A couple I know is looking for a house in Denver. They sold their one bedroom condo and are looking for a house suitable for a growing family. Fortunately for them, Denver is a seller’s market and they made a killing. Unfortunately for them, Denver is a seller’s market and they’re struggling to find what they are looking for and not overpay. Their families have offered various housing options in the meantime so there is no pressure to buy hastily, but questions rise. What can we sacrifice? What is necessary for our new home? What area do we want to live in? Should we wait for the market to change and live with family until it does? How do we find value in this market?
John Elway and the Denver Broncos entered a seller’s market in the 2016 NFL free agent market. The salary cap has grown, rookie salaries are set so money is pushed to players in their 1st and 2nd contracts. Agents are ready to put their players on the market and watch the bidding begin. The Broncos entered the market looking for value and fiscal responsibility, the start of the market entered guns blazing. They had questions as well. What can we sacrifice? What is necessary for our new team? What area do we want to build around? Should we wait for the market to change? How do we find value in this market?
NFL rosters are a balance. The draft building most of your roster and free agency filling in the holes. If you look at the stars of each team there are few free agents on the list. The Broncos are even the exception to this trend. Aqib Talib, Demarcus Ware and TJ Ward signed with the Broncos and made impacts. This anomaly is another reason to trust John Elway’s process. The Denver Broncos have drafted well since John Elway took over and their non-spending in 2016 free agency shows they are confident with their young talent and their development. Gary Kubiak was brought in for this development piece. John Fox coached talent but the development of young talent was a weakness.
during the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-18.
When you look at who the Broncos lost in free agency in 2016, the real uproar is from one move. Malik Jackson is a loss but the Broncos still have Derek Wolfe and Vance Walker. Danny Trevathan is athletic but had few healthy seasons. The cost to keep him was too much. The defensive backfield and pass rush are the strengths of this team and good linebackers will find success. Good linebackers are easier to find in today’s market than great corners like Talib, Harris and Roby. CJ Anderson is a good running back but the zone blocking scheme can find good backs at a better price. The real worry for Broncos fans centers around Brock Osweiler. Fans saw Osweiler fill in well and move the Broncos from the 3rd seed to the 1st seed in the playoffs. Fans seem to forget the pedestrian numbers the offense put up. Brock only threw for over 300 yards or close to that (299 and 296) three times and two of them were losses. When Brock was under control, the team running the ball effectively and letting the defense do their thing they won. Why would the Broncos go away from that in 2017? Do they need a QB they have seen for four years, started 7 games and costs $16 million? The answer is no. Mark Sanchez had success with a lesser defense and lesser wide receivers. He may not be the answer for the long haul but he is the answer for the way this team is built.
John Elway has filled his roster in well. Draft picks, strong free agency signings and strong depth mark his career as the shot-caller. He will fill this roster in following the same principles. Patience is going to be something Broncos’ fans need to practice this offseason. The season is not won in March.
