8 potential cap casualties for the Broncos ahead of free agency

The Broncos need to create more salary cap space and the contracts of these players could put them in danger of getting cut.

With the unofficial start of NFL free agency just over one week away, the Denver Broncos are more than $14 million over the salary cap.

The Broncos will need to free up cap space just to re-sign some of their in-house free agents. Denver will need to create even more cap space if the team is planning to target any pending big-name free agents from other clubs.

There are various ways the Broncos could free up cap space, including trading players, restructuring contracts and giving extensions to select players. The simplest option is making roster cuts.

Denver is expected to release quarterback Russell Wilson in the coming weeks, but that (expected) move will create “dead money” against the salary cap. There are several other players who the Broncos could cut this spring to actually create more cap space ahead of free agency.

Here are eight players to keep an eye on over the next two weeks. Potential cap savings reflect a cut with a post-June 1 designation (if applicable), with the numbers provided by OverTheCap.com.

8 Broncos players have changed their jersey numbers

If KJ Hamler returns to the Broncos later this year, he will need a new jersey number: CB Tremon Smith has switched to No. 1.

Several Denver Broncos changed their jersey numbers on Monday.

Punter Riley Dixon, who wore No. 19 in preseason, switched to No. 9. Broncos receiver Marvin Mims, who wore No. 83 in preseason, then switched to No. 19.

Cornerback Tremon Smith also switched to No. 1 after wearing No. 23 in preseason. Cornerback Fabian Moreau, who wore No. 36 this summer, then switched to No. 23 (running back Tyler Badie remains No. 36).

Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, who previously wore No. 35, now wears No. 29. Defensive back Devon Key, who wore No. 38 in preseason, now wears No. 26 (running back Jaleel McLaughlin still wears No. 38).

Quarterback Ben DiNucci, who wore No. 6 this summer, now wears No. 11 (safety P.J. Locke still wears No. 6).

No. 1: CB Tremon Smith (previously 23)
No. 9: P Riley Dixon (previously 19)
No. 11: QB Ben DiNucci (previously 6)
No. 12: WR Tim Patrick (previously 81) [injured reserve]
No. 19: WR Marvin Mims (previously 83)
No. 23: CB Fabian Moreau (previously 36)
No. 26: DB Devon Key (previously 38)
No. 29: CB Ja’Quan McMillian (previously 35)

New practice squad players also received their numbers: WR Phillip Dorsett (No. 13), ILB Ben Niemann (No. 57), TE Lucas Krull (No. 85) and WR David Sills (No. 87).

Additionally, defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster is wearing No. 96. That’s not a new change — Lancaster switched from No. 62 to No. 96 after defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike was suspended indefinitely for gambling.

During the offseason, players are allowed to share numbers if they play on different sides of the ball (such as McLaughlin and Key both wearing No. 38 in preseason). With the regular season now right around the corner, though, numbers 0-99 can only be worn once on the 53-man roster and 17-player practice squad.

The Broncos are considered 4-point favorites against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. View the team’s full regular season schedule here.

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Marvin Mims likely to return punts for Broncos as a rookie

“I’m excited to bring that to the next level if that’s my role for the team,” Marvin Mims said of possibly returning punts for the Broncos.

No rookies are handed a starting position. Marvin Mims will have to compete for the punt return job this summer, but he’s clearly the early favorite to win that role.

Before the draft, Broncos coach Sean Payton hinted that Denver was looking for a new returner at the NFL owners’ meetings. Then the Broncos traded up into the second round of the draft to select Mims, who ran a 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds at the combine.

His speed stood out on film.

“The one thing that I think we found that was different was lot of these receivers you felt were in rush hour traffic — Monday through Friday,” Payton said. “This was one that looked like he was driving on Saturday and Sunday. He was open, and it was cleaner. That’s because of his speed.”

Payton replaced most of Denver’s coaching staff this offseason and brought in Ben Kotwica as the new special teams coordinator and Mike Westhoff as an assistant head coach with an emphasis on special teams. Payton believes those coaches will get the most out of Mims as a returner.

“When you have a guy like Kotwica and Mike Westhoff — we feel like he’s one of the best return coaches that’s ever coached in the NFL” Payton said. “To have a prospect come in and compete was exciting for us.”

Mims returned 33 punts for 391 yards in three years at Oklahoma, averaging 16 yards per return in 2022. He also returned three kickoffs for 108 yards.

“I’ve done punt return and kick returner,” Mims said. “Kick return — I’ve kind of been in and out as they let younger guys do it. Punt return — I’ve started ever since I was a true freshman in college with my first career game. I’m really comfortable with it. It’s something I’ve done for three years, and I’m excited to bring that to the next level if that’s my role for the team.”

This offseason, the Broncos signed cornerback Tremon Smith, who has returned 94 kickoffs for 2,323 yards in his career. Again, nobody will be handed a starting job, but Smith (kickoffs) and Mims (punts) appear to be the obvious favorites to handle return duties in Denver this fall.

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Broncos view Tremon Smith as an ‘elite special teams player’

Broncos coach Sean Payton believes cornerback Tremon Smith will be an “elite” special teams player in Denver.

