sign in sign up
<<
Home , Brendan Langley, Game manager, Josh Furman, Kliff Kingsbury, Marcus Peters, Rohan Davey

Why NFL combine week in Indianapolis will be the most important of the Broncos’ offseason By Nicki Jhabvala Denver Post Feb. 24, 2018

Wednesday evening, three days after arriving in Indianapolis for a week of watching and talking, Broncos general manager John Elway will stand in front of a crowd of reporters inside the Indiana Convention Center to discuss NFL prospects and and his evaluation process of both. He may even discuss players’ hand size, he’ll probably weigh in on the importance of interviews, emphasize the gigantic leap these players will take from college to the pros and, like last year and the year before that, answer many of the same questions about his impending roster revamp.

The NFL scouting combine has a routine and Elway has his script, but what really matters for that week — and for the days to follow — is what he doesn’t say, what he doesn’t show and what happens away from media.

Because while attention will be paid to some 300 prospects in the meat market of the combine (Feb. 27- March 5), the Broncos will have much more on their agenda. In addition to analyzing future draft picks, they’ll also planning their biggest moves of the offseason.

The combine, an event geared for the draft, is also where the foundation for many free agent moves is laid and where the Broncos will likely begin their roster revamp in earnest. And this year, the combine may be the most important yet in Elway’s seven-year tenure as an executive, as discussions will continue about not just his current list of future free-agent players, but likely those he targets, too.

The biggest piece The NFL’s anti-tampering policy bans under-the-table negotiating or comments of interest to players or agents of those players not currently on a team’s roster. The league allows a two-day legal tampering period before the new league year begins, promptly at 2 p.m. MT on March 14, and those 48 hours of lead-up are designed for such conversations. In that time, deals can be agreed upon but not signed.

But the foundations for those deals — the initial conversations, the back-and-forth over drinks — begin months in advance and are often solidified in Indianapolis, within a single square mile of the combine’s headquarters at neighboring bars and restaurants and hotels.

Indianapolis, remember, is where the Broncos met with DeMarcus Ware’s agent before restructuring his contract in 2016. It’s where they met with the representatives of several other free agents, including and Terrance Knighton, before contracts were later signed or withheld in 2015.

But the gray area in the NFL is huge.

Consider: Mike McCartney, the son of former Colorado football coach Bill McCartney, is the agent for Broncos . Once a starter, Siemian has one year remaining on his contract so discussion between the Broncos and McCartney about Siemian’s future is kosher by league rules.

McCartney is also the agent for quarterback Kirk Cousins, likely soon to be the highest paid player in the game. Since he’s not on the Broncos’ roster, his name technically can’t be discussed by the Broncos. Right.

Next week in Indianapolis is when the true suitors and their plan for trying to acquire Cousins will likely come into view. The Broncos could be one, along with the Vikings and the Jets and the Browns and the Cardinals and the Jaguars and the Bills — all with varying cap space and selling points. And whether it’s Cousins or another name, the Broncos have made it clear they need an an upgrade at quarterback.

“That position didn’t perform as well as we wanted it to,” Elway said at the team’s season-ending news conference in January. “I thought it would perform better than it did. It’s not just on them. I think there are a lot of circumstances that went into that and put them in tough situations. We didn’t perform as well as we liked. That’s obviously a position that we feel like we have to get better at going into the next season.”

Following two playoff-less seasons behind a rotating cast of starters, the Broncos need someone to grab hold at quarterback and many — especially current Broncos players — believe Elway will make a splash in the free-agent market to find his guy. It may be Cousins. It may be , who had a breakout season with Minnesota. It will most likely be someone not currently in Denver.

Should the Broncos land a free-agent quarterback and/or pick one high in the draft, they also have to figure out what to do with the other three on their roster: Siemian, Paxton Lynch and . Siemian, a seventh-round pick in 2015, went 13-11 as a starter but is likely the odd man out. If the Broncos do land a veteran or draft a quarterback at No. 5, he is expected to be shopped for a trade or released.

“We all understand how the quarterback position has a direct influence on your team plays. Obviously we have to get better there, whoever is going to be the quarterback,” coach said. “That being said, we can get better in a lot of areas, like protecting the quarterback, continuing to run the football better and to play dominant . Having a quarterback that help us become a more efficient and help us score more points and not turn the ball over, that can only help us get better. But we have to focus not only on that, but also on other parts of the football team.”

The other parts The Broncos’ biggest change may be at quarterback in 2018, but it won’t be the only one. Denver is currently on the hook for only about $5 million to all three quarterbacks in 2018.

Cousins is expected close land close to $30 million a year and perhaps more than $90 million in guarantees, and to make room the Broncos will have to make changes to their current stable of players. Two names atop the list of potential exits are and C.J. Anderson who, collectively, would create an additional $15.5 million in salary cap space if released.

“It’s our goal to keep all of our good players, but obviously it’s a business where every year you have to do a self-evaluation of what’s best for our football team,” Joseph said. “If those guys are the best fit for our football them, then they’ll be here. We want every player that can help us win football games here. But it’s also a business side that we have to consider.”

If Talib is released, the hunt for depth at cornerback in his absence will begin. The need for help on the offensive line still exists for the Broncos — it has for nearly five years now — and they could use additional offensive weapons at receiver, running back and tight .

Their starting inside , Todd Davis, and top reserve, Corey Nelson, will both be free agents in March and discussions about their future will surely take place in Indianapolis. Talks about talent on the defensive line could be had, too, as well as special teams.

All the while, Elway must balance maintaining one of his selling points in the Broncos’ defense while revamping their glaring weakness.

“I really don’t like taking away from a strength,” he said. “If it’s a known strength and you’re not that positive that you’re going into another strength, I like what I know rather than what I might not know even though I think it might help us.”

The strategizing in Indianapolis may come to fruition in the weeks to come. But while most eyes will be on the prospects and the talk will be on the upcoming draft, the week ahead is about much more.

“We want to find players that will help us get better in all aspects,” Joseph said. “Obviously the quarterback, that’s a big topic in the city, but we want to find players that we can get better at in a lot of positions and not just with just one. But simply finding Broncos, guys who are going to do it our way and do it for the team first.”

