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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

1. New Orleans Saints (6-0)

Don’t call it a comeback, call it a curb stomp. Drew Brees feels no pressure with the ball in his hands, and it showed when he dove across a pile of linemen for the touchdown. The defense was definitely confused by the wildcat offense in the first half but good coaches like Sean Payton and Greg Williams make good adjustments.

Glaring Stat: The Saints have out gained their opponents by 724 yards (2564 to 1840).

2. Indianapolis Colts (6-0)

The defense played really well this week, I mean it was the Rams but still. Indy is playing some real good football this year but not really against anyone. The rest of their season is a little bit harder with games against Baltimore, New England, and of course Denver.

Glaring Stat: Peyton Manning didn’t throw for 300 or more yards for the first time this season, yet they score the most points they have in one game all year (42).

3. Denver Broncos (6-0)

Great time for a bye week with (at) Baltimore, Pittsburgh, (at) Washington, San Diego, New York (Giants), (at) Kansas City, and (at) Indianapolis in that order.

Glaring Stat: The Denver Bronco defense has allowed 6 touchdowns all year, whereas there were 10 in the New Orleans, Miami game.

5. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

Thank you Cincinnati for a higher draft pick! Carson Palmer was in true form this weekend and Cedric Benson ran with authority. The defense also was a force to be reckoned with. Leon Hall grabbed himself a pair of Jay Cutler interceptions. This is definitely the way to go into a bye week. The Bengals could breathe easy in the NFC North race if they win their next two games which are against Baltimore and Pittsburgh respectively; since afterwards they have gimme games against the Raiders, Browns, Lions.

Glaring Stat: Carson Palmer had more touchdowns (5) than incomplete passes (4).

5. New England Patriots (5-2)

The Good: Tom Brady seems to be back in sync.

The Bad: This weekend the Pats will face the hardest team they’ve played in weeks… as a bye. The Titans and Bucs are that bad.

Glaring Stat: The Patriots have outscored Tennessee and Tampa 94-7 in the past two weeks.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

Brett Favre mistakes or Steeler dominance? I’ll meet you halfway. The Steelers proved that if you shut Jared Allen down the defensive line isn’t as dangerous. The Vikings did tally three sacks against the Steeler’s lackluster offensive line but Big Ben is having too good of a year for that to stop him.

Glaring Stat: Lamar Woodley and Keyaron Fox may have had big play touchdowns, but James Farrior deserves the game ball with 15 tackles and a sack.

8. Minnesota Vikings (6-1)

Brett Favre stumbled, let’s see if he falls. Jared Allen stared at a brick wall all game. Adrian Peterson was held to 3.8 yards a carry. That is how you beat the Vikings, everyone is asking for that game tape.

Glaring Stat: The Vikings secondary is acting as an achillies heel to the team allowing 7.7 yards a carry. Karl Paymah carries a curse wherever he goes.

8. Arizona Cardinals (5-2)

Defense wins games and especially this one. Defensive tackles like Darnell Dockett make the lives of talented defensive backs like Antrel Rolle, Adrian Wilson, and Domique Rodgers-Cromartie a lot easier. Karlos Dansby was flying around the field stopping the screen pass and the run. It also helps to have receivers like Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. The Cardinals are scaring the Niners.

Glaring Stat: Before Sunday night Eli Manning had thrown only three interceptions all year, the Cardinals secondary helped him double that.

9. New York Giants (5-2)

Get it together man! The Giants are a talented team that needs to take a breathe and focus. Osi Umenyiora needs to step up to fill in that old Michael Strahan spot. Eli is guaranteed a couple multi-interception games a season and he usually turns it around.

Glaring Stat: Brandon Jacobs is averaging 3.9 yards a carry. What’s the problem big guy?

10. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)

Jerry Jones must feel very foolish for giving up all those picks for Roy E. Williams. Miles Austin is doing Monmouth University proud this season. The defense really shined against the Falcons offense. Now that DeMarcus Ware was signed to six year, $78 million dollar contract, he might want to start acting like the DeMarcus of last year. However, Ware has grabbed two sacks in each of his last games.