The Denver Broncos added more depth at cornerback and on special teams when they signed Tremon Smith to a two-year contract last month.

Smith has only started five games on defense in his career, including four over the last two seasons with the Houston Texans. After breaking up four passes and intercepting two others last year, Smith has proven to be more than just a special teams ace, but his biggest contributions in Denver will likely come as a returner.

“With Smith, I see a player that obviously competes outside of corner,” coach Sean Payton said at the NFL owners’ meetings last week. “I see an elite special teams player. Corner, special teams — I see 24 snaps [a game]. You have to look at it that way. The vision is pretty clear.”

Smith played 361 snaps on special teams and 202 snaps on defense with the Texans in 2022. He’s been far more involved on special teams (1,163 snaps) than on defense (462 snaps) through five seasons in the NFL.

Smith returned 19 kickoffs for 417 yards and four punts for 53 yards in Houston last season. He’s now set to compete with Montrell Washington for the Broncos’ kick return duties this summer.

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Broncos made big changes on special teams this offseason

The Broncos brought in a new ST coordinator and an assistant HC with a ST background and made changes at punter, returner and long snapper.

Last year, the Denver Broncos’ special teams units were nothing special. Let’s go over some of the “highlights” from 2022.

Not only did they lead the league in punts (96), kicker Brandon McManus also missed the most field goals in a season of his career (8) and rookie return specialist Montrell Washington fumbled five times.

Suffice it to say, the Broncos are in major need of a special teams makeover. During free agency, Denver signed punter Riley Dixon, who returns to the Broncos after most recently playing for the Los Angeles Rams. After signing Dixon, they released Corliss Waitman, who, despite leading the NFL in punts, had one of the shortest punts of the season among qualifying punters who booted at least 25 kicks (57 yards). Comparatively, Dixon’s longest punt in 2022 was 67 yards.

The Broncos also made a change at long snapper, letting Jacob Bobenmoyer walk in free agency. Mitchell Fraboni, who filled in for an injured Bobenmoyer in four games last year, now appears set to become the team’s full-time long snapper in 2023.

In addition, the Broncos also acquired cornerback Tremon Smith, who was a kick returner for the Houston Texans to compete with Washington as a specialist. Will this competition bring out the best in Washington? Or will Denver be looking for another returner in the draft?

This new-look special teams unit has some great potential. It would certainly be nice to rank near the bottom of the league in punts, and near the top of the NFL in return yards. With new special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica and new assistant head coach Mike Westhoff leading the charge, the Broncos should take a big step forward on special teams this fall.

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Check out these highlights of new Broncos CB/KR Tremon Smith

Tremon Smith seems poised to become a key special teams player for the Broncos this year.

The Denver Broncos added depth at cornerback and competition at returner this week when they agreed to terms on a two-year deal with defensive back Tremon Smith.

Smith, 26, spent the last two seasons playing for the Houston Texans. Last year, he totaled 22 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions in 17 games (two starts) with the Texans.

In addition to getting rotational playing time on defense, Smith returned 19 kickoffs for 417 yards and returned four punts for 53 yards in Houston last year. In Denver, Smith will likely be a top candidate to return kicks for the Broncos this season.

Here are some of Smith’s highlights from his time with the Texans:

(If the video does not play here, you can watch it on YouTube).

Mic’d up for a touchdown return:

And another return touchdown from his rookie season:

Smith seems poised to become a key special teams player in Denver while also providing depth in the secondary.

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Report: Former Texans CB Tremon Smith agrees to 2-year deal with Broncos

Former Houston Texans cornerback Tremon Smith is signing with the Denver Broncos as free agency continues.

The Houston Texans won’t have the services of cornerback Tremon Smith anymore.

According to Aaron Wilson from KPRC-TV, the Denver Broncos are signing Smith to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million.

Smith had one of his better two-year stretches with the Texans, despite their abysmal on-field performance. The 5-11, 190-pound returner averaged 10.8 yards per punt return through 34 games along with 23.9 kickoff returns yards and a touchdown.

The former Kansas City Chiefs 2018 sixth-round pick demonstrated value as a cornerback in 2022 with 22 combined tackles, one tackle for loss, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions through 17 games, two of which he started.

Special teams coordinator Frank Ross said on Dec. 29, 2022, that Smith was the best all-around athlete on the team.

““I’ll get some flack for this, but Tremon Smith is the best all-around athlete on our football team,” said Ross. “I’ll go ahead and start some debates with those guys in there if they hear me say that. Baseball player, hooper, can catch, can throw, can run, all that good stuff. The athleticism part is where he’s been able to take advantage.”

The Broncos hope to take advantage of that athleticism as the Texans retool their transition phase of the game.

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Broncos signing CB/KR Tremon Smith to 2-year contract

The Broncos are signing cornerback/returner Tremon Smith to a 2-year contract.

The Denver Broncos are adding more depth at cornerback and perhaps a new designated returner.

The Broncos have agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $5.5 million with cornerback Tremon Smith, according to KPRC-TV’s Aaron Wilson.

