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Denver Broncos Christmas gifts and lumps of coal for 2019

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 24: Offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James #70 of the Denver Broncos on the sideline during a pre season game against the Los Angeles Rams of at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 24: Offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James #70 of the Denver Broncos on the sideline during a pre season game against the Los Angeles Rams of at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Lump of coal: 2019 free agency

Although safety Kareem Jackson appears to be a home run of a free agent signing, the Denver Broncos’ 2019 free agent class has been a big, expensive lump of coal up to this point.

Right tackle Ja’Wuan James signed for four years, $53 million, and he’s barely played one half of football this season.

Cornerback Bryce Callahan signed for three years, $21 million, and hasn’t played a down for the Broncos yet.

Running back Theo Riddick signed for one year, $2.5 million, and we only saw a couple of preseason snaps from him.

Jackson has been worth his contract of three years, $33 million, but he finished the 2019 season on the reserve/suspended list (2 games) after a DUI in September.

This lump of coal could end up being one of those savings bonds your grandparents used to give you.

Callahan had surgery on his foot and is expected to be ready for offseason activities. James’ knee injuries should heal on their own and he’s hoping to avoid surgery to be at full strength for 2020. Jackson obviously isn’t injured, and he’s serving his two-game suspension before the 2019 season is out.

Perhaps Riddick will come back next year and take Devontae Booker’s roster spot.

There’s still a silver lining for this free agent class, but the 2019 payoff has not been good.

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