Mike Klis of 9 News reports that the Broncos are expected to place veteran CB Aqib Talib on the trading block this offseason because of financial considerations.
Klis mentions that Denver has two other younger cornerbacks on their roster in Chris Harris Jr. and Bradley Roby who are scheduled to make over $17 million combined for the 2018 season.
Keeping Talib and his $11 million salary would bring that figure to around $28 million, which is a lot to allocate for three cornerbacks, especially when the Broncos could be in the market for a free agent quarterback such as Kirk Cousins.
A few weeks ago, Talib admitted during an appearance on Vic Lombardi’s show that there’s a chance he won’t be back in Denver next year.
“If I wasn’t (returning), it wouldn’t be the most surprising thing in the world. You have three corners making big money and that’s rare to have,” Talib said, via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. “I had conversations with our staff during our exit meetings and stuff, so it’s kind of up in the air. But I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m still here.
“Just put it like this: I had good conversations with (coach) Vance (Joseph), with (defensive coordinator) Joe Woods. I mean, things change. But there’s a chance I will be back.”
Talib added that he not only wants to return to the Broncos next year, but he’s hoping to finish out his career in Denver.
“I definitely want to be back. I’d love to retire as a Bronco,” Talib said. “It’s probably the funnest locker room. I met real friends on this team. We got great memories — Super Bowl 50. Not even just the Super Bowl. Off the field, memories together. I love the guys on the team. I love the staff. I’d love to come back.”
Talib, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Buccaneers back in 2008. He spent four years in Tampa Bay before joining the Patriots in 2012.
The Broncos later signed him to a six-year, $57 million contract that includes $26 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salar7 of $11 million for the 2018 season.
According to OverTheCap.com, trading or releasing would free up $11 million of available cap space while creating $1 million in dead money.
In 2017, Talib appeared in 15 games for the Broncos and has recorded 31 tackles, one interception returned for touchdown, a forced fumble and seven pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 14 cornerback out of 120 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding Talib as the news is available.
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