The Denver Broncos have a number of important players hitting free agency this offseason, including Von Miller, CJ Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, Malik Jackson, Brock Osweiler and Danny Trevathan. John Elway will have to work hard to keep those players and there is a chance the team will use the franchise tag on Von Miller.
The Broncos have Miller as the top priority this offseason, as the linebacker has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league. Miller would be a top target on the free agent market if he gets that far, but the Broncos are unlikely going to let that happen. According to ESPN, Jeff Legwold writes that he expects the team to use the franchise tag on Miller this offseason. The team can use the tag on Miller while working out a long-term contract. Legwold writes that Miller could make over $100 million on his next deal.
Miller won the Super Bowl MVP for the Broncos in the win over the Panthers and over the past two seasons he has combined for 25 sacks while not missing a game. Apart from 2013 when he played in nine games, Miller has had double digit sacks in every season for the Broncos, including a career best 18.5 sacks in 2012. Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan are also key defensive players hitting free agency. The Denver Post reports that the Broncos are interested in bringing both players back.
Brock Osweiler is also a priority for the Broncos, as he likely will be the starter next season if Peyton Manning retires. According to the Denver Post, Osweiler said that he would like to re-sign with the Broncos this offseason. Osweiler is in an interesting spot as he hits free agency, as he showed this season he has some strong potential as a starter in the NFL. The Broncos like what they have in Osweiler, but if Manning wants to return, there is a chance Osweiler may want to go elsewhere.
Manning likely will retire and that should make things a bit easier for the Broncos as they head into 2016. Osweiler had 10 touchdowns and six interceptions in nine games last season while completing nearly 62 percent of his passes. The offense also has Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson hitting free agency this offseason. Anderson is a restricted free agent and that means he is likely to return to the Broncos after being the best offensive player for the team in the Super Bowl. Hillman also could return, but there is a chance the team will let him walk in free agency.
