Analyzing Broncos Cash Commitments to Edge Rusher Room in 2024

With the Denver Broncos” Offseason workout schedule in the books, the bulk of the roster moves are as well, so we’re taking a closer look at the resources currently committed to each position group. Today we’ll take a look at the Edge Rushers, in which the Broncos have two notable players entering the final year of their contracts.

But how far have the Broncos sunk into this position this season?

The Broncos are committing $3.116 million each to Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper this season. The two 2020 draft picks are both in the final year of their contracts and looking to prove they are worth extending.

Next up is Jonah Elliss, Denver’s third-round pick this year. He received a signing bonus of $1.089 million on his four-year contract, as well as a base salary of $795,000. Nik Bonitto, the Broncos’ 2022 second-round pick, will receive a base salary of $1.232 million.

You’ll notice that the Broncos’ four highest-paid edge rushers represent less than $10 million in cash commitments. Note, even if Over the hood lists John Franklin-Myers as an Edge Rusher, I’ve included him under interior defenders because he is expected to play on the defensive line.

The rest of the Edge Rushers on the roster and their cash commitments:

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Tillman signed a three-year deal, but the Broncos committed next to nothing to him. He received a $10,000 signing bonus, but nothing guaranteed beyond that, so his multi-year contract doesn’t guarantee him a roster spot.

As for who makes the final roster, it would be surprising to see Browning, Cooper, Bonitto and Elliss not make the cut, although the possibility that Browning or Cooper could be traded before the season can’t be ruled out.

Keep in mind that with both set to become free agents after the season, the Broncos might be able to extend one or the other, but likely won’t extend both. A trade before the season could be a good way to secure Denver a future draft pick.

If Denver decides not to trade either, it will be interesting to see who emerges as the fifth Edge Rusher on the roster. But no matter who succeeds, it won’t change the fact that the Broncos won’t pay a ton for the position.

Of course, that could change if Denver decides to extend Browning or Cooper. For now, though, the Broncos aren’t paying big money here.

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