Just because the dust has barely settled on the Denver Broncos' ouster from the playoffs doesn't mean the team can sit back and relax now. Instead, Denver needs to get back to work and make a handful of critical decisions.
Here are the top issues the Broncos need to address this offseason.
1. Make a decision on head coach John Fox
Rumors swirled in late December that if the Broncos fell short of a Super Bowl victory for the third straight season, Fox could potentially be on the hot seat. Well, Denver suffered its second home loss in Fox's three seasons at the helm, and Denver brass could be looking for a scapegoat.
"I've seen all kinds of reports in the past," Fox said of his future with the team. "I'm sure I'll see some moving forward. I don't make those decisions, I don't control that. My intentions are to be a Denver Bronco and have been since I got here. It's not about me, it's about the football team."
Moving on from Fox could be easier than it seems on the surface. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has plenty of experience as a head coach and is receiving strong interest from the Oakland Raiders. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase, meanwhile, is one of the hotter names brought up in relation to head coaching vacancies around the league. Either could be viewed as a replacement should Denver feel it necessary to make a move.
General manager John Elway has spent a lot of money to maximize Peyton Manning's remaining Super Bowl window. If he thinks someone else can produce the desired results, he won't hesitate to make a change.
2. Re-Sign Demaryius Thomas
This one is a no-brainer. Thomas ranked second in the NFL in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,619) and tenth in touchdowns (11). He had the second most catches of 20-plus yards in the league.
"The Broncos have already had conversations with their star wide receiver about a contract extension, but those talks were tabled until after the season," ESPN's Field Yates wrote. "Much like defensive end J.J. Watt in Houston, Thomas has every desirable trait a team looks for in candidates for extensions/lucrative deals: His on-field talent is matched by his character and dedication to his craft off of it. It won't come cheap to sign Thomas, who recently turned 27, but as arguably the game's preeminent receiver, he's worth it."
Green Bay Packers No. 1 receiver Jordy Nelson signed a four-year extension worth $39 million over the summer. Thomas could easily top such a deal with an annual salary greater than $10 million.
3. Figure out what to do with Julius Thomas
The other touchdown-catching machine/matchup nightmare in Denver's passing attack is tight end Julius Thomas. Thomas finished the regular season with 43 receptions for 489 yards and 12 scores. Despite being a dominant redzone threat, the Broncos will have to seriously re-consider Thomas' future with the team. Denver has 17 players scheduled to become either restricted or unrestricted free agents this offseason. Deciding where best to allocate their available funds will be instrumental in keeping the team atop the AFC West.
"...It may not be quite as clear what path the Broncos should take with tight end Julius Thomas," Yates wrote. "That's not because he isn't a very good player, but rather due to financial management and cap planning for the Broncos. If the team is unable to reach a long-term deal with Demaryius Thomas, he's an easy choice for the franchise tag. In that scenario, Julius Thomas would have a shot to reach the open market. With a roster that has other young players eventually in line for an extension, there's probably a dollar value for Julius Thomas at which the team must draw the line."
