Paton, Fangio address QB situation

Futures of 4 prominent Denver players also discussed

As evidenced by the wide variety of questions general manager George Paton fielded on Thursday, the Broncos have a lot of decisions to make — and work to do — this of fseason.

Paton and coach Vic Fangio addressed the media for about 25 minutes combined in a video news conference, touching on ever ything from of fseason contract negotiations to the free-agent market and the draft.

Here are five major takeaways as Paton, in his first year with the team, looks to rebuild the Broncos back into a contender.

Quarterback situation

The story: Drew Lock was less than impressive in his second season with a 57.3 completion percentage and a league-leading 15 interceptions while going 4-9. Lock’s inconsistencies have led the Broncos to flir t with the possibility of adding a veteran quarterback to challenge him, such as Matthew Stafford (since traded from Lions to Rams) and Deshaun Watson (who is still demanding a trade from the Texans).

Paton said that he likes the track Lock is on, but the team is doing a “deep dive” with Lock and that the 24-year-old “has a lot to work on.” Though Paton wouldn’t specifically address the team’s inquiries into Stafford and Watson, the new GM said Denver is “going to be aggressive (on the market) and we’re going to be (in talks) in ever y deal.”

Quote: “Until Drew proves to be the next great quarterback…. like (John Elway was for Denver) or cer tain teams around the league are used to, we’re going to always tr y to bring in competition,” Fangio said. “But I do have confidence Drew can continue to improve.”

OLB Von Miller

What’s the story: Miller is entering the final season of a six-year deal that includes a team-high $22.13 million cap hit. Denver’s all-time sack leader with 106, the team can create $13.875 million of cap space by cutting him. The three-time All-Pro missed all of 2020 with an ankle injur y and had a down year statistically in 2019.

Paton must decide whether to re-up with the soon-to-be 32-year-old, or bid him adieu. Complicating the situation is the criminal investigation into Miller, the details of which have not been disclosed. The Parker Police Depar tment turned over its investigation to the Douglas County District Attorney on Feb. 23 for a charging decision.

Quote: “We’re still working through it with Von and his agent. In regards to the legal process, we’re going to let that play out,” Paton said. “Obviously it’s a serious situation, but we want to let it play out before we comment…. (Ultimately) we want to bring him back.”

S Justin Simmons

What’s the story: Simmons played last year on the franchise tag. After earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2019, Simmons was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2020, and led the Broncos with five interceptions.

Now, the Broncos are once again negotiating with Simmons, with Paton and not Elway doing the bidding for the Broncos this time around. The NFL’s franchise tag opened Tuesday, and the tea leaves indicate the Broncos are likely to use the tag on Simmons for a second straight year. The deadline to apply the tag is March 9, and if Simmons is tagged, he’ll be only the second safety in NFL histor y to be tagged in consecutive seasons (Jacksonville’s Donovin Darius, 2003-05).

Fellow safety Kareem Jackson also has a $1.5 million option guarantee on his $10 million 2020 salar y, on which the Broncos will have to make a decision by March 16.

Paton said the Broncos have had “positive conversations” with Jackson’s agent. Jackson will be 33 this season, and his 2021 cap hit is $12.88 million, while the Broncos would save around $7.2 million in cap space by cutting him.

Quote: “Justin’s one of our core guys and our goal since I got here was to sign him to a long-term deal,” Paton said. “He’s a type of guy we want to extend.”

RT Ja’Wuan James

What’s the story: James signed a four-year, $51 million free-agent deal with Denver two years ago, but has yet to come close to living up to the big money. Recurring knee injuries limited him to just 63 snaps in 2019 and he opted out of the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns.

According to Paton and Fangio, the lineman is eager to resume his career in 2021.

Quote: “He’s ready to go,” Paton said. “He said he’s missed football, so he’s ready to get here, and get working and get back with his teammates. I’m looking for ward to meeting him and seeing him play.”

DE Shelby Harris

What’s the story: Harris was slated to leave the Broncos last offseason before a cool market led him to signing a one-year, $3.25 million deal.

Despite missing five games Harris accumulated 32 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 7 deflected passes in 2020. Harris will again be seeking a multi-year deal.

Quote: “I’ve spoken with (his agent) and Shelby is a priority in free agency,” Paton said. “We’d love to have Shelby back because he’s a really good football player.”