Broncos receive third-round compensatory draft pick in 2018 By Nicki Jhabvala Denver Post Feb. 24, 2018

The NFL on Friday awarded the Broncos one compensatory draft pick, in the third round at No. 99 overall, giving them a total of 10 selections in the upcoming draft.

The 32 compensatory picks are gives to teams who lost more or better free agents than they acquired the previous year. Last year the Broncos lost starting offensive tackle Russell Okung, as well as nose tackle Sylvester Williams, backup cornerback Kayvon Webster and outside linebacker Dekoda Watson in free agency.

The Broncos are among eight teams that received one compensatory pick. The Vikings received two; the Texans and Cardinals each received three; and the Raiders, Packers, Cowboys and Bengals each received four.

Since 2015, the Broncos have been awarded a total of 12 compensatory picks, some of which have landed the Broncos eventual starters. Cornerback Brendan Langley (No. 101) and quarterback Chad Kelly (No. 253) were chosen with two of the team’s four compensatory picks in 2017. The year prior, safeties Justin Simmons (No. 98) and Will Parks (No. 219), as well as running back Devontae Booker (No. 136) were taken with compensatory picks. And in 2015, guard (No. 133) and quarterback Trevor Siemian (No. 250) were selected with extra picks.

This year, in addition to the team’s own seven selections, they received two picks from trades: A fourth- round selection was acquired from San Francisco in a draft-day trade for Kapri Bibbs, and a fifth-round pick was received in a September trade with Atlanta for tackle .

Compensatory picks can be traded, and with 10 selections and more than $26 million in projected salary cap space, the Broncos have options as they begin to retool their roster.

Broncos 2018 draft picks Rd. 1, No. 5 (own) Rd. 2 (own) Rd. 3 (own) Rd. 3, No. 99 (compensatory) Rd. 4 (own) Rd. 4 (via San Francisco, Kapri Bibbs trade) Rd. 5 (own) Rd. 5 (via Atlanta, Ty Sambrailo trade) Rd. 6 (own) Rd. 7 (own)

The 2018 NFL draft offers impressive group of . The position could become a big need for the Broncos. By Nick Kosmider Denver Post Feb. 24, 2018

Broncos’ players don’t have to be economists to know that a push for a high-priced free-agent quarterback in the next few weeks will likely require some financial maneuvering from the team’s front office.

Thus, with one swift roster decision, one of the Broncos’ biggest strengths could turn into a major question mark. The contract of cornerback Aqib Talib, who has earned a nod in each of his four seasons in Denver, presents an opportunity to create necessary salary cap room. The Broncos would free up $11 million in cap space by trading or releasing the 32-year-old.

Such a move would demonstrate ample faith in former first-round pick Bradley Roby, who would move into a starting role alongside Chris Harris. But it would also leave the Broncos with concerns at the third cornerback spot that has been successfully manned the past four seasons by Roby.

The Broncos’ third-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft, Brendan Langley, played sparingly at cornerback as a rookie and faltered in his lone big appearance, a loss at Oakland in which Talib was ejected in the first quarter. , an undrafted free agent out of UCLA, showed some flashes of promise late last season but is virtually untested.

The potential jettisoning of Talib could mean the Broncos search early in the draft for insurance at a key position in a pass-happy league. Here are five cornerbacks to watch at next week’s NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis:

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama: The All-American and two-time national champion is the Swiss Army Knife of this draft on the defensive side. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound can line up and dominate outside, in the slot and at safety. Though Fitzpatrick was listed as a safety at Alabama, he could very well play corner in the NFL. The view of Fitzpatrick, regardless of the position he plays, is that he’s as close to a sure thing as there is in this draft, and he just may be its best overall prospect.

Grabbing Fitzpatrick early in the first round — in the event the Broncos part ways with Talib — would help ensure Denver’s secondary remains a strength.

Joshua Jackson, Iowa: The 6-1, 192-pound Jackson led all FBS players last season in (eight) and total passes defensed (26). He landed firmly on the NFL’s first-round radar when he intercepted three passes in a mammoth upset of Ohio State last fall.

Jackson followed up that performance one week later by returning two interceptions for in a loss to Wisconsin. His massive plays on such big stages have catapulted him toward the top of the class of cornerbacks in this year’s draft.

Denzel Ward, Ohio State: Ward has the tools to follow Roby and 2017 defensive rookie of the year and become the next former Ohio State defensive back to excel at the NFL level. At 5-10, 191 pounds, his size may be a slight deterrent. Ward is constantly around the ball. He broke up 15 passes and intercepted two more as a junior in 2017.

Isaiah Oliver, Colorado: When searching the necessary combination of size, speed and athleticism required to succeed at cornerback, examining an all-conference decathlete is not a bad place to start.

Oliver’s length (6-1 with a long reach) and speed — he’s run a 10.7-second 100-yard dash — helped him earn all-Pac-12 honors last season, which came on the heels of a standout year on the track. During his three years in Boulder, Oliver broke up 29 passes and picked off three passes, and he showed promise as a punt returner. He has a chance, with a good showing in Indianapolis next week, to slide into the first round of April’s draft.

Mike Hughes, Central Florida: Hughes was a key member of a Central Florida team that went undefeated in 2017 and beat Auburn in the , and he has a knack for making big plays.

The 5-11, 185-pound Hughes scored four touchdowns last season — one return, a punt return and two kickoff returns. He also had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and forced a . Hughes is among the corners with the most to prove at the combine given his relative inexperience.

Siemian, Osweiler respond to teammates, bosses desire for new QB By Mike Klis 9NEWS Feb. 24, 2018

This wasn’t getting thrown under a bus.

This was the ’ current group of quarterbacks getting run over by a wave of M-1 Abrams tanks.

It started Christmas Eve when Broncos star defensive players Brandon Marshall and , among others, all but invited the Washington quarterback that just beat them that day, Kirk Cousins, into their locker room.

General manager John Elway and Vance Joseph – while making sure to point out the Broncos’ troubles during their 5-11 season could not be solely blamed on their quarterback play -- have also been transparent in expressing a need to upgrade the position during the offseason.

