The Denver Broncos are undergoing more changes than expected this offseason. Entering into 2014, the team had dreams of avenging a Super Bowl loss from the previous season and instead is now entering the offseason having fired their head coach along with several coordinators while questions remain as to whether or not Peyton Manning intends to come back for another year. Now Wes Welker is adding his name into the mix as the wide receiver could call it quits this year.
Welker was a big free agency signing for the Broncos after his departure from the New England Patriots two years ago. The wide receiver signed a short-term contract with Denver with the goal of becoming Manning's right-hand man and winning a Super Bowl. Instead he found himself dropping on the depth chart, being the fourth look for the quarterback. After more concussions over the past two seasons, Welker could walk away from football.
According to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports, Welker is considering retirement over another stint as a free agent this offseason. The 33-year-old has an expiring contract to his name, but is unlikely to get that many looks from teams considering his declining production and increased number of head injuries. There was also the odd suspension last season for a positive drug test that Welker carried around. The wide receiver was already getting left out of the picture for the Denver Broncos and might find that is the case with most teams in the league.
With Welker out, a contract for Demaryius Thomas is an absolute priority as he too will become a free agent. Thomas has earned a high-paying deal, but Denver is uncertain they can offer it. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the Broncos could end up putting the franchise tag on Thomas as contract negotiations continue to stall with the wide receiver. The tag would cost Denver a one-year salary of $13 million.
Denver has some decisions to make outside of Manning's return. Julius Thomas is also in need of a new contract and will earn a big pay day from a number of teams. If Denver wants to keep the tight end, a long-term contract is necessary. The likely outcome to keep everyone happy would be a long-term deal for Julius, a franchise tag for Demaryius and then switch Emmanuel Sanders to the slot position with Cody Latimer.
If Denver lets either Thomas dip a toe into the free agency pool, a number of teams will come offering big pay raises. The Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Ravens have been linked to Julius while the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers could make a run at Demaryius. Denver will have to work out the finances in order to keep teams off their Pro Bowl duo.
