The Broncos big splash in free agency? Owen Daniels. You read that right. As the free agency frenzy began Tuesday, the big name John Elway was able to land was the replacement for Julius Thomas. Daniels is a solid tight end, and knows the Gary Kubiak system from their days together in Houston.
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Did you get a little excited, and then get a little sad right after that? Were you hoping to hear a name like Bryan Bulaga? Did you think that Elway was going to bring in Rodney Hudson? Has the start of free agency left you wondering what is going on at Dove Valley?
Denver has big needs, that must be addressed this offseason, and the biggest concern has to be the offensive line. Knowing that, the question must be raised, how are the Broncos planning on improving if they are going to stay silent? Sure, it is only day two of free agency, but how long must Broncos Country wait? And what, exactly, will be that big splash signing when it comes?
Denver fans can feel good about the tight end position. Denver fans can take comfort in Elway’s ability to make the right move. Denver fans should be happy to have a staff in place that can develop players. However, the Broncos better not lose sight of the actual end game. It has to be Super Bowl or bust this season, as it has been since the arrival of Peyton Manning. Owen Daniels and Virgil Green are pieces to a puzzle, but the puzzle will never be a picture of Manning holding up Lombardi if that is the move of the offseason.
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Owen Daniels (81) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe this is reactionary. It is very early in free agency, and the Broncos have a way of coming up with the big signing, but perhaps that big move isn’t coming. Maybe Elway and Kubiak are content with the team they have, and believe that they can win with the current roster. Maybe the analytics guy is already putting his stamp on the team. I wonder if Manning is thinking about his pay cut and thinking it may have been a mistake.
Next: Free Agency: Broncos Sign Trio of Tight Ends on Day One
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green (85) celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports