Although the Broncos and Rams executed a mutually beneficial trade, with Von Miller going to Los Angeles and two Day 2 picks going to Denver, Miller’s old team is now in need at outside linebacker.
The Broncos are planning to upgrade that area either through free agency or the draft, according to James Palmer of NFL.com (video link). Denver’s $38MM-plus in cap space sits sixth presently, though this is without a notable quarterback salary on the team’s payroll. Quarterback continues to serve as the team’s top need, as it has for most of the past seven offseasons. But without Miller on the roster, the Broncos are needier at their highest-profile defensive position.
Coming off an injury-marred season that featured zero sacks in seven games, Bradley Chubb is in need of a big contract year. The former top-five pick is Denver’s top edge defender. However, former UDFA Malik Reed has played well; seventh-round rookie Jonathon Cooper also showed flashes off the bench. Midseason trade acquisition Stephen Weatherly is on track for free agency. Denver has its top D-linemen — Shelby Harris and Dre’Mont Jones — under contract for 2022.
The Broncos have not spent much on edge rushers in free agency since signing DeMarcus Ware in 2014. Players at similar points in their careers are expected to be available next month. Chandler Jones, Jason Pierre-Paul and Jadeveon Clowney are among the top free agents-to-be. The Titans should be expected to retain Harold Landry, likely via the franchise tag, while Haason Reddick and Uchenna Nwosu are younger rushers headed to the market. Georgia’s Travon Walker and Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson loom as edges potentially available at No. 9 overall, in the likely event Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux are off the board.
Miller is the most interesting potential target. The future Hall of Famer has spoken glowingly of his former franchise in recent weeks and is now familiar with Denver’s new DC, ex-Rams secondary coach Ejiro Evero. The Broncos and Miller seemed a mismatch at the deadline, with Denver headed toward its sixth straight playoff absence. However, if the Broncos were to fill their years-long quarterback need and raise their contender profile, a veteran like Miller would make more sense on a reunion deal.
Miller, 33 in March, will not come cheap after his late-season Rams run (nine sacks in his final eight games) helped the team to a Super Bowl title. Miller said a Rams return is preferred, but he plans to explore the market as a first-time UFA.
Barnett is 100% available
So either Bradley Chubb is being told to lower his asking price or the Broncos don’t like his injury history (63% availability over four years). The dude hasn’t looked good in three years, thus I wouldn’t offer him top money.
Does Denver not want to bring back Miller?
I would agree. Chubb has been good in the past, but not other-worldly. His value remains to be mostly potential and not actual, especially after missing the time he has. Hopefully for Denver Chubb fulfills that potential, but they’d be smart to look for a number one rusher as insurance, or assume that role that Chubb has not to this point.
Chubb is an absolute monster….when he’s not on the bench. Which will be sooner than later. Paton would love him to have a spectacular season so he could trade him too. This story is over.
For Miller to make it back to Denver, he would still have to be available after Denver has their QB situation wrapped up, his bro OBJ will have to sign with a team other than the Rams, and the contract would still have to work out. —
His odds of coming back to Denver are slim to none.
Moving on…
Denver needs to approach the draft the same way they did last year but focus on a DT/DE in the first round and sign Barnett. Paton is trustworthy enough to select talent. Just do it.
Denver could trade up with Detroit for one of the top Edge rushers. Detroit is actively trying to find a partner to trade down.