The Denver Broncos are entering a dangerous chapter in their franchises' story.

After a home postseason defeat to the Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning is undecided on his future. The 38-year-old quarterback has a torn quad muscle, and he may choose to retire. Team president and Hall of Famer John Elway recently parted ways with head coach John Fox, which has many believing the team could be headed toward a rebuilding process.

On top of Manning's unknown future and search of a new head coach, the Broncos have a lot of big name players entering free agency, specifically at the wide receiver position. Three of the top four Broncos receivers are scheduled to become free agents.

The most notable player on the Broncos roster with an expiring contract is Demaryius Thomas. Thomas had a career-high 1,619 receiving yards this season, and he has eclipsed 1,400 yards the last three consecutive seasons, the only player in the NFL to do so.

It was a disappointing game for Thomas against the Colts in the divisional round, and many fans think Thomas is just a product of Manning's timely throws. Whatever the case, Thomas is a big receiver who fits perfectly with this team. A lot of NFL teams need a quality wide receiver like Thomas, so Elway and the Broncos will have to open their wallets if they want to keep him.

One of the best tight ends in the NFL, Julius Thomas, is also set to become a free agent. Thomas is still 26 years old, and he has had 12 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. Thomas isn't the best blocking tight end, but he knows how to get open and score touchdowns. We could see Thomas get the franchise tag this offseason.

Another receiver on the Broncos roster who may not be back is Wes Welker. Welker isn't a deep threat, but he is one of the best slot receivers in the league. There's a good chance the Broncos will let Welker walk in free agency because of his head injuries, age and declining performance. Both Thomas' will be counting big against the Broncos' salary cap (if signed) next year, and Emmanuel Sanders is just better than Welker in every way imaginable.

Welker could find another team on the open market for a reasonable price tag, but the Broncos have to worry about the Thomas' first.

Perhaps the biggest (literally) player the Broncos should worry about this offseason is defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. Knighton stops the run at the line of scrimmage as good as any defensive lineman in the league. Hence, the Broncos had the No. 3 ranked rush defense in the NFL this season.

Elway expects Manning to make a decision within one month. That will determine what direction the Broncos will go. If Manning decides to strap up for another season, there's a good chance both Thomases will be re-signed. On the other hand, if Manning chooses to retire, the Broncos may choose to rebuild and let their best players walk in free agency.

2015 Denver Broncos Free Agents

Wes Welker

Demaryius Thomas

Terrance Knighton

Jacob Tamme

Will Montgomery

Mitch Unrein

Rahim Moore

Orlando Franklin

Nate Irving

Quinton Carter

Julius Thomas

Virgil Green

Steven Johnson

Aaron Brewer

Tony Carter

Brandon Marshall

Ben Garland

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter

FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS AND UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE