Broncos have decisions to make with restricted free agents Matt Paradis and Shaquil Barrett

The Denver Broncos have three Restricted Free Agents to attend to this offseason. Two are premier starters in center Matt Paradis and edge rusher Shaquil Barrett, while the third is backup wide receiver Bennie Fowler.

According to Mike Klis of 9News, the expected tender for Paradis and Barrett will be second rounders, while Fowler will get an original round tender. Spotrac projects that the second round tender will cost $2.9 million and the original round tender $1.9 million.

Paradis will absolutely be back with the team in 2018. I would expect John Elway to work out some sort of contract extension midseason with Paradis as he has done in previous years with quality players entering their prime like Chris Harris Jr. and Derek Wolfe.

For whatever reason, Klis thinks the Broncos do not see Barrett as an automatic for the second round tender. This appears to be a classic case of an undrafted or underdrafted player outperforming a first round pick at the same position, but not getting the respect they deserve. It certainly looks like Denver wants Shane Ray to suddenly get good in comparison to undrafted Barrett in 2018.

As for Fowler, he has been a good player for Denver. If they can keep him around for a mere $1.9 million, I think they would be happy to do so. However, I doubt they will match any offers if those come through.