Aqib Talib has been one of the most important pieces of a dominant Denver Broncos defense over the past four seasons, but the star cornerback understands that there’s a chance the 2017 season may have been his last with the team.
In an appearance on Vic Lombardi’s show on Altitude 950 radio this week, Talib acknowledged that the Broncos have several highly-paid defensive backs and could decide that he’s the odd man out.
“If I wasn’t (returning), it wouldn’t be the most surprising thing in the world,” Talib said, via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. “You have three corners making big money and that’s rare to have. I had conversations with our staff during our exit meetings and stuff, so it’s kind of up in the air. But I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m still here.
“Just put it like this: I had good conversations with (coach) Vance (Joseph), with (defensive coordinator) Joe Woods. I mean, things change. But there’s a chance I will be back.”
As Jhabvala notes, Talib has two years remaining on his contract and is set to count $12 million against the cap in 2018. If the Broncos decide to release him, it would only cost them $1 million in dead money. Three-time Pro Bowler Chris Harris, who at 28 is three years younger than Talib, is scheduled to make a salary of $8.5 million for each of the next two seasons. Bradley Roby, a first-round pick in 2014, will see his salary jump from $1 million to $8.5 million next season.
The Broncos have other needs, most notably at quarterback. Paying three cornerbacks $8 million or more may not be feasible, and Talib is the most expensive of the trio.
“I definitely want to be back. I’d love to retire as a Bronco,” he said. “It’s probably the funnest locker room. I met real friends on this team. We got great memories — Super Bowl 50. Not even just the Super Bowl. Off the field, memories together. I love the guys on the team. I love the staff. I’d love to come back.”
The Broncos have put up with some extracurricular stuff with Talib over the years, most recently his fight with Michael Crabtree. They could factor that in when deciding if they want to release him.
