West Notes: Broncos, Cousins, Lynch

During Super Bowl week, Mike Klis of 9News asked former and current NFL players about what the Broncos should do at quarterback this offseason. One of those current players was Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, who gave a very interesting response.

I like all the guys out there,” Miller said when asked whether the Broncos should sign Kirk Cousins for ~$30MM/year, Case Keenum for $18MM/year, or draft a QB at No. 5 overall. “But if we could get Kirk that’d be great. If we get solid play (from the QB position) that’d be great. And we got to get better on defense as well. But, since you asked me the question, I would like to have Kirk. I would rather have Kirk.’’

While you mull over the Broncos’ QB options, here’s more from the AFC and NFC West:

  • Now that the Raiders have released cornerback David Amerson, Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area looked at which players could be next to go. The list starts with wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who is slated to carry a $7.7MM cap number. While Crabtree has come up big at times during his three-year Oakland tenure, his age (31 in September) and inconsistent work ethic are definite strikes against him. Running back Marshawn Lynch ($6MM cap number), safety Sean Smith ($8.5MM), and WR Seth Roberts ($4.45MM, $2MM in dead money) could also be released in order to create cap room, though in the case of Lynch, he may retire before Jon Gruden & Co. can bring the ax down. Expensive veterans like Bruce Irvin ($8.25MM), Kelechi Osemele ($10.5MM), Rodney Hudson ($8.4MM), Jared Cook ($5.3MM) and Cordarrelle Patterson ($3.25MM) figure to stay, in Bair’s estimation.
  • The Rams have decisions of their own to make, as ESPN.com’s Alden Gonzalez details. Tavon Austin may seem like a prime candidate to get cut, but his contract could trigger L.A. to hold off on dumping the wide receiver. The Rams can save $3MM in 2018 by parting with Austin, but that also means $5MM in dead money. If the Rams wait until after the 2018 season to cut Austin, they can escape his bloated contract without any financial penalty. Inside linebacker Mark Barron could also be in danger of getting cut. The Rams would save $7MM in 2018 by releasing the former No. 7 overall pick with just $3MM in dead money remaining. Barron is owed a $2MM roster bonus by March 16, so the Rams will be thinking long and hard about this one over the next five weeks.
  • Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub could be a consideration for the Colts now that Josh McDaniels has bailed on them.
View Comments (0)