After their historic loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Denver Broncos have started their season at 0-3 and have little hope of being a contender, it is time to start looking ahead to 2024. With underperforming stars and limited cap space, Denver will have to part ways with some long-tenured players. With the lack of success, some coaches may be leaving as well. It’s surely too soon to tell, but through the first three games, a few names stand out.
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Players Who Deserve to be on the Broncos’ Roster in 2024
Who Will Stay With The Team?
There hasn’t been a lot of good play from the Broncos this season. Only a few players have been able to make a positive impact so far. If this is the eighth straight season without making the playoffs, many coaches and players will have to be let go. Here are some Broncos who have made the best case to stick around in 2024:
- Pat Surtain II – Pat Surtain has shown the Broncos that he is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. In the 36 games he has played for them, Surtain has been ranked as the number four overall player under 25 years old and the best defensive back under 25 years old by NFL coaches and executives. If the Broncos have any hope of improving their defense, Pat Surtain needs to be their only priority. Since Surtain is under contract until 2026, nobody should be too nervous unless he asks for a trade. Pat Surtain’s father had a few comments that may hint at Surtain being unhappy though.
- Jerry Juedy – Juedy is a high draft pick with a high chance of being injured for his short career in Denver. When he’s on the field, he has some of the best route-running skills and most explosive plays in the league. Despite Juedy’s injury-filled history, the Broncos picked up his fifth-year option during the offseason, committing to him until 2025. After that, the Broncos can decide whether or not he has a future in Denver.
- Marvin Mims – The star rookie out of Oklahoma has been the sole bright spot in the Broncos offense this year. Mims has seven catches for 195 yards, averaging a league-leading 27.9 yards a catch. Mims also has two touchdowns, one being a 60-yard receiving touchdown and another being a 99-yard kick return. Mims has brought the explosive speed that every NFL team wants on its offense.
Who Will Be Leaving The Team?
If this season keeps trending in the same direction, there are a few players who won’t be suiting up for the Broncos next season. Whether it’s due to cap space or bad play, the Broncos will have to make a change. Here are the players and coaches who are most likely leaving the Broncos:
- Courtland Sutton – Sutton has seen many ups and downs in his five years with Denver. At 6’4, 215 pounds he can be one of the most physical wideouts in the league. He received a four-year extension worth 60.8 million dollars in 2021. Sutton’s salary is commensurate with a top-20 wide receiver. But he is not playing like one due to injury and poor quarterback play. The Broncos can’t afford to be one of the worst, yet the highest-paid wide receiver room in 2024.
- Vance Joseph – Joseph has taken on a very tough role this year. The Broncos defense has been the team’s strength for over seven years. As Vance Joseph arrived many of the players that made this defense what it was were leaving or gone. Sadly, after an opposing team scores 70 points on your defense, many will point the finger at the man in charge. Vance Joseph has never had a good experience in Denver and that won’t change this time around.
- Russell Wilson – And now, for the most obvious Bronco who will be leaving the team. Russell Wilson’s time in Denver has never really shaped up to what it was supposed to be. Wilson’s first year in Denver was like a car crash you couldn’t turn away from. The Broncos are looking for a change in Wilson, a man who can lead them back to the playoffs. Wilson’s play has been much better this year. He has thrown six touchdowns and two interceptions with 791 yards through three games. Sadly, the team still can’t win despite Wilson’s improved play. Because Wilson and the Broncos still can’t win, his $245 million contract isn’t justifiable. Russell’s time in Denver is coming to an end.
A Full Roster Rebuild Could be on The Way for Broncos
In the coming weeks, we will see what Denver can salvage from this season. It doesn’t look good so far, but there is still time to turn the tides. Sean Payton and Russell Wilson will do everything they can to turn this around. If they can’t fix it, a lot more than a few players will be gone.
Denver Broncos like Justin Simmons and Garett Bolles would most likely be traded or cut unfortunately. Both of these star players are part of a culture and team that doesn’t know how to win. With another losing season, the rebuilding process will begin, and with that, the old players will have to go. Players like Russell Wilson and Courtland Sutton need to have an outstanding year, their roster spots and careers are on the line.
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