Although the Broncos have been in contact with the agent for center Matt Paradis, they’re likely to let the pending free agent hit the open market in order to test his value, according to Mike Klis of 9News.

Paradis is one of the best centers in the NFL, but there are a few complicating factors regarding his free agency. For one, he’s coming off a fractured fibula that ended his season in early November. While he’s already ahead of schedule and should be ready for the 2019 regular season, Paradis’ injury will be something interested clubs will monitor. Additionally, Paradis is older than than typical free agent given that he entered the league at age-25 — he’ll be 29 years old when free agency opens and 30 by October.

But Paradis will undoubtedly be the most coveted free agent center on the open market, as the only other starting-caliber pivot scheduled to reach free agency is the Chiefs’ Mitch Morse. For what it’s worth, Pro Football Focus ranked Paradis as the second-best center in the NFL last season, while Paradis finished 13th. Financially, the center position is currently topped by Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen, who landed a $10.5MM annual average last offseason.

If Paradis signs elsewhere, the Broncos will likely use Garett Bolles, Ronald Leary, and Connor McGovern on the left side of their line, with pending free agent Billy Turner — who has discussed an extension with Denver — likely playing either right guard or right tackle.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.