Category: Contracts

With training camp around the horizon, many Broncos fans will be eager to see how the 2018 version of the team will take shape. In particular, newcomers to the team will be of the most interest, be it from free agency or the draft. (Or, in the case of Chad Kelly and Jake Butt, from the NFL’s version of a medical redshirt.)

But veterans with multiple years of tenure should also yield observation. And for this brief series, I have my eye on four players entering a contract year who I deem could be eligible for major second contracts: Bradley Roby, Matt Paradis, Shane Ray, and Shaq Barrett. I think the Broncos should have interest in offering three extensions among these four players (since Ray and Barrett play the same position).

However, as always it will be a challenge to get such deals down on satisfactory grounds for all parties. Before training camp I hope to explain how these can get done. But before I get to each player, let’s start with a few general factors. Continue reading Summer 2018 Possible Broncos Extensions – Preview

Sources: Broncos DT Clinton McDonald took a paycut of $3M for 2018. He can earn back the $2M in base salary and $1M roster bonus by being on the 53-man roster ($140,625/game) and 46-man roster ($46,875/game). Likely tied to his shoulder issue that has kept him out of OTAs.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 12, 2018

Beyond the fold, observe the difference in McDonald’s 2018 contract year before and after this renegotiation. Continue reading Broncos, Clinton McDonald Renegotiate Contract

With the 2018 Broncos rookie class on board, and Shane Ray’s fifth year option being declined, there’s enough in place to take the earliest reasonable look at a few contractual aspects worth keeping an eye out for the Broncos with regard to 2019. Continue reading Looking Ahead To The Broncos’ 2019 Offseason

Last January, I put together my annual look at what directions I felt the Broncos should go for 2018. With all the relevant decisions now in the books, it’s time to see where John Elway concurred with and dissented from my opinion, and see if there are any revisions I would make four months later. Continue reading Evaluation Of The 2018 Broncos Offseason Road Map

Sources: the Broncos have added $3M in incentives to the contract of CB Chris Harris, Jr. for 2018. He can now make up to $10.5M this season. Nice boost for a standout player.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 18, 2018

As ESPN's Field Yates has reported this morning the Broncos have added $3 million in potential incentives to cornerback Chris Harris Jr.'s contract. The incentives are linked to playing time, team wins, possible All Pro selection and interceptions. His… https://t.co/w5JyjtfiYz

— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) April 18, 2018

Continue reading Broncos Add Incentives To The Contract Of Chris Harris, Jr.

It’s generally believed that the modus operandi of John Elway is to fill as many immediate needs as possible in free agency, thus freeing up the Broncos to take a best player available approach to the draft. I do feel that Elway has pretty much accomplished the first goal, and that he’ll more or less stick to the second goal. However, I think it would be worth looking at where the Broncos’ roster could stand come the 2019 offseason. Come then, I could foresee many positions that, while not a need now, have a chance to be at that time. Continue reading What Could 2019 Tell Us About The Broncos’ 2018 NFL Draft?

Marquette King took less to punt for Broncos. His contract: 2 yrs, $4 mil w/option for 3 yrs, $6 mil. 2018: $500K SB (full gua), $1.5M salary. 2019: $2M sal (not gua); 2020: $2M early-trigger option, March '19). If 1st-team All Pro, 2020 salary escalates from $2M to $3M. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 6, 2018

Beyond the fold, here is what King’s contract table may look like: Continue reading Marquette King Contract Details

Aaron Wilson, as usual, comes through with the details on this extension:

Todd Davis Broncos deal: $15M, $6M gtd, $3M signing bonus, salaries $3M (gtd), $4M, $5M

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 15, 2018

This contract table will be very simple, so let’s get right to it: Continue reading Todd Davis Contract Details

For only the second time that I can recall under John Elway, the Broncos have restructured the contract of a major player:

Source: the Broncos converted $16M of LB Von Miller's $18.5M base salary into a signing bonus, creating $12.375M in 2018 cap space.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2018

What does this mean for Miller? In its simplest terms, the Broncos just wrote a $16.5 million check to Miller right now for salaries he was due to make not until the regular season. Miller (and anyone else!) should enjoy getting $16.5 million in his bankroll right now, instead of six to nine months later.

What does this mean for the Broncos? It’s best to illustrate through a pair of before and after contract tables. Continue reading Broncos Restructure Von Miller

Case Keenum's deal, per source: Two years, $36 million. $25 million fully guaranteed at signing. Full deal is guaranteed for injury. $2M incentives.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 14, 2018

UPDATE: March 16 – It took a while, but Mike Klis finally comes through with the numbers:

Details of Case Keenum's 2-year, $36 million contract: 2018: $6 million signing bonus; $4 million roster bonus (payed out on Tuesday); $8 salary. All $18 million fully guaranteed. 2019: $18 million salary ($7 million full guarantee, $11 million injury-only guarantee). #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 16, 2018

Keenum’s contract table is as follows, beyond the fold:

Year	Base Salary	Prorated Bonus	Roster Bonus	Cap Number	Dead Money & Cap Savings
2018	$8,000,000	$3,000,000	$4,000,000	$15,000,000	$25,000,000	($10,000,000)
2019	$18,000,000	$3,000,000	$0	$21,000,000	$10,000,000	$11,000,000

Here are my early takeaways from this structure:

• Keenum’s 2018 cap number of $15 million is quite reasonable, but I worry a bit about the 2019 number of $21 million, because 2019 is a year I foresee in which the Broncos are going to be strapped for cap space. This is increasingly true due to the restructure of Von Miller that sent an extra $4 million of cap dollars to 2019. I am guessing that the Broncos are planning that if Keenum plays very well in 2018, they will extend him with the added goal of reducing his 2019 cap number at the same time. If Keenum does not play well or is outplayed by a young quarterback, they can instead cut him.
• And on the topic of cutting in 2019, Klis suggests that “this is [an] ironclad 2-year deal”. But I’m not seeing it in this structure. $11 million is still a significant chunk of cap savings to be had even if the Broncos have to carry a $10 million dead money figure. If Keenum truly is a one year wonder, the contract is not as much of a disaster to escape from as, say, what the Texans offered Brock Osweiler.
• Another option to part ways with Keenum in 2019 is via a trade. The Broncos would be relieved of the salary guarantees on Keenum’s 2019 year in such a move. This scenario could play out if Keenum plays OK or very little and a young quarterback plays much better.
• As such, this contract does not preclude the Broncos from drafting a rookie quarterback. I realize this has been a point of contention on this site in recent weeks, and I will not offer a new opinion on this divisive subject yet. All I want to do is note its possibility.