Broncos' Salary Cap: A Look at Potential Cuts & Trades to Free up Space
The Denver Broncos have signed the bulk of their draft picks and officially added multiple undrafted players, thus their cap space for 2022 is mostly realized.
The Broncos currently have $12.6 million in cap space, with fourth-rounders Damarri Mathis and Eyioma Uwzurike as the only draft picks who haven't signed their contracts, but their cap hits will be minimal at this time because the top-51 cutoff is in effect. So when they sign their deals, other players will be pushed underneath the cutoff.
Of course, once the Broncos set their 53-man roster, fill the practice squad and make any necessary moves to injured reserve, all players will count toward the cap. Still, the Broncos should have enough space available to get them through the year.
Some may look at 2023 and notice that the Broncos are projected to have just $6.7M in cap space. However, there is some context needed here.
First, the cap space doesn't yet include any adjustments, such as carryover from 2022 or incentives that players may earn this year. The current 2023 number is based on a base cap of $225M, but takes no other factors into account.
Second, there will always be players whom teams will release for cap or other reasons. Such moves will give the Broncos additional cap space and allow them to either extend players they wish to keep or sign other free agents.
Let's look at some moves the Broncos could potentially make either this or next season that would make a difference when it comes to cap space.
Potential Cuts in 2022 & 2023
Potential Cut: Mike Purcell | DL
Potential Cut: Graham Glasgow | IOL
Potential Cut: Ronald Darby | CB
Potential Trade: Malik Reed | OLB
Potential Trade: Dalton Risner | IOL
Potential Trade: Lloyd Cushenberry III | IOL
Bottom Line
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