Several players have continued to either publicly recruit Cousins through social media, or state during interviews the need for a quality quarterback.

Um, gee, fellas. Anyone consider what Trevor and Brock might think? They combined to start 14 of the Broncos’ 16 games last season. No one blamed them by name. But, yes, during phone interviews with 9NEWS, Trevor Siemian and were aware of the comments that indirectly were less-than- flattering.

“It’s understandable,’’ Siemian said. “We won five games last year. In this league playing quarterback, you’re judged on wins and losses. I get it. It’s part of the deal.

“I just wish I would have done some things differently. It would have been nice to play a little better and get us a few more wins. But I’ll look back and I’ll learn from it and be better for it.’’

It’s not surprising Siemian, who was 5-5 in 10 starts last season, responded from the high road. It’s consistent with the strong character he has demonstrated during his two seasons as the Broncos’ primary starting quarterback.

Osweiler, who started four games and came off the bench in another to rally the Broncos to victory at Indianapolis, was also his usual positive, philosophical self.

“Players, coaches, teammates, everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinion,’’ Osweiler said. “The beautiful thing about being able to live in this country is not only are you entitled to your opinion, but you can speak it.

“I think every one of my teammates and coaches would agree that every single day I put my teammates first, before myself. I work as hard as I possibly can to be a great teammate, to be able to perform my role at my highest ability and you know what? Those opinions aren’t going to change how I approach the game.’’

Siemian and Osweiler combined to start 14 of the Broncos’ 16 games last season. Paxton Lynch got the other two. Lynch, though, is the quarterback most likely to return in 2018.

Siemian, who is to draw a quarterback-cheap $1.92 million salary in the final year of his contract, may be traded or released.

“I don’t have any comment for you,’’ Siemian said about the possibility he will be moved this offseason. “It is what it is. It’s a business. We’ll see what happens.’’

Osweiler will be an unrestricted free agent for the third time in three years on March 14.

“I told John at the end of the season that I would love to be a Bronco,’’ Osweiler said, referring to the exit interview all players had with Elway on Jan. 2, the day after their season ended. “And I’d love to finish my career as a Bronco. I told him regardless of what role I have, being a Bronco is something I take great pride in and is something that means a lot to me.

“What we did last season is unacceptable. And I told John that I want to come back and be part of the solution. To help fix the football team and get things back to where they should be, the way the Denver Broncos operate.

“At the end of the day, those things are out of my control. Whether I’m a Bronco or not, that’s in other people’s hands. But I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. And I’m looking forward to the future whatever that may hold.’’

Derek Wolfe on future with Broncos: "I’m going to live here the rest of my life no matter what'' By Mike Klis 9NEWS Feb. 24, 2018

A healthy would help the Broncos improve in 2018.

Wolfe says he’s undoubtedly healthy after Foraminotomy surgery and stem-cell treatment addressed the neck injury and complications that forced him to miss a combined seven games the past two years. But there is some question whether he will be a Bronco this year because of financial concerns.

“A guy of my caliber is making $12 million to $15 million a year,’’ Wolfe said in an interview with 9News this week. “And I make $8 million a year. I think they’re getting a pretty good deal with me.

“But if they want to let me go, this is business. I’m not going to have any hard feelings. I love this team. I love this city. This is where I’m going to live. I’m going to live here the rest of my life no matter what.’’

Wolfe, though, may not be as vulnerable to leaving Denver’s roster as other standouts making good money. It’s not just a relatively high salary that makes an NFL player susceptible to the trading block. It’s good money and having a younger alternative behind him.

Wolfe does not have a young player behind him who is ready to play at his caliber, at least not until the Broncos’ past two, second-round picks Adam Gotsis and DeMarcus Walker further develop.

The two Broncos more frequently mentioned as possibly moving on -- cornerback Aqib Talib and running back C.J. Anderson – are backed up by young players who appear ready for more playing time.

Bradley Roby was not only the Broncos’ No. 3 cornerback the past four seasons, his salary is about to jump from $1.018 million to $8.526 million.

At running back, Devontae Booker and De’Angelo Henderson flashed promise in 2017 and the Broncos would like to draft another running back this year.

Even relatively inexpensive quarterback Trevor Siemian could be moved in part because the Broncos may not be ready to give up on former first-round pick Paxton Lynch.

What’s certain is the Broncos can’t stay with status quo following a 5-11 season. No doubt, the team will confront difficult decisions with some of their better players.

“I think every team does,’’ said Broncos head coach Vance Joseph. “Our goal this offseason is to keep the best players we can and find the right players for our football team. I think every team has those same issues every offseason. It’s no different here.’’

Russell Okung leaves parting gift for Broncos By Troy Renck KMGH Feb. 24, 2018

Russell Okung arrived in Denver with promise. He left after one season, trailed by criticism.

The left tackle failed to solidify the position for the Broncos, and, when his price inflated on the open market, Denver declined to pursue him. The signed Okung, who rebounded with a Pro Bowl berth.

In the process, he left the Broncos with a parting gift. The NFL announced compensatory picks Friday based on net gains and losses in free agency. The Broncos received a third-round pick, 99th overall, based largely on Okung's defection to Los Angeles. It leaves the Broncos with 10 picks overall, including two in the third round. It represents an interesting cache, leaving the Broncos with a supply to potentially maneuver in the draft.

The Broncos need a strong class after last year's misses. Only , the first-round pick, became a starter and regular contributor. The view of the group could change if returns healthy (he sat out last year following his second ACL surgery) and undrafted free agent safeties Jamal Carter and Dymonte Carter and cornerback Marcus Rios continue to progress.

As teams trade and cut players around the league, the Broncos face tough decisions with cornerback Aqib Talib, Derek Wolfe and running back C.J. Anderson. Even without making a move, the Broncos received a boost on Friday. The Chiefs agreed to trade All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters to the on the heels of jettisoning quarterback to Washington. The two were among City's best players the previous two seasons. As one veteran Broncos player told me Friday, "This helps us."

