NFL Denver Broncos

5 Veterans Who May Not Return For the Denver Broncos

5 Veterans Who May Not Return For the Denver Broncos

Julius Thomas Denver Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are fully focused on the playoffs, but it’s hard not to peek around the corner at this time of year. Without a doubt, the Broncos will have some tough decisions to make this offseason with a plethora of starters playing in contract years. Here are five Broncos veterans who could end up in new places next season.

5. Wes Welker

Wes Welker Denver Broncos
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

5. Wes Welker

Wes Welker Denver Broncos
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time since the Bush administration, Wes Welker caught less than 50 passes in a season. At age 33, and considering the amount of concussions he has sustained from 890 receptions in his career, the Broncos may view Welker as damaged goods and question his value in a crowded receiving corps.

4. Terrance Knighton

Terrance Knighton Denver Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

4. Terrance Knighton

Terrance Knighton Denver Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

“Pot Roast” is on his way to a big payday, and his employer could very well not be a horse. Terrance Knighton will be one of the most-wanted defensive lineman should he hit the market, and he will likely earn more money elsewhere considering the amount of checks the Broncos could be writing this offseason.

3. Rahim Moore

Rahim Moore Denver Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

3. Rahim Moore

Rahim Moore Denver Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

How Rahim Moore plays this postseason will dictate whether or not he will be wearing Bronco orange for the next few years. While Moore is an above-average safety, most people remember him for the mistake against the Baltimore Ravens a few years ago that cost the Broncos their season. To remain a Bronco, Moore has to right those past playoff wrongs.

2. Julius Thomas

Julius Thomas Denver Broncos
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Julius Thomas

Julius Thomas Denver Broncos
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to Welker, the Broncos will have to decide about Julius Thomas, Demaryius Thomas, Jacob Tamme and Virgil Green. The Broncos will surely face competition for the services of their touchdown-specialist tight end. Peyton Manning may influence the Broncos’ decision, as he’s thrown 24 touchdown passes to Thomas over the past two regular seasons.

1. Nate Irving

Nate Irving Denver Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

1. Nate Irving

Nate Irving Denver Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

One of the more promising inside linebackers in the NFL, Nate Irving’s future is murky after a 2014 season in which he appeared in only seven games. The Broncos would be wise to re-sign the NC State product, but there are plenty of teams out there that could use an athletic linebacker like Irving and would be willing to pay for it (divisional rival Oakland comes to mind).

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