WITH VON TAGGED, WHERE DO THE BRONCOS GO FROM HERE?: SANDY AND STOKLEY

Mar 1, 2016, 2:58 PM Updated: Jul 13, 2016, 8:55 am

Watch: Nuggets trade Watson — Is the Championship window closing? | Stokley and Evans with Mark Schlereth | 9 mins

Tuesday March 1, 2016

Photo Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Today’s show opened up with Sandy and Brandon discussing Von Miller receiving the franchise tag. Von had said that he wanted peaceful contract negotiations, but Brandon said things never go that way. Sandy and Brandon talked about the implications of Von Miller getting tagged, and what it means for the future.

Brandon did not think that the Broncos and Von Miller would reach a deal by today. Most players look at the franchise tag as an insult.

Brandon and Sandy discussed Peyton Manning and his impending decision on whether or not to retire. Brandon said that Peyton may need more time, and may simply ask the Broncos to release him so he doesn’t have to rush the decision. Brandon made it clear that he is not a source for Peyton Manning. A caller asked about endorsement opportunities for Von Miller. Sandy said that if you’re a big enough star, it doesn’t matter where you’re playing. Exclusive franchise tag means that the player gets the higher of either: the average of the top five paid players at the position, or 120% of the player’s contract of the previous year. An exclusive franchise tag also means that other teams cannot negotiate with the player who has been tagged.

To close out hour one, the guys continued the discussion on Peyton Manning. Brandon believes that Peyton is not going to rush his decision to help the Broncos. Peyton Manning is due for a physical on March 4 as is written in his contract to receive a physical prior to each season as this year is the final year of his contract with the Broncos. Brandon said that if you have something to say, put your name on it and not to be an anonymous source. Sandy speculated that people close to Manning are reporting as sources what they think he’s going to do, or what they want him to do. Sandy said that the decline for players near the end of their career is sudden.

Listen to hour two here

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Troy Renck of the Denver Post joined the show to kick off hour two. Troy and the guys talked about Malik Jackson and what may happen with him during free agency. Troy said sometimes it’s better to take less and play for a better team vs going to a bad team for more money where you’re expected to be “the guy.” The physical for Peyton Manning is scheduled for March 4th, but can be moved back. Troy has no doubt that Peyton would like to continue to play, but doesn’t know where he could be a starter. If Brock Osweiler were to move on, could the Broncos bring back Peyton? Troy believes that the deal with Brock Osweiler could be all over the map. Troy sees the range on Brock being anywhere from ten to sixteen million per year. Things would have to settle internally for the Broncos before they begin to chase big name free agents. With Mario Williams being released by Buffalo, Troy said we need to keep an eye on all the players that played for Gary Kubiak in Houston. Listen to Troy’s interview HERE.

With Kirk Cousins getting tagged by the Redskins, Brandon believes that this shows a lack of depth at QB for the NFL.

Hour two continued with the guys discussing free agency, which includes finding some bargains during the free agency period. Brandon would love if they locked up Brandon Marshall. The Broncos have a lot of moving parts with players set to hit free agency.

Sandy and Stokley wrapped up hour two continuing the free agency discussion. Sandy talked about Chris Harris Jr and Derek Wolfe, who both took lower contracts to remain in Denver instead of testing the market.

Listen to hour three here

Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Drew Goodman of Root Sports joined the show to kick start today’s final hour. Drew discussed a wide array of topics with the guys including the Broncos, Rockies, and the March Madness tournament.

The Eagles have signed Sam Bradford to a two year deal with 26 million guaranteed. What does this do for the price tag on Brock Osweiler?

Eric Allen, NFL analyst for ESPN joined Sandy and Stokley to keep the NFL talk rolling. They opened conversation discussing Sam Bradford’s new contract with the Eagles. Brandon asked Eric about his thought process when it came to retirement. Eric thinks that Peyton Manning should retire, and maybe try getting a front office position somewhere sort of following the example of John Elway. Keeping the defense together would be Eric’s priority for John Elway. Brock Osweiler should take a little less money and remain with the Broncos according to Eric. Brandon and Eric jokingly talked about the times that they matched up against each other. Listen to Eric’s interview HERE.

Today’s show closed out with the guys discussing Sam Bradford and his new contract with the Eagles, and the implications it may have for what Brock Osweiler could get on the free agent market.

Top Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Written by Jonathan Stapleton