Smith (5-11, 190 pounds) entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick out of Central Arkansas with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. He went on to spend time with the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts before joining the Houston Texans in 2021.

Smith has served as a rotational cornerback and special teams ace with his five previous teams. He totaled 22 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions in 17 games (two starts) with the Texans last year.

Perhaps more notable, Smith returned 19 kickoffs for 417 yards and five punts for 53 yards last season. He has averaged 24.7 yards per kickoff return in his career.

Montrell Washington, who handled most of the Broncos’ return duties last season, averaged 18.9 yards on kickoff returns in 2022. Washington now appears to have serious competition at returner, and Denver has more depth at cornerback.

We are tracking all of the team’s free agency moves on Broncos Wire.

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Texans’ Tavierre Thomas reminds Tremon Smith of a former Disney Channel original series

Houston Texans CB Tremon Smith says that Tavierre Thomas is similar to the title character from “That’s So Raven,” a Disney Channel original series.

NFL cornerbacks are regarded for their anticipation skills, not necessarily their clairvoyance.

Houston Texans cornerback Tavierre Thomas had a funny feeling about Tremon Smith, one of his closest friends on the team and a groomsman from his wedding.

It’s crazy, on Saturday [Dec. 10], I was in the sauna, that week he got two interceptions,” Thomas said. “I’m in the sauna, I got out of the sauna, and I called him. I was like, ‘Bro, I don’t know why, but I feel like you’re going to play.’”

Rookie cornerback Derek Stingley had been sidelined since Week 11 with a hamstring injury. The Texans were going with Desmond King in his place opposite of cornerback Steven Nelson. The plan was going to be the same against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14.

“I called him, and I said, ‘I think you’re going to play this weekend,’” Thomas recalled. “And he was like, ‘I’m not going to play, bro.’ I said, ‘Yes you are, bro. Just stay locked in.’ And he said, ‘I’m always going to be ready.’ I was like, ‘I’m telling you Tre, you’re going to get in.’”

Nelson left the game in the first half with a foot injury, which meant the Texans had to delve into their reserve, and Smith, who normally returns punts and kickoffs, was playing in Nelson’s spot opposite of King.

“The first play, he made a tackle,” said Thomas. “The second play, he had a pick.”

With 3:21 to go in the second quarter, Smith caught a tipped pass and recorded his first interception of his career.

Said Thomas: “He came up to me and said, ‘Bro, you’re like “That’s So Raven.”’ I was happy about that.”

The premise of “That’s So Raven,” a Disney Channel sitcom from 2003-07, was that Raven Baxter, played by Raven-Symoné, would use her psychic abilities throughout her life as a teenager.

“I’m happy for him,” Thomas said. “I’m happy he’s balling out, and I’m happy he’s got his opportunity. Hopefully, he just keeps it up and keeps making plays.

“He’s going to have a big payday coming soon.”

Texans special teams coach Frank Ross relishes in teamers having success on offense, defense

Houston Texans special teams coach Frank Ross says he enjoys it when one of his players is having success on offense or defense.

Frank Ross has a limited amount of players on the 53-man roster he can work with to form his special teams units which cover kickoffs, punts, returns, and field goal tries and blocks.

Typical Ross is working with reserves on the Houston Texans roster. When injuries hit, those reserves are tapped, as was the case in Week 14 when cornerback Tremon Smith was called upon due to cornerbacks Derek Stingley and Steven Nelson being out. Same went for receiver Chris Moore as Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins missed the game.

When the reserves start to have big games on offense and defense, as Moore and Smith did, it should worry Ross about losing two of his best special teamers. However, the Texans’ special teams coach is simply thrilled “his guys” are starting to make an impact in other phases of the game.

“We’re excited for any Texans making big plays, of course,” Ross told reporters Dec. 15. “It definitely has a special place for you, especially as a special teams coach when those guys are getting their chances and making the most of their opportunities. You know, I try to stay level-headed and just give them a high five or a pat on the helmet because I want him to go out there and keep playing ball. But man, I was raving.”

Smith had a big game in the 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys as he picked off quarterback Dak Prescott twice.

“I would say the only thing is my dry sense of humor, I walked up to him and said, ‘Don’t forget about us now. Please come back and play on special teams and stay hungry with that Texans special teams attitude,'” Ross said.

Ross was also impressed with Moore’s game. The 6-1, 200-pound wideout caught 10 passes for 124 yards on offense, but was pivotal in downing punter Cam Johnston’s punt inside the 1-yard line with 8:01 to go and Houston leading 23-20. The poor field position for Dallas led to Prescott throwing his second interception to Smith, and giving the Texans first-and-goal at the Dallas 4-yard line.

Said Ross: “Anytime guys like that go make plays, great, they are coming back. Like Chris Moore. How about that game on offense? Coming back, gloves off, put him right in the mud going running down on what ended up being a critical downing of a punt. Need to continue to have that throughout the entire core unit.”

The Texans will need to rely on Smith and Moore to have big games in special teams and the other phases again as the injury situation remains the same for Houston heading into Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs.