Denver Broncos top 2017 free agents and offseason needs

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Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

DeMarcus Ware, ED

DeMarcus Ware was part of the Broncos’ vaunted 2014 free agent class, and boy was he worth every penny. Ware provided the Broncos with an elite edge defender opposite Von Miller, and was instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl run of 2015-16.

Now, Ware is an unrestricted free agent and potentially trying to play one more season. Will it be in Denver? If the Broncos could get him back at a decent price, it wouldn’t be the worst idea. However, there are a number of other needs on this team, and this exact situation is why the Broncos drafted Shane Ray, who had eight sacks this past season.

Sylvester Williams, DL

After four years of starting for the Broncos, Williams’ time in Denver may be coming to a close. The Broncos had to have liked what they saw from Williams in 2015 when he played at a fairly high level, but his play wasn’t nearly consistent enough in 2016 to warrant a new contract.

Williams is likely to test the waters elsewhere, and sign somewhere other than Denver this offseason, leaving a hole at nose tackle.

Vance Walker, DL

Walker was injured in training camp, and it might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. Denver’s run defense was abysmal without departed free agent Malik Jackson and the injured Walker, who has been rehabbing all year.

If Walker is healthy, he could be an interesting guy to bring back on a cheaper deal. He was one of Denver’s best run defenders in 2015 and was obviously a very valuable piece for the league’s best defense.

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