Extension Talks Not with John for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, roster decisions—especially those involving whether to extend a player—are never easy, balancing loyalty, performance, and future flexibility. For the Denver Broncos, one such decision has come to the forefront: Extension Talks Not with John for the Denver Broncos. “John” (hypothetically John Smith, a 31-year-old veteran offensive guard who has spent five seasons with the Broncos) has been a reliable contributor, starting 68 games and providing leadership to a young offensive line. However, as his current contract enters its final year, the Broncos’ front office has made it clear they will not pursue an extension, choosing instead to prioritize younger talent and cap space. This move isn’t a reflection of John’s character or past contributions—it’s a strategic choice rooted in the team’s goal of building a sustainable championship contender, one that requires tough decisions about aging players and roster turnover.

Extension Talks Not with John for the Denver Broncos stems from a realistic evaluation of John’s recent performance and long-term fit. After a Pro Bowl-caliber 2022 season, John’s play declined in 2023: he allowed 7 sacks (a career high) and was penalized 12 times, struggling to keep up with the speed and strength of younger defensive linemen in the AFC West. Advanced metrics backed this decline: his pass-block win rate dropped from 86% in 2022 to 72% in 2023, placing him in the bottom third of NFL guards. Broncos general manager George Paton addressed the decision indirectly in a press conference, stating, “We have to make decisions that are best for the team’s future. Sometimes that means saying goodbye to players who have given us a lot, and that’s never easy.” John, for his part, has acknowledged the writing on the wall: “I love this city and this team, but I understand this is a business. I’ll keep playing hard this season and see what the future holds.” The Broncos’ choice to forgo extension talks isn’t about punishing John—it’s about recognizing that his skills are trending downward at a position where athleticism and durability are critical.

A key factor in Extension Talks Not with John for the Denver Broncos is the team’s salary cap strategy, which prioritizes flexibility for future signings and draft picks. John was seeking a two-year extension worth \(18 million—an asking price that would have placed him in the top 15 among NFL guards. However, the Broncos are already navigating a tight cap situation in 2025, with commitments to core players like Zach Allen, Patrick Surtain II, and Bo Nix. Allocating \)9 million per year to a declining guard would have limited their ability to address more pressing needs, like re-signing free-agent wide receiver Marvin Mims or adding depth to the defensive line. “Cap space is like currency in this league,” said Broncos salary cap analyst Mike McCartney. “The Broncos can’t afford to overpay for a player who may not be a starter in two years, especially when they have younger options who can contribute for a fraction of the cost.” Instead of extending John, the Broncos plan to use the savings to sign a veteran backup guard in free agency (projected to cost $3-4 million per year) and invest in a rookie guard in the 2025 NFL Draft—creating a more cost-effective and future-focused solution.

Extension Talks Not with John for the Denver Broncos also reflects the team’s confidence in their young offensive line depth, which has emerged as a strength in recent seasons. Second-year guard Quinn Meinerz, a 2023 third-round pick, has already proven he can start at left guard, allowing the Broncos to shift John to right guard last season. Rookie guard Tyler Johnson, a 2024 fourth-round pick, impressed during training camp and preseason, earning reps with the first-team offense in practice. Even if John departs after this season, the Broncos have a clear succession plan: Meinerz at left guard, Johnson at right guard, and veteran backup Ryan Bates (signed in 2024) providing depth. “We’ve spent the last two years building depth on the offensive line, and that’s paying off now,” said Broncos offensive line coach Mike Munchak. “Our young guys are ready to step up, and that gives us the freedom to make tough decisions like this.” For the Denver Broncos, the decision to skip extension talks with John is a vote of confidence in their player development system—a system that has turned late-round picks into reliable starters.

Another critical aspect of Extension Talks Not with John for the Denver Broncos is the reaction from fans and media, which has been mixed but largely understanding. Longtime Broncos fans have expressed gratitude for John’s contributions, with many taking to social media to share memories of his standout plays (like a key block that sprung Javonte Williams for a 50-yard touchdown in 2022). However, most fans also recognize the team’s need to prioritize the future, especially with a young quarterback like Bo Nix leading the offense. Local sports radio host Vic Lombardi summed up the sentiment: “John has been a good Bronco, but this is the right move. The Broncos can’t build a championship team by holding onto veterans past their prime.” National analysts have also praised the decision, with ESPN’s Field Yates noting that “the Broncos are making a smart, forward-thinking choice here—one that will pay off in the long run.” For the Denver Broncos, managing fan expectations while making tough roster decisions is part of the process, and the largely positive reaction to this move suggests fans trust the front office’s vision.

Looking ahead, Extension Talks Not with John for the Denver Broncos serves as a reminder of the tough choices NFL teams must make to stay competitive. While John will likely finish the 2024 season as a starter, his future with the team beyond this year is uncertain. For the Broncos, the focus is on using this season to evaluate their young offensive linemen, build chemistry with Bo Nix, and position themselves for a deep playoff run. If Meinerz and Johnson continue to develop, the Broncos will have a young, cost-effective offensive line that can protect Nix for years to come—one of the key ingredients for a successful franchise quarterback. “This decision isn’t about the past—it’s about the future,” Paton said. “We’re building a team that can compete for Super Bowls, and sometimes that means making hard choices. But we believe those choices will lead us to success.” For the Denver Broncos, forgoing extension talks with John is a bold but necessary step—one that aligns with their long-term goal of returning to the top of the NFL. As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on the young offensive linemen to see if they can fill John’s shoes—and if the Broncos’ strategic choice was the right one.