The Denver Broncos are coming into 2015 with high expectations after losing in the playoffs last year and with Peyton Manning likely to return, the priority for the team is signing back Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas and if either of those players leave, Larry Fitzgerald, Jordan Cameron, Jermaine Gresham and Torrey Smith could be potential free agent targets.
The Broncos have a new head coach with Gary Kubiak coming in to take over for John Fox, who is now with the Chicago Bears after four division title in Denver. John Elway and Fox reportedly did not have the same vision for building the team moving forward and that led Elway to bring in his former backup quarterback and offensive coordinator. Manning has met with the team to speak about his plans for the future and while it is not official yet, the team expects the quarterback to return.
Manning will have to take a physical before his return is official and if he is on the roster in early March his $19 million salary will become guaranteed. According to ESPN.com, there is a chance the team could ask Manning to restructure his deal to free up money this offseason, as they have a number of significant free agents hitting the market. Thomas is the top target along with Terrance Knighton, Orlando Franklin, Julius Thomas, Rahim Moore and Wes Welker.
Thomas is the top priority and he comes in after putting up career high numbers last season while being the top target for Manning. Thomas had 111 catches for 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns and if the team can't work out a long term deal with him, expect the Broncos to use the franchise tag. ESPN.com reports thay the tag for a wide receiver should be around $13 million. Thomas is a player the Broncos can't afford to lose, as he has had at least 92 receptions, 1,430 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns over the last three years, according to ESPN.com.
The Broncos also have tight end Julius Thomas and he comes in after putting up 24 touchdown receptions over the last two seasons. the Broncos are losing Thomas, Jacob Tamme and Virgil Green to free agency and if they don't return, names like Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Cameron could be options on the market. Thomas is expected to be chased by a number of teams in free agency after his strong two season run, but he does have injury issues. The Broncos also have players like Terrance Knighton and Orlando Franklin hitting the market, while wide receiver Wes Welker is not expected to return in 2015.
Manning was in New York for the SNL 40th Anniversary special and the next big date for him and the team is March 9, which is when his salary becomes guaranteed. Manning is coming off of another strong season with 4,727 yards and 39 touchdowns, but he faded a bit down the stretch while dealing with injuries. Manning threw 17 touchdowns with 12 interceptions in the final nine games of the season and dealt with a thigh injury suffered in mid-December.
