According to ESPN's Jeff Legwold, there is a "chance" that the Broncos could move on from veteran outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware this offseason.
Legwold: A 'chance' Broncos move on from Ware https://t.co/9Pv7sI6PGL
— Rotoworld Football (@Rotoworld_FB) February 21, 2016
Legwold says that if Ware doesn't lower his cap number this offseason that the Broncos could decide to part ways with him.
Miller said he has "no doubt’’ Ware will return for his third season with the Broncos -- Ware’s 12th overall -- but Ware did miss five games with a back injury this past season with plenty of back/neck troubles previously in his career. His $11.67 million cap figure will likely be looked to for some adjustment. So, if he chooses to retire or does not want to re-work the deal at least somewhat, there is a chance he would not remain. The Broncos want to keep Trevathan as well, but with Miller, quarterback Brock Osweiler and defensive end Malik Jackson also on the Broncos’ free agency docket, Trevathan could get caught in the squeeze.
If the Broncos part ways with Ware, they will free up $10 million in cap space and take a $1.6 million dead money hit.
The extra cap space could go towards signing Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller to a long-term contract, or defensive end Malik Jackson, or possibly signing Brock Osweiler.
I think it's unlikely that the Broncos will just cut Ware this offseason. He still has a lot left in the tank and means too much to Von Miller and the team.
With that said, I believe the Broncos will approach Ware about a pay cut. He has dealt with injury issues the past two seasons, and the Broncos have two players who could ultimately replace Ware. Shaquil Barrett really stepped up this past year and could start on a bunch of other NFL teams right now. Also, the Broncos traded up and spent a first-round pick on Shane Ray this past April. So the Broncos have some leverage.
I think both sides will agree to something. If not? The Broncos get some much-needed cap space and have replacements already on the roster.
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