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3 Broncos players who won’t be back in 2023

By Jakob Ashlin

Aug 20, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) makes a catch over Buffalo Bills linebacker Andre Smith (9) in the second quarter of a pre-season game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) makes a catch over Buffalo Bills linebacker Andre Smith (9) in the second quarter of a pre-season game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Broncos players that won’t be back next season: G Dalton Risner

Risner has been a steady presence on the Broncos’ offensive line. Over the last four years, Risner has started 60 games for the Broncos.

Risner is scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, and the Broncos will only have $15.48 million in estimated cap space, per Spotrac. Spotrac projects that Risner will have a market value of $9.5 million per season. Will the Broncos be willing to pay him that?

They have many options at guard, including Quinn Meinerz, Graham Glasgow, Luke Wattenberg, and Lloyd Cushenberry III. Furthermore, Risner is not coming off the strongest season of his career. He currently has a PFF grade of only 60.3.

The Broncos could take a swing at improving the interior offensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft and allocate their cap space towards addressing other needs on the roster (running back, backup quarterback).

Retaining Risner is not completely out of the question, but a significant offer in free agency could force their hand.

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