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3 Players Who Definitely Won't Be on the Broncos Roster Next Season

By Scott Rogust

Denver Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr.
Denver Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr. / Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

The Denver Broncos didn't have high expectations entering this season given the dominance of the Kansas City Chiefs as kings of the AFC West. As expected, they hovered mediocrity and currently sit at 6-9.

In 2020, John Elway will have to find a way to significantly improve the roster and build around young quarterback Drew Lock, so here are three players who definitely won't be back in the Mile High city next season.

3. Derek Wolfe

Having a career year, Derek Wolfe will likely earn more money from another team than the Broncos.
Having a career year, Derek Wolfe will likely earn more money from another team than the Broncos. / Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Defensive end Derek Wolfe was having the best season of his eight-year career under new head coach Vic Fangio. However, his campaign came to an end earlier this month after he suffered a dislocated elbow. Wolfe is slated to be a free agent at year's end and could very well fetch more money on the open market than what the Broncos could offer him. Plus, with Bradley Chubb coming back and the emergence of Malik Reed, Denver might be wise to spend that money elsewhere instead of further deepening their best strength.

2. Chris Harris Jr.

The Broncos will look to go younger at the cornerback position and will move on from Chris Harris.
The Broncos will look to go younger at the cornerback position and will move on from Chris Harris. / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Harris is not a surprise here. The writing appeared to be on the wall earlier this year, as the cornerback held out from the team for more money. Denver obliged, and Harris answered by putting up career-low numbers. Despite that, the veteran will earn some quality money on the open market due to the demand of defensive backs and it's unlikely the Broncos jump in on the bidding.

1. Joe Flacco

With Drew Lock's emergence, Joe Flacco has no reason to remain on the team.
With Drew Lock's emergence, Joe Flacco has no reason to remain on the team. / Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Everyone saw this coming, well, besides Elway. The Joe Flacco experiment in Denver failed miserably. The former Baltimore Raven held back the Broncos offense and his lack of mobility only hurt him once the pocket collapsed. Now, with Drew Lock solidifying his role as Denver's quarterback of the future, there's no reason to keep the veteran signal caller on next year's roster. While cutting Flacco will result in a $13.6 million dead cap hit, the team frees up $10.05 million in space. Cutting Joe Flacco is a move that must be done.