Horse Tracks: Broncos should pick up Roby's fifth-year option

Good morning, Broncos Country.

John Elway and the Denver Broncos have a lot to do in order to get our beloved franchise back to the playoffs next season.  With nearly $40 million dollars to use in free agency, as well as 10 selections in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft — the Broncos have the resources to make some big splashes and significantly improve their roster.

One of the under the radar moves the Broncos will have to consider this offseason is whether or not to pick up cornerback Bradley Roby's fifth-year option.  According to Joel Corry, the Broncos have until May 2 to make that decision.  Last offseason, the Broncos chose not to keep defensive tackle Sylvester Williams' for his fifth season, and he is set to hit free agency in just a few weeks.

Though the Broncos have invested significant money in their defensive backfield with big contracts for Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr. and Darian Stewart, they would be wise to keep Roby around for 2018 — a move that would guarantee him over $8 million dollars in salary for the 2018 season.

Roby is considered one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL, and an up and coming star who has the ability to make game-changing plays week in and week out. Despite the occasional lapse in coverage, Roby has been a tremendous player for the Broncos since being drafted in the first round in 2014. He has accumulated 144 tackles, two sacks, defended 31 passes, forced four fumbles and scored a handful of defensive touchdowns.

Truth be told, Roby has probably been one of the most successful draft picks John Elway has made in his tenure as general manager with the Broncos and there is absolutely no reason for the team not to keep him around for a fifth season.

For those worrying about how picking up Roby's fifth-year option may impact the teams' financial situation in 2018, OverTheCap has the Broncos slated to have nearly $50 million dollars in 2018.  That is with less than half a team under contract, but two full draft classes, plus any E/RFA's will significantly boost that number higher at a relatively cheap price. Furthermore, that doesn't include any potential cuts or restructures to high-priced players who have failed to perform to their high contracts, nor the outright cutting of players who likely don't have a future with the team.

In my humble opinion, it would be in the Broncos best interest to keep the No Fly Zone in tact for the next several seasons, and that means keeping around a versatile young playmaker like Roby through the 2018 season. He has made a significant impact in his first three years with the team, and I expect him to continue to blossom into one of the league's best corners as the years go on.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today's offering of Horse Tracks.

Horse Tracks

Mike Shanahan weighs in on the Broncos' quarterback competition
For Shanahan, one quarterback has a clear edge over the other. So who does he see under center for the Broncos next season?

Broncos OC Mike McCoy: 'I can make any of our quarterbacks better'
Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy said the Broncos will tailor their offense to suit the strengths of either Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch.

Also on Broncos' offseason to-do list: Get even more from Von Miller
Von Miller believes that if he made more sacks and forced more fumbles that the Broncos might have made the playoffs.

2017 franchise-tag predictions for all 32 NFL teams
As the franchise-tag window opens Wednesday, NFL Nation reporters predict which teams will use the tag and which players -- led by Kirk Cousins and Le'Veon Bell -- are most likely to be tagged.

Former wide receiver Robert Meachem jailed for not paying nearly $400K in alimony, child support
Ex-NFL wideout Robert Meachem can be released once $100,000 of the nearly $400,000 he owes in alimony and child support has been paid to his ex-wife, Andrea Rhodes.

Seahawks warned for Richard Sherman injury violation
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that the Seahawks were issued a warning by the league on Monday for violating the NFL's injury-reporting policy on Richard Sherman.

Jordan Reed: 'We got to bring' Kirk Cousins back
Tight end Jordan Reed has a plan for the Washington Redskins' offseason. That plan includes bringing back Kirk Cousins, Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson.

Mike Mayock's 2017 NFL Draft position rankings
With the NFL Scouting Combine just around the corner, Mike Mayock unveils his initial position-by-position rankings for the 2017 NFL Draft.