Clayton: Things have been wild in the AFC, while Broncos look inward

NFL free agency started in crazy fashion on Monday, as the “legal tampering” period got underway. So far, it has been wild.

The biggest action has been in the AFC. Leading the way is the New England Patriots. They have already spent $146 million on four players. Nothing will become official until Wednesday, but they have agreements in place with some marquee names.

Matthew Judon, the linebacker from the Ravens, agreed to a four-year, $56-million deal. Jonnu Smith, a tight end from the Titans, got a four-year, $50-million contract. And Jalen Mills, a safety / cornerback from the Eagles, reached a four-year, $24-million deal. And Davon Godchaux, a nose tackle from the Dolphins, agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract.

The Broncos have to make some decisions on their own players before the dive into free agency. That got underway on Monday when they reached a three-year, $27 million deal with Shelby Harris.

By Tuesday, Denver has to decide what they’re going to do with Von Miller. They have to decide if they want to pay the linebacker $18 million for this season or void his contract.

There’s a bit of a negative feeling around the situation at the moment. Spotrac.com put Miller’s value at around $10 million. That’d be a big pay cut.

There’s still hope that they pay him the $7 million bonus this week, giving them the summer to work out a revised deal. Even though the Broncos have a lot of cap room, there’s not a lot of optimism that this will happen.