The Denver Broncos will wrap up their 2023 NFL season on Sunday when they face the Las Vegas Raiders on the road in Week 18.
Once the final whistle blows, the offseason will begin immediately for the Broncos, and coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton are poised to have a busy spring with many challenging decisions.
Denver is projected to be $18 million over the salary cap in 2024, according to an estimate from OverTheCap.com, and that’s before potentially releasing quarterback Russell Wilson and creating an even bigger cap mess.
The Broncos will have to dig out of a salary cap hole this offseason, forcing the team to make some tough decisions. To become cap-compliant, Denver will likely have to part ways with multiple players either through cuts, trades or free agency.
Ahead of the team’s season finale, here’s a quick look at ten players who could play* their final game for the Broncos on Sunday. (*We’ve also included a few injured/benched players who could depart in 2024.)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Purcell has been a key member of Denver’s defensive line since 2019, but he’s scheduled to become a 33-year-old free agent this spring. The Broncos might let him walk in March and bring in cheaper options.
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Jones has been excellent since since signing a three-year, $30 million contract two years ago, but Denver will need to make tough decisions to get back under the salary cap. Jones has a contract option for the 2024 season and if the Broncos do not pick it up, the team would save about $10 million in salary cap space. Denver could also consider restructuring Jones’ contract or attempt to trade him.
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Cushenberry has been superb this season and the Broncos would undoubtedly like to bring him back, but the 26-year-old center is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March and Denver might not be able to afford a big contract extension, especially if other teams drive up the price.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
If the Broncos re-sign Cushenberry, they might have to make a cut elsewhere on the offensive line. Releasing Bolles would save the team $14.5 million in 2024 and trading him could free up $16 million.
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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