The Denver Broncos will reportedly look to sign a cornerback in free agency. Who could help adequately replace Aqib Talib?
Mike Klis reports that the Denver Broncos are expected to sign a third cornerback to likely be part of their top defensive unit.
This player will not likely be strictly limited to a nickel role, as that is where Chris Harris Jr. thrives, but if the Broncos were looking to add a free agent cornerback and move on from Aqib Talib, this is a pretty decent year to do so.
Klis doesn’t speculate as to any particular fit for the Broncos, but listed off Trumaine Johnson, Patrick Robinson, Prince Amukamara, Darqueze Dennard (who is not yet a free agent), Terrance Mitchell, Nevin Lawson, and Tramaine Brock.
We’ve also done some work on possible free agent corners for the Broncos, starting with Cody Roark’s piece about possible Aqib Talib replacements.
I also had a cornerback of interest in a piece about five underrated free agent options for the Broncos to look at, with the thought that Talib might be on the outs in mind.
Bringing in a free agent cornerback is going to be more of an exact science for the Broncos than many might think. There are a couple of pretty important things to remember when the Broncos bring someone in that we need to keep in mind when considering options.
If you’re going to get rid of Aqib Talib, whether by way of trade or release, the player you bring in must be:
1. Younger, and;
2. Cheaper.
Those are requirements. Also preferred would be previous experience with someone on the Broncos’ coaching staff. That could make this list somewhat incomplete because if a player like Darqueze Dennard (who worked with Vance Joseph in Cincinnati) were to become available, he would also quickly become one of the most viable options.
Talib carries a $12 million cap hit this season, and the Broncos would save $11 million by letting him go. Here are five sensible options in free agency that could save the Broncos money, are younger than Talib, and might be willing to play in a ‘non-starter’ role…