With the expected departure of their two-year starting tight end, the Broncos are making a push to retain their backup.
Virgil Green has six to eight “serious suitors” with one being the team that drafted him in the sixth round in 2011, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
Julius Thomas could draw as much as a $9MM-per-year offer, which would take up nearly half of the Broncos’ remaining cap space. Green, who is a superior blocker and saw his role increase as Denver deviated to a run-first offense last year, could max out at barely a third of that per-year figure, although the parameters of the four-year backup’s offer aren’t known.
Despite making just six receptions last year for less than 100 yards, Green graded as Pro Football Focus’ 11th-best tight end (subscription required) — ahead of Thomas — and his versatility will make him valuable in Gary Kubiak‘s run-heavy approach.
The Broncos’ top three tight ends — Green, Thomas and Jacob Tamme — are each free agents.