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The staff ranked each of the 12 UFA set to hit the market from 1-12 in order of importance. If a player has a hig her number such as 12, they are LESS IMPORTANT to the roster--at least in our eyes. This first list will include players that the Broncos could afford to lose to the market, or players that the Broncos should let go without contention.
12. WR Wes Welker (11.48 staff average)
When the Broncos first signed Welker, it seemed like his addition would be a coup, hurting not only New England, but giving Denver the best WR trio in the NFL. The first season more or less went as planned. Though Welker failed to receive the amount of targets he did in NE, he still put up some gaudy TD numbers in the redzone.
Year 2 however began with a suspension on top of lingering concussion issues. By midseason, Welker was no more than a third down player. There is far less use for a slot-receiver in Gary Kubiak's offense. With a lot of two back and two TE sets, this is one free agent that the Broncos should let walk.
11. TE Jacob Tamme (11.18 staff average)
For many years Tamme has provided Manning with a security blanket when a 1st down needed to be picked up. This last season, the problem was Manning locked on him too often to the detriment of other more capable and open receivers. Add to that the fact that Tamme is more of a "tweener" or "finesse player" who also demands a larger vet salary and the Broncos are almost certain to let him walk.
10. S Quinton Carter (9.36 staff average)
Nothing much to say about a player who is perpetually injured.
9. DT Mitch Unrein (9.00 staff average)
Mitch is already at the bottom of the DT Rotation and switching to a 3-4 will make it harder for him to play the base package as a 5-tech.
8. Rahim Moore (7.55 Staff Average)
Rahim is a bit of a tweener in that some fans want him back and others don't. I'd have him back so long as he's cheap. Other than that, I have no qualms about trying to upgrade the safety position. Problem with that is the free agent class is thin as is the draft class.
From here, we have 7 left on the list and beginning tomorrow will preview each one individually as players the Broncos should make an effort to keep.
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