Super Bowl LIV still needs to be played, but the Denver Broncos are already looking at the future. The official start of free agency is March 18, but teams can re-sign their own free agents prior to that date to keep them off the market. Some players, however, had very little impact on the success of the team. Let’s look at some players the Denver Broncos should let go.
Denver Broncos Players Who Shouldn’t Return in 2020
The Broncos have several players about to become free agents and $61.9 million in available cap space. The rebuild needs to continue and that can happen if they release the players who didn’t have any major positive impact on the team’s performance.
Devontae Booker – Running Back
If not for a preseason injury for Theo Riddick, Devontae Booker may have been excluded from the 53-man roster altogether. He doesn’t offer much to the team currently. He managed only two carries in 2019. Booker has been a letdown since 2016 when he was drafted in the fourth round. In his place, Riddick is expected to get another opportunity in 2020 to test him out amongst a developing offense.
Will Parks – Safety
While Will Parks has been a steady force as a defensive back in sub-packages, the Broncos may decide to release him arguing they can’t spend more on the safety position. When Justin Simmons is in the equation, it definitely seems the wise choice to let Parks go. Also remember, the franchise gave a solid contract to safety Kareem Jackson last off-season. Parks has carved out a nice little role for himself but hasn’t proven himself any better than Simmons or Jackson.
Adam Gotsis – Defensive End
As Travis Wakeman of BroncosWire says, the experiment with Adam Gotsis has run its course. In four seasons, Gotsis has just five sacks and a 100 careers tackles. While not a total bust, it’s time for the Broncos to make an upgrade at this position.
Corey Nelson – Linebacker
Bringing Corey Nelson into the fold after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him wasn’t the Broncos’ best move. He provided depth at the position when it was urgently needed, but finished on injured reserve. Nelson played in just seven games. He may be of use on special teams, but if the Broncos don’t re-sign him, it won’t be a big deal.
Shelby Harris
Shelby Harris played a little over 56 percent of the Broncos defensive snaps this season. According to Sayre Bedinger of Predominantly Orange, Harris is one of their most impactful defensive linemen – statistically. He has proven himself versatile. Harris can make a huge impact behind the line of scrimmage as a run defender and pass rusher. He even blocks kicks on special teams. However, the franchise needs to decide if they should continue to invest a hefty sum on their current defensive linemen or pursue alternative unrestricted free agents. There’s also a matter of waiting to draft fresh talent instead.
The Broncos rebuild is very much at the beginning stages. There’s no doubt the 2019 season was a step above the previous two years. With some logic and perhaps a few risks, the franchise will make some correct decisions about the players they keep and don’t keep.
