After a lot of activity during NFL free agency in 2023, the Denver Broncos were expected to be less active, but they've managed to sign some free agents to multi-year deals and bring back several players.
I'm examining the details of each contract as they're revealed. We continue with defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, who spent the past four seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
Contract Details
Summary: Two years, $7M, $3M fully guaranteed, $1M in incentives.
Contract Breakdown
2024: $2.5M signing bonus, $1.257M base salary ($500K guaranteed), $348K per-game roster bonus, $500K incentives.
2025: $2.24M base salary, $510K per-game roster bonus, $500K incentives.
Cap charges: $2.855M in 2024, $4M in 2025.
Gut Reaction
Roach received a deal in line with a rotational player. He gets nearly half of the total amount fully guaranteed, though some of his base salary only becomes fully guaranteed as a vested veteran if he makes the 2024 roster.
The contract allows the Broncos to try him out for a year to see how he performs. If he doesn't play well, the Broncos can move on from him in 2025 without much trouble.
Roach has started just five games in his career, but perhaps he gets more chances to start with the Broncos. If he does and plays well, the contract has the potential to become a value deal.
As things stand, though, this is simply a deal that's in line with what you would pay for veteran depth. Anything the Broncos get beyond quality depth is a bonus.
Grade: B+
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