Written by Mike Klis at 9news.com
The Denver Broncos’ priority is unmistakable. They want to make Brock Osweiler their starting quarterback in 2016 and beyond.
Of course, commitment to a player in the salary cap/free agent NFL economy is always measured in dollars.
The Broncos have offered Osweiler a three-year contract proposal that is worth more than $45 million, NFL sources told 9NEWS. Osweiler can become an unrestricted free agent at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The market begins with a “soft” opening Monday where free agents can talk to other teams to gage interest and their value.
Meanwhile, the Broncos will get an update on the future of veteran Peyton Manning either Monday or Tuesday. Manning is expected to either announce his retirement or reveal he wants to keep his options open for a while longer.
If Manning remains undecided, the Broncos are expected to make a procedural move that would release them from his 2016 salary of $19 million that is scheduled to become fully guaranteed on Wednesday.
Regardless of Manning’s decision, the Broncos are trying to reel in Osweiler. The Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and possibly the New York Jets are among the few teams that need a quarterback and could be interested in talking to Osweiler’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, on Monday, when the free-agent “tampering window” opens.
The Broncos’ $45 million-plus package includes incentives. Typically, some incentives are more makeable than others. It’s not known how much of the package is fully guaranteed, but still the offer could be deemed strong considering Osweiler has but seven NFL starts.
Still, Osweiler was impressive in those seven starts, especially during clutch regular-season wins against New England and Cincinnati that were instrumental in giving the Broncos’ home-field advantage through the AFC playoffs.
To continue reading this article, click here.
