The Denver Broncos' depth chart at the tight end position could look vastly different next season as Julius Thomas, Virgil Green and Jacob Tamme are all set to become unrestricted free agents. As football fans have surely noticed by now, tight ends are crucial in any Peyton Manning-led offense. That's why having a viable option at the position is so important and why free agency will be very telling for Denver's offense.
John Elway has said that he views this draft class of TEs as a very deep and talented one, though not everyone agrees with him. With wide receiver Demaryius Thomas the clear top priority in free agency for Denver, it's possible that Julius Thomas could depart for a bigger contract on the open market later this month. If that were to happen, would the Broncos look to the NFL draft or free agency to replace him?
Mike Klis of the Denver Post believes that Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay, who is also set to hit the open market, could be the replacement Denver is looking for.
"With Ryan Tannehill, not Peyton Manning, at QB, Clay had more catches and yards the past two seasons (127 and 1,364) than Julius Thomas (108, 1,277)," Klis wrote.
Clay may not be the same type of red zone threat that Thomas is, but he is talented and still just 26. If the Broncos are unable or unwilling to keep Thomas around due to his contract demands, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them look elsewhere on the open market. Elway has been anything but shy when it comes to signing free agents and spending money since he took over front office duties in 2011. He knows that Denver's championship window is right now. Finding a suitable replacement one of Manning's favorite positions is a no-brainer.