The Peters deal drives home the point that there should be suitors for Talib if the Broncos look to trade him. He is due $11 million next season, but has made four consecutive Pro Bowls with Denver. Talib, 32, also avoided issues with a back injury that sidelined him in 2016. If the Broncos move on from Talib, they will absorb a $1 million cap hit.

Wolfe is much more likely to stay, but his inability to finish the previous two years healthy forced his name into the business decision discussion. He would create a $3.75 million cap hit if released, though it would free the Broncos of his $8 million salary in 2018 and 2019. Anderson is vulnerable because of his salary and the Broncos' willingness to provide Devontae Booker a chance to start. Anderson could find a home in Miami after his career season if he becomes available. Anderson knows coach Adam Gase and running backs boss well from their days in Denver.

Broncos awarded compensatory pick in 2018 NFL Draft By Ben Swanson DenverBroncos.com Feb. 24, 2018

The Broncos received a third-round compensatory draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the NFL announced Friday.

Denver will have the 35th pick in the third round and the 99th-overall pick for the free-agent loss of tackle Russell Okung, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after one season with the Broncos.

The Broncos currently hold 10 picks in the upcoming draft:

Round How Acquired

1 Own

2 Own

3 Own

3 Compensatory Pick

4 Own

4 From San Francisco for RB Kapri Bibbs and a 5th-2017

5 Own

5 From Atlanta for T Ty Sambrailo

6 Own

7 Own

With previous compensatory picks, the Broncos have selected the following players in recent years:

2017: CB Brendan Langley (third round, 101st overall), QB Chad Kelly (seventh round, 253rd overall) 2016: S Justin Simmons (third round, 98th overall), RB Devontae Booker (fourth round, 136th overall), S Will Parks (sixth round, 219th overall) 2015: G Max Garcia (fourth round, 133rd overall), QB Trevor Siemian (seventh round, 250th overall), CB (seventh round, 251st overall), S Josh Furman (seventh round, 252nd overall)

ProTour diary: DBC Sara recaps her trips to three military bases By Staff DenverBroncos.com Feb. 24, 2018

When I look back on my ProTour, I cannot seem to find the words to explain the impact it had on me. However, I assure you, I will do my best.

Growing up in the United States, we grow up with an appreciation for our military because of things we see on the news and hear about on TV. What we don’t realize is that words like sacrifice, and bravery aren’t just words, they are truths that the servicemen and women I met on my tour live by everyday.

I was very fortune to visit such amazing bases on my ProTour with Armed Forces Entertainment, because all the bases I went to were secluded. The men and women stationed at these bases could not be with their families, and they had limited resources and limited Wi-Fi to communicate with their loved ones back home. To see these things firsthand makes you realize that the sacrifices extend past the services members themselves, but to their families and friends.

Starting in Greenland, we landed at Thule Air Base. In Thule, there is nothing but the air base. There was no town, one grocery store, one community center for recreational activities and just 20 minutes of daylight each day. Although these things sound harsh and almost unlivable, the service members at Thule were incredible. They were happy, they were lively, they were passionate about their jobs. They took Thule for what it was, and they embraced it. Just sitting down and talking about their families back home, or playing basketball, or bowling, the service members in Thule reminded us that life is all about what you make of it.

We got stuck in Thule for a few extra days, which allowed us to meet and spend time with the rest of the men and women at the base. The best part of getting stuck was sitting on the floor with everyone singing songs while Joey played music on his guitar. It was great to just share a few hours with these amazing people, living in a moment that I will never forget.

From there we went to Honduras, which was completely different from Greenland. We landed at the Honduran airport, about an hour and a half away from Soto Cano Air Base. This base was interesting because it was not designated to one branch of military. Our time there was short, but I had another memorable moment there. We were watching the with some Army members where I started up a conversation with a shy guy. It was hard to ignore the giant scar that crossed his face. He started talking about how great Honduras had been until he was out in the town one day and saw a man leaning over a woman beating her. He went in to save the women, but the man came at his face with a broken beer bottle. In this moment, I realized that our service members are not only protecting our rights and freedoms in the US, but they are making the whole world a safer place. This man was a true example of a hero to me. He didn’t care that he had a scar, he only cared that the woman being injured was OK.

My last stop was El Salvador. In El Salvador the base is called an embassy. Our naval troops cannot stay on base, so they stay at a hotel. We shared an amazing day in El Salvador. We went to the embassy to do a short performance, tour around and get a firsthand look at the Blackhawk helicopters. That afternoon, we got to just sit and talk with everyone on base. We got to meet some Navy SEALs that drove about two hours to meet us, and we got to do some tap dancing with some naval members that had danced in their younger years. This afternoon was memorable because it felt normal. It felt good to sit and talk about people’s lives at home — their kids, their dogs, things they missed. It felt good to hear about everything they couldn’t wait to get back home to.

Realistically, I cannot put into words all the incredible moments I had on my tour. The best I can do is tell you that every moment I spent with a service member from any branch, at any grade, was inspiring. It taught me so much about our military, our country's battle and the world we live in. One of the greatest things I heard on this tour was, “Sometimes we even forget we are human, but it was really nice for you guys to come here and remind us.” The people we met were not just service members. They were dads, moms, sisters, brothers and friends. They are people just like us, and I am forever grateful for the bravery and sacrifices that they make every day to keep us safe and free.

Chiefs trade star Marcus Peters as smart AFC West rivals steepen the climb for Denver Broncos By Paul Klee Colorado Springs Gazette Feb. 24, 2018

Paying a coach $100 million when he hasn't coached a playoff game in 16 years doesn't necessarily qualify as smart. But give the Raiders a pass. At least they're moving out of Oakland and committed (their wallet) to excellence.

(Which beats a commitment to excrement, as Gazette colleague Woody Paige once wrote.)

Oakland hiring for a stack of cash so far has headlined the AFC West's offseason. It also showed Denver's climb is growing steeper by the day.

The Chiefs became a more severe long-term threat Friday when they traded star cornerback Marcus Peters to the Rams. On the surface it looks like a blow to Kansas City: Peters is 25 and shows 21 interceptions in three seasons. The Chiefs will be better off in the long run without Marcus Peters. If Peters is that much of an asset, why did K.C.'s defense rank 30th (out of 32) in DVOA and why would a franchise move on from a 20-something All-Pro at a premium position?

