On Friday, the Denver Broncos announced that they were placing the franchise tag on Justin Simmons. Simmons will remain in Denver at least through 2021, but reports are that the Broncos and Simmons are endeavoring to work out the terms of a long-term deal. Tuesday is the deadline for teams to designate franchise players.

In one week, the official tampering period opens and 48-hours later, free agency and the new league year will begin. It’s hard to look at the Broncos $30 million in salary cap space not think that they’re going to be active when the frenzy begins.

There are plenty of lingering questions as to which direction George Paton is going to take this Broncos team in 2021. Is a quarterback trade trade really an option? Now that no charges will be filed, what is to become of Von Miller? Can the Denver Broncos start to turn things around? As we go through this final full week before free agency, it’s possible that answers to some of these questions will come into clearer focus.

For better or for worse, things are about to start happening. Buckle in.

HORSE TRACKS

Tim Patrick: Drew Lock is doing the small things to become a great QB - ProFootballTalk

Tim Patrick proves to be reliable at WR for Denver Broncos | 9news.com
Patrick again seems to be looking from the outside in on the top 3 receiver positions.

John Elway's Odd Reason for His Bad Attitude Was Revealed in a Very Early Dallas Cowboys Scouting Report
John Elway's strange reason for his bad attitude was revealed by his father in a very early scouting report.

Mel Kiper's highest-graded quarterbacks ever for the NFL draft: John Elway ranks first since 1979, Trevor Lawrence makes the top 10
Our NFL draft analyst has been evaluating prospects for four decades. Who makes his all-time quarterback ranking?

Lions reportedly discussing a Chase Daniel trade - ProFootballTalk

If Seahawks trade Russell Wilson, what's their plan at quarterback? - ProFootballTalk

Image of possible new Bengals jersey leaks - ProFootballTalk

FMIA: In This 2021 NFL Draft Primer, Uncertainty Is No. 1 Overall Prospect - Peter King, NBC Sports
Peter King's Football Morning In America column begins with a 2021 NFL Draft primer featuring top quarterback prospects, rankings and more.

Chargers LB Denzel Perryman plans to test free agency
Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman plans to test the free agent market, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday, per Perryman's agent.

Tom Brady working with Buccaneers to extend contract, create cap space ahead of 2021 free agency - CBSSports.com
The 43-year-old quarterback's current deal expires in 2022

Jimmy Garoppolo remains Patriots' top QB target for 2021 as 49ers consider upgrade, per report - CBSSports.com
Garoppolo spent the first four seasons of his career in New England

Josh Gordon catches walk-off touchdown on 'Hail Mary' throw in Fan Controlled Football debut - CBSSports.com
Gordon had two TD catches in his FCF debut, days after his Seahawks release

Rams' Michael Brockers pumps breaks on J.J. Watt hype in NFC West: 'We all know who the real 9-9 is' - CBSSports.com
Brockers let the Cardinals know the Rams still have Aaron Donald

Bud Dupree free agency 2021: Latest news, rumors, scouting report and interested teams - CBSSports.com
Several vastly different scenarios are in play for Dupree's free agency

Multiple teams calling Eagles about Zach Ertz, deal could happen soon, per report - CBSSports.com
Ertz is heading into the final year of his contract