Free Agency Preview: Broncos Should Retain Corey Nelson’s Contract

The Denver Broncos have a variety of free agents hitting the market in the next month, but I believe it’s important they retain Corey Nelson.

Denver will look at upgrading at inside linebacker during Free Agency and the NFL Draft. While there are some candidates outside of the organization that could fill that spot, the Broncos can look inside.

Corey Nelson is a player who has stood out to me as an underrated player on the roster. His level of play and contribution on Special Teams reminds me of a former Denver Bronco before he got the chance to start.

Wesley Woodyard took a very similar journey with the Broncos as a Special Teams player who rotated on defensive series. Corey Nelson is my pick as a player who may do the same.

With Todd Davis Sr.’s contract expiring with the Denver Broncos, the organization appears ready to move forward with youth.

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Davis struggled as an inside linebacker in pass coverage. Many offense’s game-plans tended to isolate Davis in one on one situations where he was taken advantage of.

Nelson has appeared to be one of the Broncos best coverage linebackers on the roster. Unfortunately, Nelson was placed on IR in October after suffering a ligament tear in his elbow.

His 2017 season ended abruptly after 5 games. The Broncos had went away from their base 3-4 scheme in the beginning half of the season and played more of a nickel and dime scheme. This took both Nelson and Davis Sr. out of the equation for the first 5 games. In 5 games, Nelson accounted for 4 total tackles.

Denver Broncos Should Re-Sign Corey Nelson

Heading into 2018, I believe the Broncos should re-sign Nelson. In the era of box score watchers, some may look at Nelson’s 4 tackle season in 2017, but they will fail to see that he’s capable immediately to make an impact.

Nelson was a contributor on the Broncos 2015 Super Bowl season on Special Teams and Defense where he contributed 13 tackles and a sack. In 2016, Nelson stepped up as Brandon Marshall and Davis battled injury and tallied 46 tackles and 5 pass defenses.

At 25 years old, Nelson can contribute on the Broncos defense in stopping the run and pass coverage.

Do you think the Broncos should re-sign Corey Nelson? What are your thoughts, Broncos Country?