A Look at the Free Agents for the Denver Broncos

By Joe Morrone | Jan 25, 2015

The Super Bowl is a week away but the Denver Broncos are already looking ahead to the 2015 season. Woody Paige of the Denver Post reported this week that quarterback Peyton Manning wants to return and will do so pending a physical. It should be noted, though, that according to his contract, Manning is not required to pass a physical in order to play in 2015.

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For our purposes today, we are going to assume Manning is going to return for at least one more run at a championship. Personally, I’d be stunned if he didn’t return. With that said, look for John Elway to once again be extremely aggressive as he puts together the roster for next season.

Here’s a look at the Broncos 17 free agents with a quick take on whether or not they will return to the roster in 2015.

UFA-unrestricted free agent; RFA-restricted free agent (the Broncos have a right to match any offer or can make a qualifying offer that virtually assures that player will remain with the team.

Demaryius Thomas (UFA): Thomas will return to the Broncos. They will either work out a long-term deal or he will be given the franchise tag. Even if Thomas is tagged, the Broncos will continue to work on a long-term deal.

Wes Welker (UFA): Welker is gone and with his history of concussions, he may have a difficult time finding work. The Broncos will be looking for second year receiver, Cody Latimer to step in.

Terrance Knighton (UFA): The Broncos would presumably like Knighton back and he has stated that he wants to return, so much so that he has said he would take less money to remain in Denver. It won’t be easy but I believe Knighton will return, especially if Wade Phillips is the defensive coordinator. Phillips runs a 3-4 and would need someone to play the nose tackle spot, and Knighton fits perfectly.

Jacob Tamme (UFA): He’s a long shot to return although I could see the Broncos making an offer that is team friendly.

Will Montgomery (UFA): If the Broncos let him go, then they would need a center. Again, the Broncos may make an offer but it would be a surprise if he returned.

Mitch Unrein (UFA): This one is tricky. Unrein is a local kid who loves playing for the Broncos. He knows his role and is happy with it and because of that, I think a deal gets done.

Rahim Moore (UFA): I’ve always been a bigger Moore fan than most but he was not great in 2014 and probably will not be back. Someone will offer him big money and the Broncos can find the same player for a lot less money.

Orlando Franklin (UFA): If you would have asked me about Franklin in mid-season, I would have said he was gone but not now. Franklin was easily the Broncos best offensive lineman down the stretch and his athletic ability fits perfectly into Gary Kubiak’s zone blocking scheme. The Broncos need to do everything in their power to sign Franklin.

Nate Irving (UFA): Irving had a good season before getting hurt but he might be the victim of a numbers game. Regardless of whether the Broncos play a 3-4 or a 4-3, their starters are set and Irving is not one of them. They also have young players who are ready for big roles meaning Irving is likely to slip through the cracks.

Quinton Carter (UFA): There has been no one with worse luck than Carter. He has all the talent in the world but can’t stay healthy. He’s probably played his last game with the Broncos and his career is in jeopardy.

Julius Thomas (UFA): There’s little doubt that the Broncos would like to keep him but they can’t overpay. They have too many other free agents to sign and needs they need to fill. As good as Thomas can be, he has trouble staying healthy and can’t block. If a tight-end cannot block in Kubiak’s offense then they don’t play. Thomas is likely gone.

Virgil Green (UFA): If the Broncos are going to re-sign a tight-end, it should be Green. He’s an exceptional blocker and would be a better fit for Kubiak’s offense. Look for the Broncos, led by Kubiak, to make a strong push to keep Green.

Steven Johnson (RFA): The Broncos like Johnson a lot as a special team’s player and a backup linebacker, he’ll be back.

Aaron Brewer (RFA): Brewer is one of the best long snappers in the game, he should return in 2015.

Tony Carter (UFA): He will be playing somewhere else next season.

Brandon Marshall (RFA): The Broncos love Marshall and the defense suffered when he was injured. Marshall will be back and will be a key player for the Broncos in 2015.

Ben Garland (UFA): Garland came along way in 2014 and his athletic ability fits the zone blocking scheme. A deal should get done here.

As you can see the Broncos have a lot of decisions to make and work to do. That’s why there is no offseason in the NFL, they just quit playing games for a while.

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