Denver Broncos Making MAJOR Moves To Free Up Cap Space For Free Agency?
The NFL free agency period is just around the corner, and the Denver Broncos are in a position to make some big moves. With the new league year officially kicking off on March 12 and the legal tampering period starting on March 10, the Broncos’ front office has little time to finalize their financial strategy. While Denver currently sits in the middle of the pack in salary cap space—ranked 16th in the league—they have the potential to free up significant funds and make key acquisitions to strengthen their roster.
Where the Broncos Stand in Terms of Cap Space
Despite dealing with the aftermath of the Russell Wilson era and his massive $85 million dead cap hit, Denver has managed its finances relatively well. They’ve made strategic, cost-effective acquisitions and leaned on draft picks to fill roster gaps. Now, they have a solid amount of cap space to work with, but more can be done to maximize spending power.
It also helps that the Broncos boast the wealthiest ownership group in the NFL, with the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group holding more financial resources than the second, third, and fourth richest owners combined. Additionally, head coach Sean Payton is known for his aggressive approach to roster building, a philosophy that was evident during his time with the New Orleans Saints.
How Denver Can Free Up Cap Space
To truly capitalize on free agency, Denver could follow a blueprint similar to that of the Philadelphia Eagles, who aggressively pursued top-tier talent in recent years. Here’s a breakdown of potential moves that could create nearly $50 million in cap space:
1. Cut or Trade P.J. Locke ($4 Million Savings)
While safety P.J. Locke wasn’t a complete liability, his impact was minimal in 2023 after signing a two-year contract with Denver. He failed to provide the physical presence expected in the secondary, and his lack of splash plays left much to be desired. Moving on from Locke, whether via trade or outright release, would free up $4 million. That’s enough to sign a capable free agent or bolster depth at a key position.
2. Cut or Trade Adam Trautman ($3 Million Savings)
The Broncos’ tight end room is in desperate need of an overhaul, and parting ways with Adam Trautman could be a step in the right direction. While Payton has shown an affinity for Trautman, the tight end didn’t live up to expectations last season. If Denver is serious about targeting a young tight end in the draft—such as Penn State’s Tyler Warren—then Trautman becomes expendable. Releasing him now rather than waiting until roster cutdowns in August allows the team to maximize its cap space when high-quality free agents are still available.
3. Move On from Ben Powers ($12 Million Post-June 1 Savings)
The Broncos’ offensive line has been a mixed bag, with players like Mike McGlinchey and Quinn Meinerz standing out. However, left guard Ben Powers hasn’t provided great value relative to his four-year, $50 million contract. By designating Powers as a post-June 1 release, Denver can spread out his dead cap hit and save $12 million. This move wouldn’t immediately free up funds for early free agency but would provide flexibility for mid-season acquisitions or extensions.
Potential Free Agency Targets
With extra cap space, Denver can pursue marquee names in free agency. One intriguing possibility is 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who recently expressed admiration for Sean Payton and the Broncos. If the 49ers part ways with him, Denver could add a dynamic playmaker without breaking the bank.
Additionally, Denver might explore signing inside linebacker Zack Baun, who thrived with the Eagles and has connections to Payton and newly hired special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi from their time in New Orleans. Adding Baun could bolster both the defense and special teams.
The Path Forward
If the Broncos execute these cap-saving moves, they could generate $19.2 million in immediate relief and an additional $12 million post-June 1. These funds would allow Denver to pursue high-impact free agents while also setting aside money for rookie contracts.
With the right financial maneuvers, the Broncos can take full advantage of their ownership’s deep pockets and Sean Payton’s aggressive roster-building mentality. The key question now is: Will Denver make the bold moves necessary to transform into a legitimate contender?
What do you think of these potential cap-saving strategies? Grade Denver’s plan in the comments below: A, B, C, D, or F!
