnson is listed #1.  [InDenverTimes.com]

Video of Josina Anderson’s interview with B.J. Raji the night before his steroid allegations came out.  [My Fox Colorado]

Jim Armstrong says that McDaniels needs to connect with his players now that the saga is over.  [Denver Post]

As many have posted in our comments already, Texas A&M QB Stephen McGee is scheduled to work out with the Broncos tomorrow.  [Scout.com]

Bill Williamson feels the Chiefs need to bring back the Thomas/Taylor Dolphins duo.  [ESPN Hashmarks]

In case you missed it, NFL Network is releasing the regular season schedule tonight at 5pm Mountain.  NFL.com will also post the schedule live.  [InDenverTimes.com]

ESPN ranks “A True Test for Cutler Early” (against the Raven’s or Steeler’s Defense) #4 in their top five schedule wishes.  [ESPN Hashmarks]

Full story via NFL.com

After addressing the defensive end position three times in the past two drafts, the Broncos are hoping their young players can make more of an impact in the 2008 season and beyond. While Elvis Dumervil is already earning his paycheck (and likely a bigger one), Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder will need to show they can stay healthy to be productive in their second NFL seasons. Outside of these three, the Broncos’ situation looks thin at best. I’ll also take a look at potential free agents at the position, and address the rumors regarding Jason Taylor out of Miami.

Elvis Dumervil

Contract Status: Signed through 2009

Elvis Dumervil is far and away the most talented player on the Broncos defensive line, but he’s a pure pass rushing specialist whose small size makes him vulnerable against the running game. He started all year for the Broncos after Ebenezer Ekuban tore his Achilles in the preseason, registering 12.5 sacks.

He’s entering the third year in a four-year deal, making him a high priority for an extension this offseason.

In 2007: Started all year. Dumervil’s 12.5 sacks (6th best in NFL) were complemented by 4 forced fumbles (9th best in NFL), and he was consistently on the receiving end of double teams by opposing offensive linemen. He should have been elected to a Pro Bowl this season.

In 2008: I think the Broncos are better off with Dumervil as a pass rushing specialist, meaning he may lose his starting job in lieu of this designation.

Jarvis Moss

Contract Status: Signed through 2011

Our first round pick this year suffered a broken fibula right in the middle of the season. These can be nasty injuries, and some reports indicate that Moss will have to rehab fiercely to play at his best level next year. He has the ideal size, speed, and strength you’re looking for in an every-down defensive lineman, and has the physical toolset to be considered one of those proverbial “freaks of nature” every defense needs.

In 2007: It was beginning to look more and more that Moss was going to steal John Engelberger‘s starting job when Moss went down with his leg injury in practice. He only played 6 games in 2007, registering one sack in limited play time.

In 2008: I have Moss speculatively penciled in as a starter for the Broncos next year. Again, this all depends on how well and quickly he rehabs from his broken fibula. If he’s healthy, at the least he’ll have the opportunity to compete for the starting job.

Tim Crowder

Contract Status: Signed through 2010

The man I call T-Crow. Crowder had an up and down year in his first NFL season, showing flashes at some points and clearly struggling in others. Can we expect more from a first year defensive lineman? I’m very excited about this prospect in the years to come.

In 2007: After missing all of the preseason and the first three weeks of the regular season with an ankle injury, Crowder finally saw action against the Colts in Week 4 (remember, when the Broncos went crazy with their defensive line, sometimes lining up 4 ends against Peyton Manning). He was mostly quiet in very limited action, although he did return a crucial fumble for a touchdown against the Steelers in Week 7. T-Crow came on strong late in the year, register four sacks in a three-week period (Weeks 10-12, @KC, TEN, @CHI), and saw more and more game time as the year progressed.

In 2008: I have Crowder penciled in as the other starter for the Broncos, opposite Moss.

John Engelberger

Contract Status: Signed through 2008

Heading into the 2007 offseason, it looked like John Engelberger would be on the outside looking in. He had fallen deep down the depth chart, and with the drafting of Moss and Crowder figured to be the odd man out. Instead, Ekuban went down, Kenard Lang was released, and Engelberger was elevated to a starting role. He’s heading into his contract year at the age of 31 and will have something to prove if he wants to stay in Denver longterm. He won’t shock you with his talent – he’s a blue collar worker who puts in good effort, and that will always earn him a place on my team.

In 2007: Started 16 games, fighting through various minor injuries as the season unfolded (he was repeatedly found on the injury report, always listed as probable). He registered one sack and one forced fumble.

In 2008: It’s no guarantee he will be with the Broncos in 08, but I expect he will. He provides valuable depth as an every down defensive end, but it is unlikely he will start again.

Ebenezer Ekuban

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

One of the most underrated injuries the Broncos faced this offseason was Ebenezer Ekuban‘s season-ending Achilles rupture in the preseason. Suddenly Dumervil was thrust forward as a starter, and our run defense took a significant hit. Ekuban is an unrestricted free agent, and the Broncos may let him test the market before trying to resign him. With injury and age concerns (he’s 31), he may not return to his 2006 form, but it would be worthwhile to sign him and see how he performs in training camp.

