clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

What will John Elway and the Broncos do with the extra salary cap space?

They could sign/trade for a left tackle or, more realistically, save it for the 2018-19 season.

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Denver Broncos v Jacksonville Jaguars Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Good morning, Broncos Country!

The prevailing thought was that John Elway was saving his salary cap space for Tony Romo.

After the initial wave of moves in free agency a month ago, the Denver Broncos had around $20 million in cap space. Once Elway paid back loans from 2011 and ‘12 that totaled $4.5 million, it dropped to $16 million. The collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFLPA allowed teams to loan up to specific amounts that were due this year.

As it stands, Elway and the Broncos are still at $16 million in cap space. When you add the NFL Draft and rookie contracts, it drops to about $14 million. In 2016, the effective cap cost was around $1.5 million, so it's safe to presume the same will happen in 2017. And now that Romo is retired and moved to the broadcast booth for CBS, that money will not go to him (thanks, John Madden).

So what will Elway do with that extra space?

Most would prefer a left tackle since Denver still doesn’t have one, but a limited market has just about dried up save for King Dunlap and Ryan Clady. Some have thrown out a trade, but as Adam Malnati and I said on the latest Mile High Report Radio Podcast, there isn’t much of a trade market either. At this point with the moves the Cleveland Browns have made, especially on the offensive line, Joe Thomas seems like a far-fetched fantasy.

The other left tackle people throw out is Joe Staley with the San Francisco 49ers. That seems like the most realistic, but how receptive John Lynch would be to that move is a big question. And what would Elway have to deal to get Staley?

The other name I’ve seen is Jason Peters with the Philadelphia Eagles. There are two potholes with that, Peters’ age and his cap hit. He’s 35 and carries a $10.4 million hit when he's traded. As the Over the Cap points out, when a trade happens, any guaranteed money become the liability of the new team. Before a trade happens a restructure of the contract would probably have to happen. What makes this interesting is the Eagles are strapped for cap space and a Peters trade would save them $9.7 million. This Philly Voice story said a trade could come to fruition for a second- or even third-round pick. At this point, that's the most realistic option at left tackle for the Broncos.

Unless a move for Peters or Staley happens, Denver’s extra money more than likely won’t go to a left tackle. So at this point it’s a crap shoot. A veteran running back won’t happen given how deep the draft class is and the likelihood the Broncos add one in the early rounds.

As MHR community member Taylor Kothe mentioned to me a few weeks back, the most logical avenue for what Elway does with the $10 million extra in cap space is hold onto it.

The closer we get to the draft, the more in focus this will become. At this point, I agree with Taylor that Elway and the Broncos save this extra money for next season.

Broncos Tracks

Draft position breakdown: Wide receivers
When Washington's John Ross ran the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, he delivered a 4.22-second sprint that jolted the NFL. Where does he stack up among this year's draft class?

Sacco Sez: How 'victory formation' began
Have you ever wondered what began the trend of NFL teams kneeling down at the end of games?

Denver Broncos Draft Rewind: Re-Evaluating The Connor McGovern Selection - Denver - Scout
In a new series, Broncos Draft Rewind, Publisher Chad Jensen breaks down each of Denver's eight 2016 Draft picks almost one year later. Next up, Connor McGovern.

Next Question: Why are Sports Authority signs still on the Mile High stadium? | 9news.com
A Next Question that a few of you, like Brian, Bill, and Tye, have asked is why is Mile High still covered in signs calling it Sports Authority Field?

Broncos won’t be on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ in 2017 | Broncos Wire
The Denver Broncos won't be the featured team this summer on "Hard Knocks," a show produced by NFL Films and HBO.

AFC West Tracks

With no consensus on the draft’s top quarterback, Chiefs could have plenty to choose from | The Kansas City Star
While as many as four quarterbacks have been mentioned as possible first-round selections in this year’s NFL Draft, analysts and decision-makers agree only on this: there is no consensus on how they rank.

Kansas City Chiefs might finally end long first-round QB drought
It's been 34 years since the Chiefs spent a first-round pick on a player at the most important position. Is this the year they draft Alex Smith's heir?

