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Broncos could get several compensatory draft picks in 2016 - Horse Tracks

Julius Thomas, Orlando Franklin, and Terrance Knighton could still help the Broncos' future even if they don't return to Denver... A ton on Peyton Manning's potential return... Roger Goodell is a rich man... more in your Sunday Horse Tracks.

By kmonty
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos are entering another offseason where many of their big-named players are impending free agents. But just like last year, don't expect John Elway to break the bank.

One of the reasons - compensatory draft picks. The Broncos are expected to get a number of compensatory picks this offseason following last year's departures of Eric Decker, Zane Beadles, Knowshon Moreno and more. Next offseason could be similar, especially if Denver isn't able to resolve new contracts with tight end Julius Thomas, guard/tackle Orlando Franklin, and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, who OverTheCap.com suggests will net 4th, 4th, and 5th round compensatory picks respectively.

Denver is another team that appears several times, and just as last year it appears that the Broncos under John Elway differ from the Shanahan-led past in that they’re not afraid to move on from certain players. Among the teams that aren’t repeat candidates, Philadelphia stands out as a team that could stand to spend a little time thinking about comp picks in their plans for free agency.

Horse Tracks

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made $35 million in 2013 - The Denver Post
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made $35 million in 2013, according to tax returns submitted by the league.

Top stats to know: If Peyton Manning does play for Denver Broncos - ESPN
Manning has thrown for 69,691 yards in his career. He needs 2,147 yards to match Brett Favre’s record for most career passing yards. Manning's 179 wins are second most in NFL history. He's seven regular-season wins shy of Favre's record in that department. Manning has led the NFL in touchdown passes four times in his career, tied for the most instances with Len Dawson, Steve Young, Drew Brees and Favre.

Kickin' it with Kiz: Peyton Manning should take a pay cut - The Denver Post
That Manning wants to play football in 2015 isn't the real question. The issue is how often he will play like a $19 million quarterback. Of course the Broncos want him back, but wouldn't it be wise for Elway to ask Manning to play at a discounted price? Get inside the numbers and a smart football man would conclude it's unlikely Manning can consistently play at an elite level. A pay cut of $5 million or so could help shore up a shaky offensive line, which might be money well spent by a 39-year-old quarterback.

Laughable to think Mark Kiszla is a "smart football man" while John Elway is not. It's very unlikely Manning will take a paycut, folks. More on this later.

Paige: Peyton Manning worthy of comeback - The Denver Post
Manning and the Broncos are expected to make the official announcement of the quarterback's return within two weeks.

Mason's Mailbag: Franchise tag thoughts, Cody Latimer, QBs, and more
An assessment of Latimer's rookie season, and where he could be headed, leads off this installment of Andrew Mason's mailbag.

Coaching staff finalized with two final hires
The Broncos completed their coaching staff on Friday, announcing the last additions to the staff with new wide receivers and defensive backs assistant coaches.

Denver Broncos roster breakdown: Defensive line - ESPN
With the NFL's scouting combine set to open Tuesday and free agency to follow March 10, today marks the sixth installment of a position-by-position lo

Denver Broncos roster breakdown: Linebackers - ESPN
Team in good situation at position as it transitions from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 under new coordinator Wade Phillips.

New Denver Broncos defense aims to break (foes) more than it bends - The Denver Post
"You won't see a square stance from a defensive lineman, so to speak, where he's reading the play," defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. "This is an attack defense. I think people will be excited about this defense and how aggressive they play."

Oakland Raiders players getting into Ndamukong Suh mania - ESPN
Oakland Raiders players are talking up the possibility of the team making a run at free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Jack Del Rio confident second try with Bill Musgrave will benefit Raid - ESPN
Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio once fired offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave when Del Rio was the head coach in Jacksonville.

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