Broncos Willing To Spend
Broncos’ general manager John Elway has invigorated the team since winning the battle for Peyton Manning two years ago. He quickly created a roster that dominated the AFC en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Despite the disappointing performance in the big game, Elway is focused on bringing back some of the team’s top talent in order to make another run at a championship.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post writes that the team has shown a willingness to spend under the leadership of Elway. Presumably, the entire organization understands that there is urgency to bring a Super Bowl trophy to Denver now, with Manning under center. That only gives them two or three more seasons to realistically contend as currently constructed. However, a willingness to spend doesn’t necessarily equal an improved roster due to the amount the team has already spent and their situation in regard to the salary cap.
While the team is expected to have enough cap room to maneuver this offseason, Elway did say that he believes Manning would be willing to restructure his deal if the team needed some extra flexibility. “I think we’ll be fine,” Elway said. “I don’t think (Manning) would have any problem, if we needed to find some cap room, that he wouldn’t help us out.”
Klis writes that Elway and head coach John Fox will begin discussing a contract extension. Retaining the head coach is thought to be a top priority. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has already received a two-year contract extension after optimizing a defense that was without its best player, Von Miller, for almost all of the season, due to suspension and injury. Del Rio also filled in admirably during Fox’s absence when his health forced him to miss games in the middle of the season.
Another urgent matter for Elway is the status of Champ Bailey‘s contract. He is scheduled to make $10MM in 2014, but due to his advanced age and declining ability it is unlikely the team would be willing to bring him back at that number. He will most likely be cut or take a pay cut to stay with the team.
As for the current Broncos about to hit free agency, Elway said the team would allow them to hit the market. While he would like to bring back many of the team’s own talent, Elway knows with some of their other key players requiring new contracts after next season that they cannot commit all of their future cap space to this season’s group of free agents.
He does note that the team wants Decker back, and that Decker expressed interest in returning as well. Even still, it could be difficult for the team to match an offer in the open market.
Broncos Notes: Fox, Bailey, Free Agents
John Elway has a lot on his plate in the coming weeks, ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold writes. With the Super Bowl behind him, the Broncos‘ general manager can now focus on his offseason tasks. Let’s see what Elway will be up to…
- The Broncos GM made it clear that he wants to re-sign head coach John Fox. “I want to get him done,” Elway said. “I’m going to sit down with his agent while I’m here, sit down with him and see where we come out.” Fox is entering the final season of a four-year deal he signed in 2011.
- Elway said that he would meet with cornerback Champ Bailey prior to the opening of free agency. Bailey’s 2012 salary is worth a $10MM cap figure, the second-highest on the team behind Peyton Manning.
- Elway expects his key free agents – Knowshon Moreno, Eric Decker and Wesley Woodyard – to test free agency. In particular, he expects Decker to evaluate his worth on the market, especially considering that teammates Julius Thomas, Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker are set to become free agents after next season.
Extra Points: Fox, Monroe, Cowboys, Cap
There will be plenty of meetings between teams and player agents this week, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com notes (via Twitter) that clubs will also have the opportunity to touch base with their coaches’ agents. The Broncos have a meeting scheduled this weekend with agent Bob LaMonte to discuss a new deal for head coach John Fox, according to Rapoport. Here’s more from around the league, as updates from the Indianapolis combine dominate the NFL news wire:
- Speaking to Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times, offensive tackle Eugene Monroe confirmed that he and the Ravens have entered discussions about a new contract, and said those talks in and of themselves are a positive sign. Although Monroe cautioned that it’s still early, the free-agent-to-be said it would be “awesome” to continue as a Raven.
- While the Cowboys are expected to explore extensions for wide receiver Dez Bryant and offensive tackle Tyron Smith this offseason, those talks haven’t gotten underway yet, according to Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com.
- In the wake of the new $130MM salary cap projection put forth by Adam Schefter this morning, Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com has adjusted his estimates for 2014’s restricted free agent tenders and franchise tags.
- New Browns GM Ray Farmer told reporters, including Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, that he’s looking forward to meeting with quarterback prospect Johnny Manziel.
- While he likely won’t have much say in the decision, Jarrett Bush tells Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter link) that he’d be “shocked” if the Packers don’t re-sign fellow defensive back Sam Shields.
- The Seahawks aren’t expected to use the franchise tag this year, reports Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
- In a piece for the National Football Post, Joel Corry identifies 10 players who are candidates to restructure their contracts this offseason.