When former North Carolina State star outside linebacker Bradley Chubb fell to the Denver Broncos when the team was on the clock with the No. 5 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, it was an opportunity they simply could not pass up.
However, according to a tweet on Monday evening from James Palmer of NFL Network, that may also put the future of Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray in doubt regarding his fifth-year option following the 2018-19 season.
“I'm told it’s far from a sure thing the Broncos pick up Shane Ray’s fifth-year option. In our interview last weekend, John Elway said that Bradley Chubb’s selection will be a factor in what they choose to do, but doesn’t mean they won’t pick up Ray’s fifth year,” Palmer said.
Ray, who was the No. 23 selection by the Broncos in the 2015 NFL Draft, had a breakout sophomore campaign during the 2016-17 season with 46 tackles and 8.0 sacks in 16 games played. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old linebacker has battled wrist injuries over the last season that limited him to only eight games and a limited role with the Denver defense.
In order for the Broncos to even consider picking up the fifth-year option on Ray, which is worth slightly more than $9.2 million, then he must have a huge bounce-back season in order for the team to feel he is worth that much money. But with Chubb now in the fold as another top pass rusher opposite Von Miller, Ray will likely have to make the most of possibly limited playing time.
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