3-Wide is a weekly feature in which theScore's NFL editors debate the hot topics around the league. Grab a cold towel and brace for hot takes.
Are the Broncos better off without Peyton Manning?
Dan Wilkins: Absolutely not. While Manning did struggle down the stretch in 2014, he was playing at an MVP level before suffering what turned out to be a fairly substantial thigh injury. He may not have many years left in the tank, but the Broncos don't yet have another viable option to replace him under center. Denver will remain a Super Bowl contender for as long as Manning is around and the team should welcome him back with open arms.
Arun Srinivasan: Tentatively, no. Denver has built an excellent defense and wide receiver core to complement Manning, and the team is still in contention for a Super Bowl with him under center. Brock Osweiler is highly regarded in the Broncos' organization, but in a win-now league, he won't be afforded the proper opportunity to develop at the right pace. John Elway built a roster ready to win immediately and it's contingent upon Manning's return.
David P. Woods: Not in 2015, but perhaps beyond. Manning's $21.5-million cap hit makes it likely the Broncos will lose Julius Thomas in free agency and perhaps some other talented players, too. After watching longtime rival Tom Brady win a career-capping Super Bowl, might Manning consider restructuring his contract not only to allow the Broncos to retain Thomas but to be aggressive in free agency? How much is a better shot at one more ring worth to Manning? $5 million? $10 million?
Which team is furthest from a Super Bowl?
Woods: As long as Jimmy Haslam owns the Cleveland Browns, it's hard to imagine them winning a Super Bowl. Since buying the team in 2012, he's seen nothing but scandal. Things are worse than ever right now: the promising young offensive coordinator quit, the general manger is in trouble for texting, the first-round pick is in rehab and the best offensive weapon is banned for at least a year. The "factory of sadness" is as productive as ever.
Wilkins: New leadership at general manager and head coach will bring some hope, but until the organization proves that it's finally headed in the right direction, the New York Jets seem like the team furthest away from raising the Lombardi Trophy. With significant needs all over the roster, and having to play in an increasingly difficult division, New York has plenty of work to do before it will even challenge the .500 mark, let alone compete for a playoff spot.
Srinivasan: The Tennessee Titans are furthest away from a Super Bowl, currently without a quarterback, a clear No. 1 wide receiver, one league-average linebacker or quality safeties. The Titans trotted out one of the worst cornerback duos in the league and Blidi Wreh-Wilson looked overwhelmed consistently. Planning to rebuild around the offensive line, the Titans whiffed on the Andy Levitre experiment. General manager Ruston Webster wants unilateral control despite missing in three consecutive drafts, and it will take at least two years to be competitive.
Which under-the-radar impending free agent should be franchise tagged?
Srinivasan: Jerry Hughes should be franchise tagged after recording at least 9.5 sacks with the Buffalo Bills in consecutive seasons. I debated selecting Baltimore's Pernell McPhee, who could be a future star but has a small sample size. Initially viewed as a bust with the Indianapolis Colts, Hughes has thrived in 3-4 and 4-3 schemes with the Bills, and has proven to be a valuable component in the league's best pass rush. $15 million a year for Hughes is a bit of a reach, but one that Terry Pegula and company can justify.
Woods: It's widely assumed Jordan Cameron will depart the Browns in free agency. He seems to want out and the Browns are apparently fed up with his frequent injuries. But are the Browns really in a position to allow their best receiving weapon (with Josh Gordon suspended for a full year) to walk? It's risky to tag a player who doesn't want to be tagged, but the Browns should think long and hard about who they plan to throw the ball to next season if both Gordon and Cameron are gone.
Wilkins: If a long-term deal can't be worked out prior to the deadline, Jeremy Maclin should receive the franchise tag in Philadelphia. Though he wouldn't be the top wideout available on the open market, the Eagles simply can't afford to run the risk of losing one of their most reliable offensive playmakers. A multiyear contract would be the goal for both sides even if Maclin gets franchise tagged, but the Eagles need a backup plan in case negotiations stall before free agency opens.
