Denver Broncos Free Agency 2013: Grading the Day One Moves

Kevin Vickerson (99) against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

The Denver Broncos got a running jump into free agency by signing arguably the second best free agent guard in Louis Vasquez, not to mention they signed him from division foe, San Diego.

Vasquez brings size (6’5,” 335 pounds), which with Orlando Franklin (6’7,” 330 pounds), will make that right side of the line a nightmare for defenses. Vasquez started all 16 games for the Chargers last season, and helped the team rank third in total offense (394.3 yards per game). In his four-year career, he’s allowed just 11 sacks and one penalty.

The Broncos signed Vasquez to a four-year deal worth $23.5 million.

In addition to adding more bulk to the offensive line, the Broncos focused in on the defensive line as well. They re-signed Kevin Vickerson to a two-year deal. Vickerson started 14 games for the Broncos last season and played a big role in anchoring the team’s run defense that allowed the second-fewest yards per game in the league.

Vickerson is entering his ninth year in the NFL. He was taken by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2005 draft.

Before the new league year began, the team released longtime linebacker D.J. Williams, which relieved them of his $6 million base salary, and off-the-field issues.

With day one of free agency in the books, how do you think the Broncos did?

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