A few thoughts on Colin Kaepernick and the Chiefs - Arrowhead Pride
Some people won’t like this idea but I’m just gonna go ahead and say it: Colin Kaepernick’s stock is so low, the Kansas City Chiefs should consider him.

Marshawn Lynch's mother: Oakland is home
The Raiders may have a not-so-secret weapon when it comes to convincing Marshawn Lynch to come out of retirement and sign with his hometown team.

Could Seahawks' Richard Sherman be traded to Raiders?
More than one former Seahawks star may potentially be headed to the Raiders.

Bookmakers put Saints, Raiders as favorites to acquire Richard Sherman - Silver And Black Pride
If anyone would like to put money down on where they think Richard Sherman will be playing next season, Bookmaker.eu has the odds on where that will be.

Uni Watch's Friday Flashback -- How the Chargers started the colored face mask revolution
Today everyone has a different colored face mask in the NFL, but most don't know where this all started.

Safety choice poses draft riddle for Chargers - The San Diego Union-Tribune
Which safety would better fit the Chargers -- Malik Hooker or Jamal Adams?

How I Felt About the Chargers in Free Agency - Bolts From The Blue
Let’s take a look at my overall thoughts of this year’s free agent class.

NFL Tracks

NFL gambling policy tested by arm-wrestling event in Las Vegas
Nearly three dozen NFL players are in Las Vegas this weekend for arm-wrestling event.

Nevada books to offer prop betting on NFL draft
NFL draft prognosticators, for the first time, will be able to put their money where their mouth is at Nevada sportsbooks now that the Nevada Gaming Control Board recently OK'd prop bets.

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Five teams trade up, while the Jets move down twice - CBSSports.com
After examining which teams could look to trade up, we put five deals on the board in our latest mock.

Leonard Fournette uneasy with Adrian Peterson comparisons - NFL.com
LSU RB Leonard Fournette is often compared to ex-Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, but Fournette himself isn't comfortable with the idea.

Stacking the best classes in NFL draft history
Using advanced metrics, we identified every NFL franchise's top draft class of all time. Then we ranked them from 1 to 32.

Stacking the worst classes in NFL draft history
Using advanced metrics, we identified every NFL franchise's worst draft class of all time. Then we ranked them from 1 to 32, locating the "worst of the worst."

One small-school prospect says NFL made him take part in staring contest at combine - CBSSports.com
That's one way to find out whether or not the kid has, um, concentration

Players we want to see un-retire from the NFL - NFL.com
In the spirit of the Tony Romo and Marshawn Lynch news, the Around The NFL crew gathered to compile a list of players and NFL personalities we'd most like to see get back in the business.

Where NFL players and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones differ on marijuana pot - 2017 offseason
The grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side of the table for NFL owners who assume their players would want a relaxation of the marijuana policy.

7 NFL teams whose Super Bowl windows are closing | FOX Sports
Not every window can stay open for 15 years like New England's.

Eli Manning: Brandon Marshall similar to Plaxico - NFL.com
Eli Manning has spent the better part of a decade without a receiver that can change his red-zone fortunes. The quarterback sees similarities between Brandon Marshall and Plaxico Burress.

Boldin still has 'passion' to play, in no rush to sign - NFL.com
Lost in free agency's veteran running back roulette and retirement rumblings is the fact that a potential future Hall of Fame wide receiver is still without a job, despite wanting one.

After an NFL lifetime, Gunther Cunningham, 70, ready for new gig - Detroit Lions Blog- ESPN
Gunther Cunningham, devoted to football since 1969, has changed course and will follow the game he loves via the world of advanced analytics.

NFL Network cut short Brian Baldinger’s suspension | ProFootballTalk
In November, NFL Network suspended commentator Brian Baldinger for six months after he said the Eagles should put a bounty on Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. Less than six months later, Baldinger is back.

NFL Pittsburgh Steeler Tyler Matakevich Adopts Puppy From Photo Shoot
Tyler Matakevich fell in love with his puppy partner at a shoot for the Show Your Soft Side campaign.

Cupid sacked: Aaron Rodgers and Olivia Munn are done - NFL.com
Hold that special someone close in your arms tonight. Don't let go. Tomorrow is promised to nothing and nobody, not even true love. Aaron and Olivia are no more.