The Denver Broncos have been getting beaten up all offseason by free agency departures after winning the Super Bowl. In such an uncertain time for the organization no moves can be taken off of the negotiating table. With only $6 million in cap space, the Broncos are not even close to being able to sign a free agent quarterback worth any value whatsoever.
The Broncos traded for quarterback Mark Sanchez this offseason, but every football fan knows that is not a real answer. Thomas will count $15- million plus against the cap and will only keep getting more expensive. At 28, Thomas is entering the final phase of his prime and will likely begin to decline after 30, so trading him with a season worth of production left could be paramount for the Broncos.
Thomas has had at least 1,000 yards receiving since 2012, however he only recorded six touchdown receptions during the 2015 season. The Broncos will also need to pay Von Miller or sign him to a long-term deal, and his production is unquestioned. If you factor in the likely retirement or release of DeMarcus Ware, finding someone to provide pressure will be necessary, and managing the franchise's resources is a must.
Losing Osweiler does not particularly help matters either, as now the Broncos will either be forced to pay for Ryan Fitzpatrick or they will need to move up in the draft to have a shot at one of the top quarterback prospects available. Moving up in the draft will require some players to be shown the door, and Thomas may be the first person gone. After longing to win a Super Bowl for so long, the Broncos have found out that success also comes with a price. Most of their key free agents left immediately, and the Broncos were really in no position to retain them.
Seeing Malik Jackson, Danny Trevathan, Evan Mathis and your future franchise quarterback in Brock Osweiler all leave in free agency has to sting, especially when you're going to have to eventually replace them all. Osweiler, however, will be the hardest to replace, and even though Sanchez has Thomas at his disposal, I have very little faith in his ability and the Broncos' belief that he could lead this football team.
The same rings true for Colin Kaepernick, but at least he could get some wins with this strong defensive unit. Ultimately the Broncos will need to draft a quarterback, and that could come a lot quicker than most people believe. The Broncos should swing for the fences in this draft if they want a shot at repeating as Super Bowl Champions.
