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Published on 02/02/2010 at Tue Feb 02 21:18.
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The Signs Are Everywhere…

Posted Tue Feb 2nd by

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

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?

***
  • http://manchester-architects.com T-Money

    I saw this the other day and i thought it was interesting. I don't think it will happen but you never know.

    http://www.milehighreport.com/2010/1/20/1262115…

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    @T-Money – I'd love it… I brought it up on Twitter a couple of weeks ago. Didn't go over as well haha.

  • http://manchester-architects.com T-Money

    I think it's mainly because people just want Marshall out of here which i really don't understand. He offers so much as a football player that he compensates for his shenanigans off the field. Plus I would be willing to put 10 dollars down that he goes the entire off season with a law related incident.

  • Roy88

    A couple of quick thoughts:

    -Doom/McD rift? I don't ever recall hearing that.
    -Ryan Clark would be great, but he can't play in Denver. Sickle Cell.
    -Any big DT would be great (if not, there are a couple of kids in the draft that could fit.
    -If Merriman is allowed to walk (given the recent history with him and the Chargers, it could happen) I think that would be a great signing. He seems just vindictive enough to sign with us out of spite too.
    -The more I think about going bigger on the line, the more ok with it I am. Now if they could all be as athletic as Clady…
    -Barrett will probably be gone
    -So will Scheffler, the linemen, and possibly Hillis and Marshall.

  • jonkrause

    Sign Doom, Sing Brandon – I'd be a happy man.

  • vince_mairne

    Definitely sign Doom, BMarsh and Prater. I think we will need Orton back because of the lack of QB's that can step in and play right away. I'd love to see Mankins signed to the team. I also agree with the statement we need either Wilfork or Hampton. It's going to cost to get either one of them, but it would be well worth it! I can't wait to see what happens!!! GO BRONCOS!

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    Wow! can't believe I forgot about Ryan Clark so soon. Thanks for the reminder, I fixed it in the article.

    Good point on Merriman, another Charger who looks to be gone (and has expressed interest in Denver) is LT… See if McDaniels wants to play that game.

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    I'd love for our off-season to include everyone you mentioned and just them. I think that and then through the draft addressing the offensive line, a middle linebacker and a nickle corner… We'd be set.

  • monto

    Re-sign Orton, cut Simms. If TB has developed into a potential starter then have him as back-up and draft another QB in the later rounds. Not really a fan of us picking up a vet unless they can add something. KO's not exactly a scrambler so I can see us picking up someone for backup/trick plays otherwise I don't really see the point.

    Definetly re-sign Prater, he's been improving so theres no reason to change anything there. Berger should be gone, he put in a few good games but he also put in more than enough shockers. Colquitt didn't seem bad in the pre-season and last I heard we've got Trapasso as well so I can see them battling for the start in training camp. Never liked the idea of drafting kickers but I wouldn't be too surprised

    BMarsh re-sign if possible otherwise the return better be worth it, he's a proven play-maker and would be a big loss

    After the season Doom had we should definetly re-sign, never heard about any rift between him and McD but I'm pretty sure he was one of the players who recomended Wink for the DC job so hopefully that might help

    Ty Law, depends on the price tag, seemed to do quite well after being signed mid-season but I can see us trying to get Smith more play-time (at least I hope so considering the price) so wouldn't be shocked if we let him go

    I agree Hamilton's as good as gone, Hochstein kept on as back-up. Either way we should be drafting a few big OL so don't expect we'l be doing too much in FA … that said we need better back-ups than we had this year

    Can't see us going for Taylor, Bucky was too good but we definetly need a power back to get us the short yards. I'd like to say we keep Hillis but if not then wouldn't be surprised to see a RB drafted after the 3rd round. (I love Hillis but the fact we had Jordan being put out as a receiver now and then suggests McD will be eager to trade)

    Yet another long off-season ahead it seems! GO BRONCOS!!!

  • Gary_in_SD

    Regardless of whatever issues Brandon Marshall has had off the field, He has brought “it” like no other on the field. I'm completely on his side in this matter. I like the fire of the young coach and in time I think he'll be (or should I say “can be”) very respected, but he has to learn to check his ego NOW and help this team, not divide it.

  • blueragoo

    I saw somewhere else (MHR maybe) what I thought was a brilliant solution to our TE situation, once we try to get trade value for Scheffler…(wait for it)….

    Hillis as a Dallas Clark style possession tight end!! Can't you totally see it? He's big and strong and fast enough, physical, with soft hands, disciplined route runner–the solution is right there! Very few run with such violence. Pair him with Graham (and maybe Quinn, hope that wasn't a wasted 2nd round pick), and it's a great combo.

    But I know, probably not, because McD doesn't seem to like him. Oh well, nice dream.

  • Gary R.

