Minus Talib, Wolfe, do the Broncos have a ‘championship defense’?
Feb 20, 2018, 2:54 PM | Updated: 3:12 pm
Among the potential pitches the Denver Broncos may make to likely-free agent Kirk Cousins is the “championship defense” that would play on the other side of the ball.
But in order to snag a big fish like Cousins, with a reported competing offer from the New York Jets of $60 million guaranteed in his first season, it may take some finesse with the Broncos salary cap.
One possible solution, from “Stokley and Zach” co-host Brandon Stokley, in which Denver would ship away prolific pass rusher Von Miller to gain more draft capital and cap space, was challenged last week by NFL Network analyst Charley Casserly.
But even more mainstream areas in which the Broncos could save money — including possibly cutting defensive end Derek Wolfe, cornerback Aqib Talib, or wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders — could ultimately be a deterrent for Cousins.
On Monday, “Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mike Evans argued that part of the allure of Denver for Cousins would be its elite defense. But would Broncos be able to maintain that “championship defense” without the likes of Talib or Wolfe?
“Here’s something that is really taken with faith around here, that the Broncos still have an elite defense. The idea of Kirk Cousins being attracted to Denver is because it has a ‘championship defense,’ which is just flat out wrong,” Evans said. “That’s a myth. That doesn’t exist anymore, especially if they do part ways with Derek Wolfe and Aqib Talib.”
Should the Broncos move on from Wolfe and Talib, it would leave just four players — Miller, Brandon Marshall, Chris Harris, and Darian Stewart — who started in Super Bowl 50.
“Don’t tell me this is a championship defense, and it’s something that I’ve been talking about for some time now,” Evans said. “There has been a drain, a talent drain, on this football team, (including) the defense. The defense has not been immune from it.”
Despite losing the likes of Malik Jackson, DeMarcus Ware, T.J. Ward, and Danny Trevathan to free agency or retirement, Denver’s defense has only slightly tapered off in terms of production in 2016 and 2017.
Two seasons ago, the Broncos had the fourth-best defense in the NFL while ranking first in terms of pass defense. Last season they ranked third in yards allowed, fourth in pass defense, and fifth in rushing defense.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.