In 2007: Injured Reserve all year.

In 2008: He can sign with anyone come March, but I expect the Broncos to reel him back in after he tests the market. At his age his best days may be behind him, but I think he’s still got a good amount left in the tank.

Josh Mallard

Contract Status: Unknown Signed through 2008

Josh Mallard is the rare diamond in the rough, a clear example of another’s trash being our treasure. The Broncos picked him up off the streets midseason and Mallard immediately made an impact. Playing both defensive tackle and defensive end, Mallard either showed his merit or showed how weak our defensive line was at the time. Or maybe a little of both.

In 2007: He played the last eight games for the Broncos, registering his 3.5 sacks in the last four games. In his first game as a Bronco, having just been picked up off the street, Mallard played extensively, and would continue to make his mark in the games to follow.

In 2008: Details for his contract were not disclosed, but I get the feeling it was a deal just to finish the season. He’s earned himself a new one, and will add valuable depth to both defensive end and defensive tackle next year for Denver.

Kenny Peterson

Contract Status: Unknown Signed through 2008

After serving a four-game suspension, Peterson was released by the Broncos in early October. He found himself back on the squad a short time later and played a limited role in the Broncos defensive end rotation.

In 2007: His topsy-turvy year saw him in, suspended, out, then back in. He registered one sack along the way.

In 2008: His status is up in the air. I’m guessing he won’t be a Bronco next year.

Others on the roster

None of these players saw the field in 2007 – some were signed this week to future contracts, others (Carlos Hall) never reported to training camp, and some were game day inactives:

Paul Carrington, Larry Birdine, Nic Clemons, Julian Jenkins, Carlos Hall.

Looking at Lower Elevations

Who else could help us, outside of Denver? Let’s take a peek.

Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins – The RMN posted an opinion piece saying that the Broncos should pursue Taylor in a trade. At the time I disagreed, but after a little more thought I have to admit the idea excites me. The prospects of Moss and Crowder excite me, but they’re just that – prospects. Jason Taylor is a sure thing, at least for a few more years, and the type of every down defensive lineman the Broncos really need.

We have much greater needs elsewhere, to be certain, but creating a dominating pass rush will easily earn us more wins next year. A combination of Taylor, Dumervil, Moss, and Crowder has my mouth watering. It’s the type of move that elevates the mentality from “good enough” to “championship” – with the guys on our roster right now, I feel like we’re good enough, and if the young guys can step up we might be great. But adding Taylor to the mix is a step above that, unquestionably, and a step towards an AFC West title.

Jared Allen, Kansas City Chiefs – Wouldn’t it be great to steal The Mullet from Kansas City? He may not be a fan favorite in Denver, and his off-field issues are certainly a concern, but I was calling for Allen to be a Bronco this past offseason, and would still love to see him in orange and blue. In a great interview on Sirius radio last month, Allen even hinted that seeing a lack of effort from his current team has him considering looking at greener pastures elsewhere (although he quickly went political and talked how he loved the Chiefs organization and would love to stick around). The Chiefs will do everything they can to resign him, but if he hits the market he will be a high priority for many teams, and the Broncos should at least drop feelers.

Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens’ cap situation is horrendous, and Suggs will almost certainly hit the market. Another young guy at 25, Suggs was always around the double-digit sack total until his disappointing season this year with 5. He’s definitely worth a look.

Justin Smith, Cincinnati Bengals – Smith is a blue collar worker with talent to boot. He doesn’t register as many sacks as the “elite” defensive ends, but he’s as solid as any.

The Bottom Line

Signed Through 2008: At least 6
Offseason Priority: Mid.

The newest entry of the Rumor Mill comes from Jeff Legwold of the RMN, who wrote an interesting piece about Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor potentially coming to Denver in a trade this offseason.

The reigning defensive MVP might not be having that caliber of a year this season, but he’s still posting great numbers with 10 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and an interception.

What’s particularly impressive is that Taylor is still putting out genuine hard effort on every play, on the worst team in recent NFL memory.

Now the rumors are swirling that Taylor will be out the Dolphins’ door in 2008, as they try to rebuild through draft pick compensation. Legwold says that executives around the league believe Denver will be the frontrunner for Taylor’s services.

The move would also reunite Taylor with Jim Bates if the Assistant Coach were to stay with Denver this offseason.

Do we need a 34-year-old defensive end, as good as he is, as badly as we do so many other positions? Absolutely not. We tried to sign Patrick Kerney last year; when we didn’t land him, we spent our first two draft picks on Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, both who have shown promise and could be impact players next year.

I like the prospect of Crowder and Moss possibly starting next year as every down types, with Elvis Dumervil playing on sure passing downs in T-Crow’s stead. If the Broncos do follow through with this, I would hesitate to even give a 3rd round pick, considering Taylor’s age.

In the end though, Jason, if you do find your way to Denver, be sure to pack a sweater.

LEGWOLD: Broncos need good Taylor  [Rocky Mountain News]