Clayton: The Broncos are off to a good start during free agency

Even though it’s been a little bit of a slow start during the “legal tampering” period for the Broncos, Denver has come out fine.

First off, they were able to get a deal done with Shelby Harris. He was their main guy to try to re-sign, which they got done with a three-year, $27-million deal.

Then, they made a wise move and kept Von Miller. They picked up his option, which triggered a $7 million guarantee. Right now, his salary for 2021 is $18 million, but that can be adjusted once they get to training camp or closer to the season, when they see how things are going.

Sure, it cost them Kareem Jackson. He was just going to be too costly, with a salary of $10 million and a cap hit of nearly $13 million.

It really came down to Miller or Jackson. The Broncos decided the outside linebacker, a premier edge rusher, was more important for Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense.

The Broncos also made a good deal when they signed Ronald Darby for $10 million per year. That helps out the secondary and doesn’t preclude them from taking a cornerback in the first round of the draft.

Overall, the Broncos are off to a good start this offseason.