The Denver Broncos come into the offseason after another disappointing playoffs loss and with Peyton Manning expected to return, the team could explore moves in the offseason with players like Larry Fitzgerald, Jordan Cameron, Jeremy Maclin, Jermaine Gresham, Hakeem Nicks or Cecil Shorts and this comes as Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker are hitting free agency.
Manning has not made his decision yet on coming back for 2015, but the Denver Post reports that he is "very likely to come back. The Broncos made some major changes heading into the 2015 season, as John Elway decided to part ways with John Fox, bringing in Gary Kubiak to take over. Elway and Fox reportedly clashed over the future direction of the team and some have speculated that included plans with Manning for next year.
Manning has a yearly physical that he takes and his decision likely will be official in the coming weeks. The Broncos have a number of significant free agents hitting the market, including Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, Orlando Franklin, Rahim Moore and Terrance Knighton. The Broncos are projected to have about $26 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, and they could free up some more if they make cuts this winter.
Manning has a $19 million salary and they also will have to pay up to keep Demaryius Thomas, as he could get a long term contract or the franchise tag this offseason. According to ESPN.com, the Denver Post reports that the franchise tag will be around $12.7 million this year and if the Broncos can't get Thomas in on a long term deal, it's almost certain that he will get tagged. Thomas was one of the best receivers in football last season and he has been the most productive target for Peyton Manning in Denver.
The Denver Post reports that the two sides could not agree on a long term deal over the summer and now the two sides will try and get a deal done before free agency begins. Thomas is set to cash in and he could get some major offers after putting up career highs of 111 catches for 1619 yards this past season. Thomas had 11 touchdowns and in the past three years he has not missed a game and has combined to score 35 touchdowns in that span.
If the Broncos lose Julius Thomas to free agency -which is expected considering how much they with have to pay for Demaryius-the Broncos could look at Jordan Cameron or Jermaine Gresham has options. Thomas has had 24 TD catches over the past two seasons and will be hard to replace. If Larry Fitzgerald is released by the Cardinals, he also could be a target for the Broncos, according to ESPN writer Jeff Legwold.
Elway brought in Kubiak, who has been a head coach with the Texans and has extensive experience in Denver. Kubiak served as John Elway's backup quarterback for years and then was offensive coordinator when Elway won his Super Bowl championships. Kubiak has a different offensive style than John Fox and Adam Gase, but that should not be an issue for Manning. Last season Manning dealt with injuries down the stretch and he did not look great in the playoffs against the Colts.