Easy. Peters isn't worth the trouble. As I wrote in August in a column on John Elway and the anthem protests, "it's a business," as players like to say.

When guys hurt the bottom line — and you should've heard some of the fan vitriol aimed at Peters when the Broncos played at Kansas City — teams make a business decision to rid themselves of bad optics, whether you agree with their politics or not. Peters in conservative K.C. was bad for business.

Then there's the Raiders and Chargers, quietly building from sharp decisions in the draft with early round studs , Khalil Mack, Melvin Ingram, . Yes, it's too early to know about in Kansas City, but it looks like, for now, all three division rivals can say they have a franchise quarterback and nobody will chuckle. The Broncos can't say that.

The AFC West was a bummer in 2017. Thanks to some savvy decision-making from all corners — and K.C. dispatching one — going forward it's no joke.

Kirk Cousins-to-the-Broncos is such a great fit it almost hurts By Paul Klee Colorado Springs Gazette Feb. 24, 2018

Kirk Cousins should take the money and run. The most money, as much as he can tug from his next NFL employer. Grab it and sprint to the nearest Wells Fargo, buy an island, donate to the Humane Society where he adopted his dog, open a coffee shop named “You like that?!”, help people.

Cash in, Captain. Have you seen the size and speed of the mercenaries trying to break his body? Cousins should request a king's ransom while he can still walk without a limp and remember where he put the car keys. He's the most coveted free agent since in 2012. Take advantage.

Where will Cousins play in 2018 and beyond? Follow the money.

As a player and a person, Cousins-to-the-Broncos is such a great fit it almost hurts. Not only would he give the Broncos a franchise quarterback who can win the game on a rare off day for the defense; his bravado and faith immediately would balance the chutzpah found on the defense at Dove Valley. Ever since Manning retired, the locker room has been imbalanced, pride (defense) and hide (offense).

But Cousins-to-the-Broncos is not what folks around these hills should be rooting for. Oh, no. The best long-term scenario for the Broncos is John Elway and his band of talent evaluators — Gary Kubiak now has an office at Dove Valley, a smallish space described to me as a cubbyhole, but an office nonetheless — nailing their first-round pick with a quarterback who doesn’t break the bank.

Then you’ve got options. You’ve got options to sign an offensive tackle like Buena Vista’s Nate Solder and, suddenly, field one of the better offensive lines in the league. You’ve got options to sign a linebacker who can cover these elusive tailbacks and tight ends who plague the Broncos every year. You’ve got the option of keeping Aqib Talib, the heart and soul of the “No Fly Zone.” I like options. Don't you?

The Broncos roster has more holes than folks around these hills care to admit. Cousins fills one, the biggest one, but at what cost? The best value in sports is a capable QB on a rookie contract. As a card- carrying member of the Bad Baker Band, my draft preference is in print. Make mine Mayfield, the polarizing winner out of Oklahoma. But with this many ex-quarterbacks in the room — Elway, Kubiak and Vance Joseph at the top — the front office should be able to identify the right quarterback for the Broncos.

This should be a positive time for the Broncos. There’s beloved owner Pat Bowlen’s inevitable enshrinement in the Hall of Fame, and Denver is a finalist to host the NFL draft in 2019 or 2020. Why not host the latter at Red Rocks?

But the quarterback quandary hangs over the operation like the brown cloud on a calm day.

Follow the money. That’s what Cousins should do. He’s 29 with a wife, baby boy and a rescued Goldendoodle named Bentley. This is Broncos Country, but it’s also dog country, and there’s no doubt Bentley’s fam would fit right in.

Cousins is the best quarterback available, and guys like Von Miller know it.

“I would like to have Kirk,” Miller said on the Dan Patrick Show.

I would like to have Cousins here, too.

Just not at this price: $60 million guaranteed — in the first year, what the Jets could offer Cousins, according to the New York Post. Or a fully guaranteed contract, which could happen with Cousins, according to ProFootballTalk. Times change, but only two of the past 10 Super Bowl-winning QBs made more than $8 million the season they won the big game. And Peyton Manning and accepted less than what they are worth to win Super Bowls.

At no point since 1994 has the Super Bowl champion plunged more than 13 percent of its cap space into the starting quarterback, according to Zack Moore of OverTheCap.com. A $30-million annual salary would represent roughly 16 percent of a team's payroll. You need good players everywhere.

When I left Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field in November, it wasn't 's powerful right arm that stood out. It was the sheer talent up and down the most complete roster in the NFL, a roster so deep it withstood the loss of Wentz and still succeeded. Before the Eagles won the Super Bowl, they showed the gap between a championship roster and Denver's: 51-23.

Where will Cousins go? The Broncos should follow the money — then hunker down with all those front- office quarterbacks and draft the right one.

Patriots' QB succession plan; Marcus Peters trade assessment By Bucky Brooks NFL.com Feb. 24, 2018

Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. The topics of this edition include:

-- AJ McCarron's potential upside heading into free agency.

-- Why the Chiefs' decision to trade Marcus Peters doesn't add up.

-- An honest assessment of Jarvis Landry's value.

But first, a look at how the Patriots have learned to develop the guy behind the guy ...

* * * * * *

It's hard to find franchise quarterbacks in the NFL, but it appears the have cracked the code on the position, based on their success with Tom Brady and a handful of other signal-callers who have made their mark in the league. Although TB12 is unquestionably the G.O.A.T, as a five-time Super Bowl winner, the performances of and Jacoby Brissett as QB2s-turned-starters have led others to pay close attention to the Patriots' "draft and develop" plan at the position.

