Amid the Broncos’ spiraling season in which Denver is simply competing to not finish in the AFC West cellar, let’s do a little accounting.
Based on this year’s cap hit (base salary plus applicable bonuses), which players have given the Broncos the most value through the first half of 2019, and which players have been a waste of money? Here’s the team’s three best, and three worst, bangs for the buck this year. All contract information
The value deals
Malik Reed, OLB … 2019 cap hit: $500,000. As an undrafted rookie, Reed used a strong training camp to trampoline himself into a starting role when went down for the season with a knee injury. With 13 tackles and a sack so far, Reed’s displayed gap integrity beyond his years while helping the Denver defense find its identity.
Alexander Johnson, ILB … 2019 cap hit: $570,000. In his first NFL start, Johnson had eight tackles and an interception against the Chargers. The 27-year-old has a high ceiling considering he was out of football for over three years before being signed by Denver before last season. Another huge reason for a shored-up run defense.
, RB … 2019 cap hit: $575,000. Denver is certainly reeling in the perks of having a cheap, talented running back still on his rookie deal. Going back to last year, the second-year back has recorded the third-most yards from scrimmage (1,854) among players with two years or less in the NFL. He has 95 rushes for 433 yards and four TDs.
The Broncos should have buyer’s remorse
Ja’Wuan James, RT … 2019 cap hit: $8,000,000. After signing a four-year, $51 million deal with $32 million guaranteed — a then-record for the highest free agent deal for a right tackle in NFL history — James injured his left knee in the second quarter of Week 1. He’s expected back Sunday against the Colts, but the offensive line has suffered without him.
Bryce Callahan, CB … 2019 cap hit: $3,833,333. Callahan signed a three-year, $21 million contract in the offseason with $10 million guaranteed but has yet to see the field for the Broncos. He originally broke his foot last season with the Bears and underwent surgery, but re-injured the same foot in training camp. It is uncertain if he will play this year.
, TE … 2019 cap hit: $3,187,500. Denver is playing semi-big money for a back-up tight end who has seven catches for 67 yards and no touchdowns this season. It’s also a hefty price for someone who doesn’t even see the field that much: In Denver’s primetime game against the Chiefs on Oct. 17, Heuerman played just 33% of the offensive snaps.
— , The Denver Post
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Whatap on tap?
NFL: At Indianapolis Colts, 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, KCNC-4, NFLN; 850 AM, 94.1 FM
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Must-Read
Tight end Noah Fant’s rookie year has had some speed bumps. But the Broncos aren’t losing faith in the first-round pick.
Fant, who has 15 catches for 159 yards and one touchdown this year, makes no excuses for blunders against the Chiefs. Read more…
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Quick Hits
+ With Emmanuel Sanders traded, DaeSean Hamilton has huge opportunity to prove he can be a main receiver for the Broncos
+ Broncos Briefs: Von Miller on Emmanuel Sanders trade — “We want people who want to be Broncos”
+ Broncos receivers confident they can fill void left by Emmanuel Sanders trade
+ Brandon McManus returns to Indianapolis on Sunday, where his career began in a failed attempt to take Adam Vinatieri’s job
+ Second-year defensive backs Davontae Harris and Duke Dawson emerging as critical components in Broncos’ secondary
+ Broncos Briefs: Situation at left and right tackle still in flux after week of practice
+ Broncos Scouting Report: How Denver matches up against the Colts and predictions
+ With Emmanuel Sanders gone, there’s a dearth of experience among Broncos receivers
+ NFL Week 8 Picks: Packers hit road to face Kansas City
+Want to chat about the Broncos?
Ask the Expert
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Tap here to ask Ryan O’Halloran.
By The Numbers
Ep. 101
Broncos podcast: Talking Denver vs. Indianapolis and the team’s big-picture issues this season
In this episode of the First-and-Orange podcast, Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O’Halloran preview the Broncos-Colts game on Sunday in Indianapolis in addition to breaking down Denver’s big-picture issues this season. Listen here…
Parting Shot
Kickin’ It with Kiz: How to empower people wanting Broncos to start Drew Lock at quarterback
And today’s parting shot gives nicknames that hurt to three notable first-round draft choices by Elway. Read more…
Get in Touch
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