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Denver Broncos: John Elway’s top 12 free agent signings

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 08: Peyton Manning holds the Lombardi Trophy to celebrate the Denver Broncos in win Super Bowl 50 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High before taking on the Carolina Panthers on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 08: Peyton Manning holds the Lombardi Trophy to celebrate the Denver Broncos in win Super Bowl 50 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High before taking on the Carolina Panthers on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 11: Wes Welker #83 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a 2015 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 11, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 11: Wes Welker #83 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a 2015 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 11, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

8. Wes Welker, WR

Contract: Two years, $12.15 million

When the Broncos signed Wes Welker to be their slot receiver ahead of the 2013 season, it paved the way for the best offensive campaign put together by any team in NFL history.

Not that Welker’s presence in the offense meant everything during that phenomenal 2013 season, but his abilities in the slot helped open things up for other players all over the field, and Peyton Manning was obviously one of the best in the history of the game at finding open receivers.

Welker’s 2013 season for the Broncos was his best and most effective, of course.

In that record-setting season, he racked up 73 receptions for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He also prevented the Broncos from being shut out in one of the worst Super Bowl performances ever.

Though Welker played in more games (14) in 2014 than he did in 2013 (13), his effectiveness was limited due to a suspension to start the season and injuries that kept him limited throughout.

Welker had concussion issues at the end of his time in Denver, and his impact in year two (49 catches, 464 yards, two touchdowns) was not what the Broncos had expected after the team gelled so well together in 2013.

Still, this was a huge free agent signing for the team, even if just for Welker’s contributions to that all-time offense in 2013. He was a major difference maker.

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