After taking some time to study New England's approach -- and the players it has developed at the position -- I noticed the team typically takes a quarterback every other year or so to ensure a young passer's in the pipeline. From Brady's selection as a sixth-round pick in 2000 to the Brissett pick in the third round in 2016, the Patriots have taken nine quarterbacks in the draft over the past 18 years. Here's the list:

-- Tom Brady, 2000 (sixth round) -- , 2002 (fourth) -- , 2003 (sixth) -- , 2005 (seventh) -- Kevin O'Connell, 2008 (third) -- Zac Robinson, 2010 (seventh) -- Ryan Mallett, 2011 (third) -- Jimmy Garoppolo, 2014 (second) -- Jacoby Brissett, 2016 (third) *New England also added as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

Interestingly, the Patriots spent the early part of the 2000s investing in low-round picks at the position. Part of that could be attributed to the team's defensive-centric emphasis during that period. The Patriots won three of four Super Bowls from 2001 through '04 with the defense sparking the championship runs. The quarterback was expected to play his part as a game manager with a premium placed on judgment and ball security. Given the team's success with that formula, the need to invest in a playmaking quarterback wasn't a big priority on draft day.

In 2007, New England transformed into an offensive juggernaut, with Brady, Randy Moss, and others lighting up scoreboards around the league. And in 2008, the QB draft philosophy appeared to change. With the second and third round reserved for developmental prospects, the Patriots have concentrated their recent efforts on finding future QB1 prospects pretty often.

Looking at the common denominator between the Patriots' recent quarterback additions, I believe it comes down to being a four-year college player -- including at least two years as a starter -- with a number of significant wins and ideally a 2:1 -to-interception ratio. Let's compare the Patriots' drafted quarterbacks from 2008 and beyond:

-- O'Connell: Four-year starter at San Diego State with a 57.7 completion percentage and a 46:34 TD-to- INT ratio. -- Robinson: Three-year starter at Oklahoma State with a 61.1 completion percentage and a 66:31 TD-to- INT ratio. -- Mallett: Two-year starter at with a 57.8 completion percentage and a 69:24 TD-to-INT ratio. -- Garoppolo: Four-year starter at Eastern Illinois with a 62.8 completion percentage and a 118:51 TD-to- INT ratio. -- Brissett: Two-year starter at N.C. State with a 59.5 completion percentage and a 46:15 TD-to-INT ratio.

With Garoppolo and Brissett, in particular, the Patriots hit the jackpot, landing a pair of developmental quarterbacks who quickly grasped the system and approach. Both passers were efficient and effective playing "connect the dots" football, and their proficiency suggests the team understands how to groom young passers for prime roles.

"They have a system that's been place for years," an AFC defensive coordinator told me. "The concepts and schemes don't change, so they are able to plug in players, particularly smart ones, without skipping a beat. If the quarterback does his job, the offense flows and you have a tough time slowing them down. It takes a lot of discipline on [the QB's] part, but if he trusts his reads, they will always put him in a position to succeed."

As simple as it sounds, it is hard to find quarterbacks with the discipline, aptitude and skill to thrive in a structured offense that places a premium on IQ over spectacular physical traits. Sure, the Patriots want passers with average to above-average arm talent and adequate athleticism, but they really want quarterbacks willing to stick to the script.

As I survey the 2018 QB class looking for potential Patriots -- since Garoppolo and Brissett both departed last year via trade -- I believe there are three guys capable of filling the role as the developmental quarterback with long-term potential.

Luke Falk, Washington State: Initially a walk-on at Wazzu, Falk became a three-year starter for the Cougs. He's a high-IQ player with a strong resume, having run Mike Leach's "Air Raid" system quite efficiently. Falk completed over 68 percent of his passes with a spectacular 119:39 TD-to-INT ratio. Although he lacks a big arm, he is a pinpoint passer adept at working the field as a horizontal playmaker. With Falk also comfortable executing run-pass checks at the line of scrimmage and moving the offense in no-huddle fashion, Falk could be a nice fit as a cerebral QB2 with mid-round value.

Kyle Lauletta, Richmond: The MVP was a three-year starter with intriguing potential as a small school standout. Lauletta flashes a quick release and adequate arm talent as a mid-range passer with an evolving game. He finished his career with a 63.5 completion percentage and a 73:35 TD-to-INT ratio. Given his success on the all-star circuit, Lauletta could intrigue the Patriots as a developmental player.

Mike White, Western Kentucky: As a five-year college player with almost three full seasons of starts on his resume, White is an experienced passer with a refined game. As a quick-rhythm thrower with above- average arm talent, he is at his best working a mid-range game that allows him to fire the ball to receivers on a variety of "catch, rock and throw" tosses under 10 yards. He stretches the field from east to west with his horizontal throws, but occasionally takes a shot down the field along the boundary. With a completion rate of 66.4 percent and a 63:15 TD-to-INT ratio over the past two seasons, White has the production to match his immense talent and potential as a developmental QB.

I don't know why the mere suggestion of McCarron as a potential starting quarterback elicits such a strong response from scouts, writers and the -verse, but the naysayers questioning the former Heisman Trophy runner-up's ability to lead a team as a QB1 continue to get it wrong. In a league where we're about to see Kirk Cousins break the bank as the hottest quarterback on the market and Case Keenum and Nick Foles championed as viable starters, there is no doubt in my mind that McCarron can be a No. 1 guy on a team in need of a quarterback.

While that suggestion might make you spit out your coffee or roll your eyes, I will double down on my belief in the fifth-year pro. Since the 2014 pre-draft process, I've touted McCarron as an intriguing quarterback prospect with all of the tools needed to be a winner in this league. From his winning pedigree (36-4 career record as a starter for the Crimson Tide, with a pair of national titles) to his keen understanding of situational football and efficient numbers (77:15 TD-to-INT ratio with a 66.9 percent completion rate) to his competitive arrogance and underrated passing skills, I believed he checked off all of the boxes coming out of Alabama to be a quality NFL starter.

Now, I certainly understood why some scouts weren't fully on board with my assessment, based on questions about McCarron's arm strength and lack of athleticism. But I believed his intangibles (confidence, work ethic, football IQ and leadership skills) exceeded his physical deficiencies. And I would've taken him with a first-round pick -- if I had a strong supporting cast in place that would allow him to play as a game manager or complementary playmaker under center.

