General manager John Elway nailed the 2012 draft, selecting defensive end Malik Jackson in the fifth round and linebacker Danny Trevathan in the sixth. They turned into starters, and exceeded expectations. As such, they have exceeded the Broncos' budget as the team tries to make the puzzle pieces fit to defend their Super Bowl 50 title.
Jackson has agreed in principle on a six-year, $90-million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Teammates were told he received close to $40 million guaranteed. The NFL Network reported the figure at $42 million.
What a time to be alive— Malik Barron Jackson (@TheMalikJackson) March 8, 2016
The Chicago Bears have made a strong push to sign Trevathan. He predicted they would have interest during Super Bowl 50 week. Trevathan developed into a starter and steady contributor under coach John Fox, who is entering his second year in Chicago.
The Broncos made keeping Jackson an offseason priority, but couldn't persuade him to return on an offer at slightly less than $11 million per season. At a $15 million average annual salary, Jackson would be the Broncos' highest-paid player next season when he's not among their top five defensive players.
Congrats Fam @TheMalikJackson #moneyteam lol— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) March 8, 2016
"Congrats Fam @TheMalikJackson," tweeted Broncos cornerback Chris Harris, adding, "Y'all know we still got some Dogs on the D Line ready."
Jackson's deal with the Jaguars won't become official until Wednesday at 2 p.m. It marks the second consecutive year Jacksonville has signed away a top Broncos player with Jackson joining tight end Julius Thomas.
Jackson entered free agency as one of the top players available, attracting interest from Jacksonville, Chicago and Oakland. The Jaguars began free agency with $79 million available in cap space.
"His versatility is unmatched along the Dline," linebacker Brandon Marshall said, explaining why Jackson fit the Broncos so well last season. "He can play anywhere and stop the run and rush the passer from anywhere."
The Broncos wanted Jackson, but have been moving on multiple fronts. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips trusts defensive line coach Bill Kollar to develop young players, as he did this season with defensive end Derek Wolfe, who received a four-year, $36.7 million deal in January, and nose tackle Sylvester Williams. Williams said recently he is open to playing defensive end if asked, and the Broncos are expected to seek depth in the draft and will add help with the the return of a healthy Kenny Anunike.
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