    Very creative out-of-box thinking on Hillis as admittedly-slower Dallas Clark-type TE (but it'll never even get tried, or it would've happened already). I do think we want a TE with more hip-wiggle and wouldn't be surprised to see Anthony Fasano signed if Watson and Daniels are out-of-reach. Fasano is getting better in red-zone and 15-yard seam routes and has and has better hands than is known.

    Speaking of Miami, I think the time to trade Dumervil is now. His value will never be so high and yet he'll never round into a complete OLB like LeMarr Wodley is (and will never bring as many QB pressures as Jared Allen, Julius Peppers, Dwight Freeney or Mario Williams). Doom's got no bull-rush moves, no spin-moves, poor coverage and run-support and little heft and lower-body strength.

    For the money his sack-totals will be demanding, that's too one-dimensional for me (and commodities ought to be sold when at peak value). If McD and X-Man followed that rule, Hillis and Scheffler could've gotten way more in return last off-season (just as Champ Bailey could've gotten a king's ransom two years back).

    Too many Broncos fans make these calls in a vacuum as if loyalty matters more than value (and if the added salary-cap and what it can buy isn't even part of the picture). Its a business not a popularity-contest and being a fan-favorite won't snap a four-year absence from the playoffs.

    I would even consider a multi-player trade where B-Marsh goes to the Rams for the 1st overall pick: Suh. Comparing that risk to the money we'd spend on an out-of-shape Wilfork, or a past-his-prime Hampton and Peppers tells me its a worthwhile balance of risk/reward.

    I know many owners and GM's hate the idea of paying an unproven rookie so much. But that just makes this opportunity to get another Bruce Smith or Reggie White even riper (as teams are getting over-wary about the #1 spot).

    Just like Detroit almost talked themselves out of WR Calvin Johnson– after being burned with 1st rd. WR's Charles Rogers and Roy Williams– the Rams may be gun-shy about puling the trigger and paying through the nose for an unglamorous 1st rd. D-lineman (esp. after Chris Long and probable-bust Adam Carriker in successive years).

    And in this economy, the Rams mgmt. may fear not having enough butts in the seats to sell-out games (which B-Marsh would help with).

    Put together all those factors, and I say we should try to rebuild with Suh (instead of repeating last year's draft boondoggles that were traced to trying to fill to many holes in one off-season).

    We're not a player or two away from the Lombardi Trophy anyway. So add Suh and a strong pass-rusher like Merriman or Northwestern's Wootton (and maybe add Miami's Merling while getting a pick or two for Dumervil).

    That way, even if McD doesn't work out we still have a building-block or two for the future in the two positions that always elude us: DT and all-around dominant pass-rusher.

    Bowlen will have to insist on it, as I can't see McD and Xanders resisting the opportunity to fill every position (and again outsmart themselves).

    While other teams we're adding blue-chip rookie Pro-Bowlers like Cushing, Orakpo and Matthews– or even Rey Maaluaga– we struck out with Quinn, Ayers, Smith and maybe even Moreno (thus squandering the Cutler trade).

    I hope my take is premature, but another performance in April like that and Denver is finished as a franchise (i.e. bottom-dwellers for the next 4-5 years).

    Its that serious. I think McD is more like Shanahan than either would admit, in that both prefer to build up the offense to show off their coaching acumen.

    But Denver needs defense and has been small and finesse for over four decades now.

    We'll never have a chance to add a once-in-a-generation man-mountain like Suh unless we take it now and trade B-Marsh and our 1st round pick, if necessary (and hopefully get a fourth-rounder in addition to the first overall selection).

    B-Marsh will sell tickets in St. Louis and Suh can be a versatile DT/DE like Haynesworth and Tuck have been (but unlike Dumervil can ever be as a passing-downs OLB that we need to substitute for on obvious rushing-downs).

    Hard truths all. But hard calls must be made for the good of the franchise.

  • Roy88

    Merriman and LT in a Broncos uni would be awesome. Not that I think LT has much left (he would be a great mentor for KnoMo though), but I wouuld love to see it.

  • jonkrause

    Hey T-Money, you left I comment on my blog, and I couldn't find a way to contact you, plus I'm not really sure who you are. Sorry BT for using your comment section as a way on contacting him lol, Umm what I wanted to know, what did you mean by your comment? On the Peppers post. . .

  • http://manchester-architects.com T-Money

    I'm not sure that I know what you are talking about. I don't even know the name of you're website. Sorry man. If you give me more information I might be able to tell you if in was me or not.

  • jonkrause

    Broncos Zone, somebody left a comment with a name 'T-Money' so I thought it was u…

  • http://manchester-architects.com T-Money

    Nope that wasn't me. Sorry about the mix up.

  • jonkrause

    Oh okay, glad it wasn't you, it was a low comment…

  • monto

    I don't think that many people actually want him out, most of it's probably people trying to distance themselves because the medias making it sound so inevitable that he'l be gone.