Although the rest of the league didn't share my high opinion of McCarron -- as evidenced by his selection in the fifth round behind guys like Blake Bortles, , Tom Savage and Aaron Murray -- I remained optimistic about his chances after speaking to several Bengals coaches about his progress as a player during his first few years with the team. And I've heard positive reviews from other league folks outside of the organization, too.

"I like him for what he is," an NFC pro personnel director told me. "He's a limited passer, but coming from Alabama, he's a winner, and he's proved that he knows how to play team football. He doesn't have to have crazy passing numbers to win. That's important."

On the field, his play during the preseason suggested that he would perform well when given a chance to play with the No. 1s, and he didn't disappoint when he had his shot to run the team at the end of the 2015 campaign, following an Andy Dalton injury. McCarron not only stepped in and played efficiently as a starter -- 66.4 percent completion rate, 6:2 TD-to-INT ratio and a 97.1 in seven regular- season appearances (three starts) -- but he had the Bengals on the verge of winning their first playoff game under Marvin Lewis, delivering a would-be game-winning toss to A.J. Green with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Of course, McCarron's teammates proceeded to completely melt down, handing the game to Pittsburgh.

With those positive McCarron moments still etched in my memory bank, I remain convinced he will be a solid starter in the league if he's put in the right situation. In an ideal world, McCarron would land with a team that has three things in place that'll allow him to succeed: a strong defense, a solid running game and a legitimate No. 1 receiver.

Although I'm bullish on McCarron's prospects as a QB1, I also know that he is a "trailer" in need of a solid supporting cast to allow him to play to his strengths as a game manager. Some options:

Arizona Cardinals: ' squad checks off all of the boxes needed to help McCarron thrive. The team has a stout defense in place and the offense features a pair of playmakers (Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson) who would allow McCarron to grow into the role as a starter. With Mike McCoy adept at building an offense around the talents of his quarterback, McCarron could prosper quickly in the desert as the Cardinals' new QB1.

Denver Broncos: After missing out on the playoffs due to inept quarterback play, the Broncos could return to prominence with a solid starter under center. While McCarron lacks the marquee name that would excite the fan base, he is an efficient passer capable of getting the ball into the hands of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders on the perimeter. In addition, he takes excellent care of the football, which will keep the defense out of harm's way and allow the team to return to the formula that led to a Super Bowl victory a few seasons ago.

Buffalo Bills: If the team moves on from -- and it seems to me like they might be trying to create a trade market for him right now -- McCarron could be the right guy to replace him as the new QB1. He knows how to play winning football in a blue-collar fashion and his Alabama ties could make him an ideal fit in 's scheme. With Sean McDermott intent on rebuilding the winning culture in Buffalo, McCarron's pedigree could serve him well as the new starter in Buffalo.

Cleveland Browns: I have to put the Browns on the list based on McCarron's ties with Hue Jackson and the aborted trade from last season, but I'm not really convinced this is the right spot for him. The team's defense isn't quite up to par and the only wideout worth a salt is Josh Gordon. Throw in the probability of the team using the No. 1 overall pick on a quarterback, and I just don't know if this is a spot where McCarron would flourish in 2018.

THREE AND OUT: Quick takes on big developments across the league 1) The Chiefs are making a mistake in moving on from Marcus Peters. It wasn't shocking to see rumors about the possibly trading two-time Pro Bowler Marcus Peters this offseason, given his tumultuous 2017 campaign that included a team-imposed suspension. But now that a deal between the Chiefs and Rams has been finalized, I really question this move by K.C.

Sure, Peters has been a headache to deal with, on and off the field, as evidenced by his penalty issues (three unsportsmanlike fouls and two for unnecessary roughness in 2017) and reported run-ins with coaches, but he has been absolutely sensational as a pure cover man. Peters leads all players with 19 interceptions since 2015, and his passer rating allowed has remained at an astonishingly low level during that span. (Peters' passer ratings allowed from 2015-17, according to Pro Football Focus: 67.1, 65.6 and 66.0.) Not to mention, he has discouraged quarterbacks from throwing the ball in his direction, due to his remarkable ball-hawking skills on the perimeter (targets have dropped from 151 to 91 to 72 each year). Considering how hard it is to find true shutdown corners in this league, Peters' feats as a playmaker are going to be nearly impossible for the Chiefs to replace.

While some have suggested the recent additions of (who will come over as part of the Alex Smith trade) and David Amerson (signed after being released by Oakland) could allow the defense to survive without No. 22, I will quickly tell anyone within earshot that Peters is a top-five player at his position, and neither guy can walk in his shoes on the island. No disrespect to their previous play or their long-term potential, but they simply aren't capable of replicating his production as a playmaker, particularly on the outside against No. 1 receivers.

Fuller is ideally suited to play in the slot, based on his quickness, awareness and instincts. He ranked as one of the best slot defenders in the game (he held opponents to a 54.5 passer rating allowed and a 51.0 percent catch rate in 2017) and shows promise handling receivers between the numbers, but playing outside is a different animal. I'm not completely convinced he can "clue" the ball like Peters or match up with some of the "big" receivers in the AFC West.

Amerson has the size to match up on the outside, but he is not the playmaker that Peters has been on the island. With only eight career interceptions in six seasons (56 career starts), he doesn't produce takeaways at a high clip, and his game is better suited for a complementary role as a CB2. He lacks the speed and quickness to shadow top receivers, and a heavy workload against No. 1s would put his flaws on display.

With the draft also offering few players capable of stepping in as lockdown corners from Day 1, the Chiefs have blown a serious hole into a defense that already underwhelmed last season.

"Peters requires a lot of maintenance," a personnel executive from a different AFC team told me before news of this trade broke. "He's an emotional kid with a strong personality. That mix can make life tough on his coaches, but you can't knock his ability on the field. The kid is always around the ball, and he has a knack for coming up with a play in key moments. ... It's hard to find playmakers in this league, so I would exhaust all of my options before moving on from him."

Too late.

2) Why Jarvis Landry shouldn't get a monster contract. When the surprisingly placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jarvis Landry this week, the transaction was met with raised eyebrows from executives around the league. Although the three-time Pro Bowler has snagged more passes than any other receiver in NFL history in the first four seasons of a player's career (400), he isn't viewed as a classic No. 1 receiver, and that makes it hard for some to justify the hefty salary that the tag carries for 2018 (around $16 million, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport). This would rank Landry behind only Antonio Brown ($17 million) in average annual salary among receivers.

