The Denver Broncos may look at Larry Fitzgerald this offseason as a free agent option to join Demaryius Thomas if he is released by the Cardinals and this comes as the team expects Peyton Manning to return, while Wes Welker and Julius Thomas may not, which could lead to signing Jordan Cameron or Jermaine Gresham in free agency.
The Broncos are looked at as one of the favorites in the AFC next season, but they have a number of significant free agents hitting the market. Demaryius Thomas is expected to return, but Terrance Knighton, Rahim Moore, Wes Welker, Julius Thomas, Orlando Franklin and Virgil Green are all heading into free agency and that means some of them will be gone. According to ESPN.com, Manning is going to make his decision on 2015 official soon and while he has not made a choice, yet, he is expected to return.
Manning will make $19 million next season and that money will be guaranteed if he is on the roster on March 9 and that would come after Manning's annual physical. Thomas was the top target for Manning last season and he has developed into one of the best receivers in the league. The Broncos are expected to sign Thomas, who is coming into the offseason after making 111 receptions for 1619 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Julius Thomas has been a consistent red zone target for Manning over the past two seasons, but he may not return, as he could be a target for numerous teams in free agency. Thomas has had 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons and he was tied with Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Gates this year for the league lead at tight end. Jordan Cameron or Jermaine Gresham could be replacement options on the free agent market and the team also could look at the draft for a replacement. The team also has to deal with backup Jacob Tamme and Virgil Green hitting free agency.
The Broncos finished the season with another disappointing playoffs loss and now Gary Kubiak takes over for John Fox, who is now with the Bears. The Broncos went 12-4 and won the AFC West for the fourth straight season and they finished fourth in the league in passing yards per game and had a top offense. CJ Anderson helped the rushing game with injuries to Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball and they could be crucial next year for Peyton Manning to be successful.
Manning is getting older and having a consistent rushing game could be very helpful as he tries to lead the team back to the Super Bowl. Last year the team averaged 111 yards on the ground per game and they should get back Hillman and Ball healthy by the start of the season. The defense improved overall, finishing in the top 10 in passing yards and rushing yards allowed per game, but there are a number of free agents hitting the market, including Terrance Knighton.
The Broncos have a new head coach in Gary Kubiak and he has the chance to lead a team built by John Elway, the man he used to be the backup QB and offensive coordinator for. Manning should be in good hands when he returns.
