Broncos’ offensive overhaul could include these five potential cuts

Under the guidance of general manager John Elway, the Denver Broncos have undoubtedly seen a huge increase in success compared to years prior. With success comes tough decisions, sometimes having to cut players, no matter how talented or important, due to salary cap or performance-based conclusions.

As many fans saw last offseason, Elway takes the emotion out of these decisions and makes roster choices based solely on what he believes is best for the team.

A busy offseason is ahead for the Broncos as free agency draws near. In search of “swagger” and always needed cap space, Denver may make a series of surprise cuts, potentially parting ways with these players:

5. CJ Anderson, running back

Last offseason, Denver nearly lost their workhorse back to the Adam Gase-lead Miami Dolphins. Instead, Denver matched Miami’s offer sheet and Anderson remained in Denver.

Slowed by injuries in 2016, Anderson managed only 437 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Staying healthy has been a problem for Anderson, as he missed time in 2015 as well.

With Denver linked to a high-profile running back in this year’s draft, Denver could move on from Anderson and save $3 million in cap space by doing so.

4. Donald Stephenson, tackle

Brought in from rival Kansas City Chiefs to shore up the right tackle position, Stephenson has become a candidate for release after just one season with the team

Perhaps less of a “surprise” and more of a sigh of relief for anyone who watched Denver’s offense last year. Stephenson was a liability in pass protection last season, tied for most on the team in penalties.

The Broncos can save $1 million in cap space should they relieve Stephenson of his duties.

3. Ty Sambrailo, guard

When Sambrailo was drafted as a former CSU Ram in 2015, Denver was certain it had its answer at right tackle across from then-starting left tackle Ryan Clady.

When Clady was lost for the year, Sambrailo was thrust into the starting role. He lasted all of three games before a shoulder injury ended his rookie season.

In 2016, Sambrailo lost the starting right tackle position to free agent Donald Stephenson. Sambrailo was then kicked inside to play the guard position, where most felt he was a better fit for anyway. Once again, Sambrailo struggled to make an impact and saw action in only 10 games.

As Denver looks to revamp its offensive line, the former second round pick could soon find his way out of Colorado altogether.

2. Cody Latimer, wide receiver

Like a relationship that just doesn’t seem to work, it could be time to let go of Cody Latimer. Selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Latimer was supposed to take control of the No. 3 wide receiver position and then become the No. 2 opposite of Demaryius Thomas.

Neither of those have worked out as planned.

Despite coming out of Indiana with immense talent, Latimer has yet to make a significant impact on offense or even special teams.

Latimer is still young enough to turn his career around, and is in the final year of his contract anyway. With a cap hit of less than $1 million, perhaps Elway gives Latimer one more shot before he hits the free agent market next year.

1. Trevor Siemian, quarterback

From starting quarterback of a team looking to defend its Super Bowl title, to a free agent; that’s the life of an NFL player. Reports indicate that the Broncos are in the driver’s seat an to land Tony Romo should the Dallas Cowboys release him. Denver could “move on from” Siemian should this happen.

With Romo penciled in as the short-term starting quarterback for a team with a closing Super Bowl window, Paxton Lynch would then be the team’s future starter as he learns behind Romo.

Even if Romo were to get injured, the Broncos would be able to better evaluate Lynch’s progress if he were to step in right away.