Denver Broncos: John Elway's top 5 worst free agents or trades

Denver Broncos: John Elway’s top 5 worst free agents or trades

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 24: Offensive tackle Donald Stephenson #71 of the Denver Broncos attempt to block outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins as he sacks quarterback Brock Osweiler #17 in the second half at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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Donald Stephenson /

1. Donald Stephenson, 2016

Contract: Three years, $14 million

Following the Broncos’ 2015 Super Bowl run, the team signed Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson to attempt to ‘fix’ the offensive line situation that had developed.

Okung, as we read earlier on this list, was not a hit.

Stephenson was even worse, and unfortunately for him, he’s now out of the league.

Stephenson’s 36 hurries, 10 quarterback hits, four sacks, and 12 penalties in 13 games earned him the second-worst grade of any tackle according to Pro Football Focus, and he wasn’t much better in 2017 as a backup.

Stephenson’s 2016 campaign was so poor, he signed a revised contract with the Broncos which voided after the season in 2017. After becoming a free agent, he signed with the Cleveland Browns but didn’t end up even making it to training camp.

Stephenson retired from football and cemented his status as John Elway’s worst free agent signing since he came aboard in 2011.

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