Denver Broncos: Free agents who could address some needs

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders reacts during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders reacts during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders reacts during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders reacts during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Navorro Bowman, LB

In July, the idea of the Broncos signing Navorro Bowman did not appeal to me whatsoever.

Now, for some reason, I absolutely love it.

Bowman is one of the toughest and most physical linebackers in the game. He’s also just 30 years old, and showed last year with the Raiders that he still has plenty in the tank.

This is not meant as a slight to Brandon Marshall, who has been an excellent player with the Broncos, but it seems like Marshall is getting a little too comfortable in his role with the Broncos.

Marshall has gone from unheralded former practice squad pickup to big-money linebacker and he’s really embraced the ‘alpha’ role in the middle of the Broncos’ defense.

After putting forth a ton of work to transform his body in the offseason, Marshall missed a couple of tackles in the Broncos’ preseason opener, doing nothing to quiet some of the doubters and detractors who criticized his 2017 season.

Marshall has been one of the Broncos’ most vocal players when it comes to off-field issues and has certainly turned off a portion of the Broncos’ fan base. The team has stood by him but he has to play better.

If not, Josey Jewell is waiting in the wings and a veteran like Bowman is available to potentially help Denver.