Denver Broncos’ 2023 season: 8-9, missed playoffs
Overview: Sean Payton’s first season in Denver was anything but quiet. The Broncos gave up 70 points in September, then got it together and made a playoff push, then ultimately finished 8-9 and barely missed out on the postseason. But they also had a controversy with entrenched starting quarterback Russell Wilson, benching him before Week 17 clearing the way for the two to split up this offseason.
The only problem? The Broncos aren’t exactly in a great place with their cap space as is, and getting rid of Wilson is going to cost them. All signs are pointing toward a massive teardown in Denver as Payton and the newer ownership group get to shape the future of this franchise.
(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Key free agents
LB Josey Jewell
K Wil Lutz
Who’s in/out: The Broncos don’t have too many free agents walking out the door, but they may want to bring back kicker Wil Lutz, who had a nice bounceback campaign in his first year with the Broncos. Lutz completed 88.2% of his kicks after making only 74.2% the year before.
Key free agent needs
Quarterback
Edge
Cornerback
Why the holes? If (or when) they figure out how to move on from Wilson, the Broncos are going to have a huge hole to fill at quarterback. Even if the team does bring back Jarrett Stidham, they need to add someone else credible to that spot. There’s also room to upgrade the secondary around star cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
It’s looking like a major teardown in Denver under second-year head coach Sean Payton. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Do they have the money?
Not yet! According to Spotrac, the Broncos are $32.3 million over the projected 2024 cap space, giving them some tough decisions ahead as they figure out what to do with Russell Wilson.
Potential notable cuts
QB Russell Wilson
OT Garett Bolles
S Justin Simmons
Why they might be gone: Wilson’s relationship with the Broncos is probably too far gone, and with his play in recent years they might just have…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/denver-broncos-2024-nfl-offseason-primer-how-will-russell-wilson-situation-resolve-itself-013447427.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-02-23 01:34:47
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