Free Agency Moves by the @DenverBroncos

On Friday, the Denver Broncos released three veteran players just days before free agency opens Monday. This will save $27 million in non-guaranteed salaries and create additional salary cap space for the team.

These transfers involve starting cornerback Ronald Darby, reserve running back Chase Edmonds and starting guard Graham Glasgow.

Cornerback Ronald Darby

On Friday, the Denver Broncos made a series of cost-saving moves by releasing running back Chase Edmonds, guard Graham Glasgow and cornerback Ronald Darby. These moves will save an aggregate $27 million in non-guaranteed salaries off their 2023 books, according to NFL Media.

The moves come as the Broncos have a substantial amount of money left in their cap this year after investing in a high-end defense and other players. General manager George Paton promised last week at the scouting combine that his team would assess all players on its roster before making a decision about what to do with them as the new league year begins on Wednesday, August 1.

Darby, who started 16 games for the Washington Football Team in 2020, has been one of their most consistent defensive backs during a successful prove-it season. His reputation as a physical defender and deep understanding of the game have earned him recognition at this high level.

Darby has not only demonstrated his versatility at the position, but he's also shown he can contribute in the passing game as well. In two games this season, he threw for a career-high 447 yards and demonstrated an adeptness with Washington's pass protection schemes.

He's a capable backup to an experienced group of starters and should continue to improve throughout his career. Additionally, he possesses exceptional route running ability - an increasingly rare skill set the Broncos need in today's fast-paced environment.

The Broncos had been hoping to add depth at this position this season, but have been reluctant due to lack of a reliable starter. Now is an ideal opportunity to find an appropriate replacement for Darby.

In 2020, Glasgow signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Broncos. His early seasons were productive but injuries limited his playing time; last year his base salary was reduced to $3 million and he started 13 games for them.

Glasgow has been an invaluable member of the Broncos defensive line, making 10 sacks and accumulating 62 hits this past season. His right tackle abilities have allowed other players on the line to step up, providing cover for Glasgow when necessary. Furthermore, Glasgow can be counted on for pass rushing opportunities with 10 sacks and his career high of 62 tackles in pass defense.

Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to stay healthy enough to compete at the highest level. In 2018, he was injured for five games and missed an overall total of 18 games over his two seasons with the Broncos.

Darby signed with the Broncos in 2021 after spending his first six seasons with Buffalo (2015-16), Philadelphia (2017-19) and Washington (2020). In 2015 he earned PFWA All-Rookie team recognition and honorable mention All-NFL recognition from Pro Football Weekly the following season. Throughout his 84 career regular-season games (82 starts), Darby has 359 tackles, 8 interceptions and 87 passes defended.

Center Graham Glasgow

On Friday, the Denver Broncos made some moves to free up salary cap space. They released former top-rated cornerback Ronald Darby, starting center Graham Glasgow and backup running back Chase Edmonds.

NFL Media estimates the team's moves will save $27 million in non-guaranteed salaries for 2023, as well as $11 million in cap room.

One week after holding scouting combine meetings, the team announced they would evaluate their current roster. While no official moves will be made until free agency begins, general manager George Paton has made several scouting-related decisions this week and may make more in the future.

While the Denver Broncos will be focusing on their young talent and developing around quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason, they still have some other needs to fill. Most notably, they must find a center.

That could prove challenging, as the team has never drafted a center in the first round and may need to search for an experienced veteran to fill this position this season.

Glasgow is an experienced player who has started 33 games at both guard and center over the past three seasons. His versatility at both positions speaks for itself, as he boasts plenty of experience at each position as well as being a solid performer overall.

He's battled injuries that have limited him to 20 games over the last two years, but has done an admirable job of getting back on track with the Broncos in 2022. He filled in at right guard early this season when Quinn Meinerz was injured, then moved up to center when Lloyd Cushenberry suffered a groin strain.

Glasgow has started 82 regular-season games (78 starts) and one postseason match. He's also been an effective run blocker, limiting opponents to eight sacks during his career.

His experience at both guard and center should prove valuable to the Denver Broncos as they rebuild their offensive line this offseason. He's been a steady presence inside the line, giving him an opportunity to compete for a starter spot next season.

Glasgow is an important member of the Broncos' offensive line and fits perfectly on the right side. He's also a hard worker and committed to the team, so Glasgow should make for an impressive addition to their roster.

The Broncos boast a lot of potential at both guard and center, so they need to get their offense clicking again. It would be shocking if Glasgow weren't on the roster when training camp starts in April. Provided Glasgow stays healthy, they should have an impressive offensive line for years to come.

Running back Chase Edmonds

With free agency starting in less than a week, teams often make cost-saving moves to free up cap space. On Friday night, the Denver Broncos were no exception and released cornerback Ronald Darby and center Graham Glasgow.

Denver's moves free up nearly $30 million in cap space and leave them with approximately $3 million in dead money.

Edmonds was a fourth-round selection out of Fordham in the 2018 NFL Draft and appeared in 13 games (eight with Miami and five with Denver) last season. During those 13 contests, he carried 68 times for 245 yards and two touchdowns while also catching 16 passes for 157 yards and another score.

He missed the final four games of the season due to an ankle injury, but was activated ahead of Sunday's loss to the Chiefs and showed signs of life in a limited role. In that contest, he gained 31 yards on six carries and 22 yards through two receptions for a total of 33 yards.

In five games with the Denver Broncos, he rushed for 125 yards on 26 carries and had 61 receiving yards. He was acquired from Miami Dolphins at the trade deadline during Bradley Chubb's deal.

Denver had Edmonds as a pass-catching backfield option, but the production wasn't worth the salary hit he took. Additionally, due to an ankle sprain that kept him out for five games, he wasn't able to make much progress in their offense.

Therefore, the Broncos may release him and use their extra cap space to sign another running back in free agency. That would fill a need for a backup to Latavius Murray, who suffered an injury in Week 17 and is unlikely to return.

Edmonds, a former Patriot League rushing champion and member of the FCS All-American team in 2022, finished the year ranked fifth in NCAA FCS history with 5,862 career rushing yards.

He was traded to the Broncos in November 2022 for outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and a 2024 fifth-round pick. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle sprain during Week 11 and was placed on injured reserve.

After returning from his ankle injury, Edmonds has made a strong impact in two games with the Broncos, gaining eight carries for 35 yards and catching three passes for 40 yards against the Rams in Week 16. Additionally, he had 10 touches against the Chiefs in Week 17 and scored nine points in PPR formats.

Under head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos are expected to be active during free agency in the NFL. They need to fill several roster gaps, such as safety Kareem Jackson and defensive end Dre'Mont Jones.

They could restructure a few contracts to free up capital for changes and re-signing players. Furthermore, they could search for veteran depth on the offensive line through free agency or trade.