Glaring Stat: In Austin’s first two games started he has caught 16 balls for 421 yards. Roy Williams has caught 12 balls for 230 yards all year. That’s right, Miles Austin caught for more yards in his first start than Roy Williams has all year.

Coach of the Week

Sean Payton – That’s how you adjust at halftime. The Saint’s scored 36 points in the second half of the game… on the road.

Rookie of the Week

Shonn Greene – It’s okay Shonn Greene doesn’t spell his name conventionally.  Greene rushed for 100 yards in every game he played last season in college. On Sunday he reminded the Raiders of that by posting 144 yards and two touchdowns on only 19 carries. Now that Leon Washington is out for the year he’ll see a lot more action, and he’s proved that he doesn’t need a lot to produce. Pick this guy up in fantasy if you haven’t already.

Offensive Player of the Week

Carson Palmer – Like I said before, Carson Palmer had more touchdowns than incomplete passes. Whenever you score 5 touchdowns in one game you deserve offensive player of the week.

Defensive Player of the Week

Will Witherspoon – Goodbye St. Louis hello 8 tackles (6 solo), 1 pick-six, and a force fumble. Witherspoon is proving that the Eagles were very smart to trade him for rookie wide receiver Brandon Gibson and a 5th round pick in 2010.

Rookie of the Year Watch

1. Hakeem Nicks –Brandon Stokley isn’t the only tip drill master anymore. Nicks is also a great player to pick up in fantasy if he’s available.

2. Percy Harvin – Harvin put the Vikings back in the game for the win, but Brett Favre had other plans.

3. Knowshon Moreno – Can Knowshon make it three straight 100 yard rushers against the Ravens?

4. Mark Sanchez – Playing in the nice California weather again was good for Sanchez.

5. Johnny Knox – He’ll have a hard time winning this award if Jay Cutler doesn’t get adequate protection upfront, because we all know he’ll throw them picks.

Defensive Player of the Year Watch

1. Elvis Dumervil – Elvis still leads the NFL in sacks even after the bye week.

2. Darren Sharper – One more pick-six and Sharper ties hall-of-famer Rod Woodson for the NFL record. If Sharper grabes one or two more with a Super Bowl win this year he could be heading to Canton as well.

3. Jared Allen – The negative is that Allen was shut down by a mediocre at best offensive line. The good is that his team really struggled without him, in regards to his candidacy for DPOY that is.

4. Darrelle Revis – Revis rebounded, but it was JaMarcus Russell and then Bruce Gradkowski.

Offensive Player of the Year Watch

1. Peyton Manning – He could have played that game blindfolded.

2. Drew Brees – Drew Brees can even make throwing three picks look good.

3. Cedric Benson – In one game Benson got his revenge and the lead for rushing yards.

3. Kyle Orton – Another mistake free week for Kyle Orton.

5. Adrian Peterson – He has game breaking ability, however AD seems to stand for any day now.

Coach of the Year Watch

1. Josh McDaniels (6-0) – McDaniels overall record as a player, front-office assistant and coach, from 1992 to 2009, is 187-46-2 (.79). Thanks to some research by Woody Paige.

2. Sean Payton (6-0) – Like I said, that’s how good coaches win games.

3. Mike Singletary (3-3) – Could Alex Smith put the Singletary’s Niners back in the race for the NFC West?

4. Rex Ryan (4-3) – Ryan got his team back on track, too bad it was the Raiders.

Who Needs a V8?

Richard Seymour – Still guaranteeing the playoffs Mr. Seymour?

Movie to watch this week

Management – Steve Zahn is awkwardly awesome, Woody Harrelson is a great tool, and Jennifer Aniston is still hot. This movie is definitely worth the $1 Red Box rental.

What do you think Nation? Any more deserving teams in the Tentative Ten? Air it out!