Denver Broncos free agency analysis and remaining options

The Denver Broncos declined their option to re-sign Russell Okung for four-years, $48 million, and he earned himself some additional coin on the open market, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The money being thrown around to tackles is insane. The Broncos (wisely) stayed out of the mix on the first day of free agency. Look at some of these numbers:

Andrew Whitworth — 3 years, $36 million from the Los Angeles Rams.

Russell Okung — 4 years, $53 million from the Los Angeles Chargers.

Matt Kalil — 5 years, $55 million from the Carolina Panthers.

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This is unbelievable money considering the production of the players, specifically for Okung and Kalil. Okung came on late last season for the Broncos, but he’s now making the 2nd highest average salary per year of any left tackle in the NFL.

Let that sink in.

The Broncos, on the other hand, are running out of options quickly. Even some of the more obscure options available to them, like Riley Reiff (who is more of a right tackle) are off the market.

Reiff signed with the Minnesota Vikings as offensive linemen were the primary benefactors of free agent money flying around on day one.

Of course, the Broncos participated in that, handing out $20 million guaranteed to Ronald Leary on a four-year contract. However, Leary’s average salary of $8.75 million per season on his deal with the Broncos seems like a bargain compared to some of the deals that were agreed to.

But the Broncos need a left tackle. And probably a right tackle. They still have Donald Stephenson and Ty Sambrailo, and if you want to mention it, Michael Schofield is also still around.

None of those options excite Broncos fans.

Perhaps the most attractive option that still exists at this point is signing Packers guard T.J. Lang to play right tackle, and signing former Jaguars and Steelers left tackle Kelvin Beachum. The Broncos are not going to panic, because they also have the draft, but we all know the draft isn’t very strong at tackle.

Menelik Watson, formerly of the Oakland Raiders, is among the options to possibly come in and contribute to the Broncos’ situation along the offensive line, but they might also have to look to the trade market.

There’s not much available there, either.

One player the Broncos might have to look at that the coaching staff is familiar with is former Chargers right tackle/guard D.J. Fluker, a former first round pick out of Alabama that has failed to live up to lofty expectations.

The coming days will be interesting for the Broncos, who are still in the market for some upgrades to the roster.