The Denver Broncos have not been shy about their pursuit of a new starting quarterback. Kirk Cousins’ name constantly being linked, and Von Miller has led the charge of recruiting him to Denver. However, Cousins will command a big contract, one which the Broncos could struggle to fit into their cap.
With that in mind, there was some concern as to whether they may need to sacrifice one of their big earners such as Demaryius Thomas or Emmanuel Sanders to make the math work. But apparently, Cousins’ potential arrival would actually make Thomas and Sanders’ futures in Denver safer.
The belief is both are safe with the chase for a top QB in mind. https://t.co/OKPx2m1MGy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 14, 2018
It certainly makes sense for the Broncos to hold onto their two star wide receivers in the event that they do land Cousins. If they have to pay top dollar for a quarterback, they might as well surround him with high-caliber receivers like Thomas and Sanders that he’ll need to succeed.
Sanders just had easily his worst season ever with the Broncos in 2017. He finished with just 47 catches for 555 yards and two touchdowns after averaging over 80 catches, 1,000 yards, and seven touchdowns in his first three seasons. However, the Broncos’ poor quarterback play was likely a significant factor in Sanders’ dip in production.
Getting a massive QB upgrade like Cousins should help spark a return to the Pro Bowl-caliber play the Broncos have been used to seeing from Sanders and Thomas. That’s why it behooves them to find a way to clear the cap space needed to sign Cousins in other areas of the team aside from wide receiver.