Should the Broncos say goodbye to free agent DeMarcus Ware?

Kiz: Here’s why the salary cap makes the NFL such a brutal business. Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware is admired by his teammates. The Broncos couldn’t have won Super Bowl 50 without his leadership. He owns Hall of Fame credentials. But Ware will turn 35 years old at the outset of training camp, and his body is feeling the strain of a dozen pro seasons. Can Denver afford to keep him?

Jhabvala: Depending on what they decide to do with tackles Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson, the Broncos could have more than $40 million in cap space this offseason. Their priorities are in the trenches, in revamping the offensive line and bolstering the defensive line. Retaining Ware is doable — at the right price, as always. He restructured the final year on his contract last March to reduce his cap hit. To stay, he’d likely have to agree to an incentive-laden deal to further reduce his cap charge so they can continue to build for the future.

Kiz: The Broncos have nine unrestricted free agents. And that’s a good thing. Most of them, from defensive tackle Sylvester Williams to receiver Jordan Norwood, could walk out the door, and John Elway would find better ways to spend the money. Ware, however, is a different story, because leadership does matter, as we saw when losing put a strain on the Denver locker room.

Jhabvala: Ware’s value can’t be fully quantified in the stat sheet. He was a key piece — perhaps the biggest piece — of Elway’s defensive overhaul in 2014. Not only was he a force on the edge (when healthy), but he helped Von Miller through a tough stretch in his pro career to become Super Bowl MVP. Miller has spoken often of the respect he and others in that locker room have for Ware. Keeping that, I believe, is important, especially in a time of change with the new faces on the sideline. The biggest concern for me is Ware’s health. Since 2014, he’s played fewer games each season and last year had two surgeries, on his forearm and then his back. Can he make it through a full season? Related Articles February 13, 2017 Broncos Insider: Denver’s offseason is off and running

February 11, 2017 Kiszla: Why John Elway was smart to pick Vance Joseph over Kyle Shanahan as Broncos coach

February 11, 2017 What will Broncos’ new offense look like?

Kiz: If money were no object, keeping Ware would be a no-brainer. But it’s always about the money in the NFL. Ware started 15 games for Denver in 2014, started 10 in 2015, and injury limited him to eight starts last season. That’s trending poorly. To truly lead, you need to be on the field. It makes me sad, but it’s time for the Broncos to tell Ware thanks for everything and move on.

Jhabvala: I agree, but I hope you’re wrong. If you can ask Peyton Manning to take a significant pay cut then all bets are off. But think back to the Broncos’ Super Bowl run, when Ware wasn’t fully healthy (back), but had 3.5 sacks for a loss of 40 yards and 12 quarterback hits in three games. Think back to how he helped Miller, as well was Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett. Yes, the Broncos have depth on the edge, but they don’t have that true leader in the locker room. Not yet and not without Ware. And when his body cooperates, Ware is still one of the most feared pass-rushers. Elway has said he wants to ensure his defense — the one that has led the league in passing yards the last two seasons — doesn’t take a step back. Ware helps on the field and off. Keep him.