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David Zalubowski/Associated Press

The Denver Broncos are going to find ways to create more salary-cap space this offseason. General manager John Elway isn’t afraid to make tough calls when it comes to coaching or personnel. He’s constructed a Super Bowl champion after only five years on the job, and now Elway will turn his attention toward free agency and the draft.

According to Spotrac.com, the Broncos have $144.8 million in money dedicated to players currently under contract. Rand Getlin, from NFL Network, reports that the salary cap is expected to jump to at least $155 million this year. That’s nearly $12 million more than last year's cap of $143.28 million. That means the Broncos could have around $12 million in cap space to work with.

In NFL money, $12 million won’t get you a lot. Yes, the team could free up around $20 million if (when?) Peyton Manning retires, but as of right now, they don’t have a ton of space. Even with an extra $20 million, that $32 million estimated cap space would only put them near the middle of the pack in the NFL when it comes to salary-cap room.

Simply put, the Broncos are going to have to trim some salaries in order to keep their own key free agents.

There are high-paid players on this team who could find themselves playing elsewhere in 2016. There are also some players who might be asked to restructure in order to reduce their salary-cap number this season.

Who are five logical cuts who could create more space for the Broncos? Let’s find out.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via Denver Broncos unless otherwise noted. Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac.com. Transaction history provided by ProSportsTransactions.com.