Denver had looked forward to having Corey Nelson step up for them at inside linebacker. However, he is going to sign in Philadelphia.
The Denver Broncos had high hopes with Corey Nelson heading into 2018. Unfortunately, the Broncos are losing out on Nelson’s services as he signs a one year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. ESPN’s Josina Anderson first reported the move Tuesday afternoon.
The loss of Nelson leaves a question mark for the Broncos at inside backer. The Broncos have struggled over the last two season with pass coverage across the middle of the field, and Nelson was the candidate to fix that area of concern defensively.
Nelson’s season ended abruptly after suffering a ligament tear in his elbow in October. In his four seasons as a Bronco, including being featured on the Broncos 2015 historic defense, Nelson shined as a special teams ace and situational player on defense.
I'm told #Broncos LB Corey Nelson intends to sign a 1-year deal with the #Eagles, per source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 13, 2018
Nelson contributed 100 tackles and one sack for the Broncos throughout his career. Entering Philadelphia, Nelson has an opportunity to become a starter for the defending Super Bowl Champions. We would like to wish Corey Nelson the best from deep in the hearts of Broncos Country.
Denver’s Options at ILB
Broncos veteran inside linebacker Todd Davis is set to test the free agent market which leaves his future uncertain in Denver.
General Manager John Elway mentioned during the NFL Combine that Denver had interest to bring Davis back, but it appears more than likely that Davis is going to test the waters for other opportunities.
With Nelson’s departure and Davis’s future uncertain, Denver must look into potential replacements. As Denver addressed their QB situation with Case Keenum, the organization could potentially draft an inside linebacker at the fifth pick. That option for me would be Roquan Smith from Georgia.
Next: What Changes Are Coming to Denver After Keenum Signing?
Smith’s ability as a sideline to sideline, run stuffing inside backer puts him as top 15 pick. Denver over the years has struggled without a complimentary piece to help Brandon Marshall cover the middle of the field.
Some potential free agent options could include Navarro Bowman, Zach Brown, Demario Davis, or Kevin Minter. These players have yet to be taken off of the free agency market.
What are your thoughts, Broncos Country?