The Denver Broncos didn't make the playoffs during the 2019 season, but the way Drew Lock played the last few games of the season gave the team some hope going forward. He looks like he will be a nice NFL quarterback, but he can't lead the team by himself so it's going to be a crucial offseason.
Along with signing players, there usually is one or two players that are a surprise cut from the team, and it probably will be no different this offseason.
According to spotrac.com, the Broncos are projected to have over $58 million in cap space heading into the offseason. The expectation around the team is they will release quarterback Joe Flacco and offensive lineman Ron Leary.
Flacco being released by the Broncos isn't a surprise and it would be even more shocking if the team decided to keep him. Getting rid of both of those guys should leave the team with around $80 million in cap space.
With all the money the Broncos have to spend this offseason they might not have as many surprise cuts as usual, but there is still one or two who will probably get the boot. So who could that be? Let's break it down.
Jeff Heuerman
Broncos former offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello loved tight end Jeff Heuerman and gave him every opportunity to succeed. It was a bit of a surprise when the team moved on from Scangarello this offseason, and with Pat Shurmur coming in, it's not a sure bet he will be in next season.
When the Broncos drafted Heuerman in the third round of the 2015 draft they had had high expectations, but he hasn't lived up to them. He has been a really good blocking tight end, but the receiving game hasn't taken off, and that is something that is a major concern.
During the 2019 season, he played in 14 games catching 114 yards and a touchdown. In three of the four games, he had under 145 yards receiving.
Heuerman is under contract for the 2020 season and if he is on the roster he is set to earn $4.375 million. If the team were to cut him loose they would save $3.875 million.
Cutting him isn't about the savings though, it's all about opening up that roster spot for a better option, With the cap space, the team might be better off drafting another tight end, or going and getting a guy like Hunter Henry to give Lock another option.
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