"Landry is a good player, but I don't think that he is a difference-maker by any stretch of the imagination," a personnel director from another AFC team told me. "He has put up good numbers in terms of catches, but his low yards-per-catch average and lack of touchdowns would make it hard for me to cut him a big check. There are too many slot receivers capable of doing similar things at a lower number. I would've let him walk and looked for a cheaper option."

While that opinion might be hard for some observers to digest, given Landry's production as a fantasy football star, I agree with the premise, based on how slot receivers are viewed in the league. Pass catchers assigned to work the middle of the field are a dime a dozen, and teams shouldn't pay top dollar for replaceable assets. The top of the pay scale should be reserved for the No. 1 receivers universally viewed as game-changers at the position. Sure, first downs and total catches are nice, but the big money goes to the playmakers who put the ball in the paint (score touchdowns) and flip the field with explosive plays.

Looking at Landry's production over a four-year period, it is hard to justify making No. 14 the second- highest-paid player at the position. Consider that Landry has just 38 catches of 20-plus yards on his resume; Brown recorded almost three times as many big plays (93 receptions of 20-plus yards) during that same four-year span. That's why I'm surprised the Dolphins were willing to issue the tag when the top slot receivers make anywhere from $10 million (Randall Cobb) down to $5.5 million (Julian Edelman) per year for their services as chain movers. I certainly understand the desire to keep one of your best players in the fold, but the thought of resetting the market for slot receivers at a ridiculous number would've been enough to give me pause, particularly with Landry reportedly seeking a four-year deal worth $14.5 million annually.

On the other hand, I can understand why Landry desires a deal in the big-money neighborhood, based on his record-breaking production early in his career. He has not only averaged 100 catches per season, but he is clearly the team's No. 1 option in the passing game.

Which existing contracts could serve as a point of comparison in contract negotiations? The team might try to point to the deal most recently given to Edelman, who, before tearing his ACL in the preseason, went on a four-year run very similar to Landry's (356 catches, 3,826 yards and 20 touchdowns with 35 receptions of 20-plus yards). But the team-friendly nature of No. 11's deal (two years, $11 million) makes it impossible to use as a reasonable starting point.

Thus, the Dolphins would likely use Cobb's four-year, $40 million contract as a baseline, given the former Pro Bowl receiver's role and production with the . Cobb inked that deal shortly before he would have hit free agency in 2015, coming off his fourth pro season, in which he snagged 91 passes for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns -- his lone Pro Bowl campaign to date. Despite failing to top the 1,000-yard mark in any other season of his career, Cobb's big-play numbers (50 receptions of 20-plus yards and 25 touchdowns) through the first four seasons of his career were similar to Landry's, and his role as a hybrid running back-slot receiver falls in line with Landry's responsibilities as a catch-and-run playmaker for the Dolphins.

Tavon Austin's deal with the Los Angeles Rams (four years for $42 million, with $30 million in guarantees) could also be used to set the table for an extension between the two sides. Austin certainly hasn't provided the Rams with the same kind of impact as Landry, but their similar roles as slot receivers could allow Landry's representatives to make a strong argument for more money.

Armed with a $16 million tag that pays him like an elite player, Landry has all of the leverage needed to reset the market for premier slot receivers around the league.

3) How will the 2017 RB class impact the 2018 NFL Draft? The NFL is a copycat league, with coaches, scouts and executive known to swipe good ideas from opponents. With that in mind, I can't wait to see how the value of running backs plays out on draft day following the recent success of Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt. All of the aforementioned members of the 2017 running back draft class had major impacts on their respective squads, but the difference in their draft slots will lead to several conversations in meeting rooms around the league.

While first-rounders are expected to produce at elite levels early in their career, players taken in the middle rounds are viewed as developmental prospects who need a little time to find their way before making their mark on the league. That's why teams will have to determine whether investing in a first- round running back like Fournette (chosen fourth overall by the Jaguars) or McCaffrey (eighth overall by the Panthers) is a wise investment when Pro Bowl-caliber runners like Kamara (picked in the third round by the Saints) and Hunt (third round, Chiefs) can be uncovered later in the draft. The conundrum reignites the draft-value debate that always centers around the position at this time of year.

"It's hard to justify taking one early when you see so many mid-round guys have success right away," an AFC college director told me. "Sure, some of the guys at the top of the board are a little bit better, but if you know you can [get] Pro Bowl-caliber performance from a lesser guy, why would you invest a top pick in that position?"

That statement sums up why I'm intrigued by how team executives will value running backs this April. The 2018 class is absolutely loaded with talent at the position. Teams could pass on Penn State star Saquon Barkley in hopes of landing a Royce Freeman or Sony Michel down the line.

I wonder how many teams will set their sights on finding a quality running back in the mid-to-late rounds. Considering how top picks (see: Ezekiel Elliott, fourth overall in 2016; , 10th overall in 2015; Fournette and McCaffrey) have performed compared to their non-first-round brethren (see: Le'Veon Bell, second round in 2013; LeSean McCoy, second round in 2009; David Johnson, third round in 2015; Kamara and Hunt), I don't know if you can go wrong with either approach in today's game.

Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, set to throw at combine By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk Feb. 24, 2018

We’ve seen the top quarterback prospects in the last two drafts elect to take part in throwing drills at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and it looks like that trend will continue this year.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Wyoming’s Josh Allen, Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield and UCLA’s Josh Rosen are all set to throw in Indianapolis next week. Quarterbacks are scheduled to take the field on Saturday, March 3.

There’s no word yet on whether USC’s Sam Darnold and Louisville’s will be joining them. Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph, who is generally ranked behind most or all of the players in that group, has also said that he’ll go through the drills in Indy.

The scouting work done on quarterbacks in the next couple of months will do much to determine what order these players come off the board in April as well as whether teams will be paying high prices to climb into the top of the first round to ensure they come home with the quarterback of their dreams.