Perhaps the next piece of Broncos news to drop as it relates to the roster will be the addition of free agent offensive tackle Jason Peters.
For many fans, any Denver Broncos news involving an addition at the offensive tackle position is going to make their offseason.
The Broncos made the decision to decline Garett Bolles’ fifth-year option as a former first-round pick, putting his status with the team beyond this season into question. As a matter of fact, it raised some questions about his immediate future with the team, especially considering the fact that John Elway spoke openly about Bolles having to beat out Elijah Wilkinson to keep his starting left tackle job in the first place.
One of the top free agent offensive tackles still available is 38-year old Jason Peters, who is one of the rare types of athletes who has seemingly found the fountain of youth, playing at a high level well beyond the age anyone would expect him — or any other player — to do.
Nine-time Pro-Bowl OT Jason Peters, who turned 38 in January, has been working out to play this season and plans to play this season. He has spoken with the Eagles, but is keeping his options open: This is a video that Peters recently shot that he wants teams to see. pic.twitter.com/YnrWzZ44FD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2020
According to Mike Garafolo and James Palmer of the NFL Network, the Eagles are maintaining contact with Peters right now but the Denver Broncos are apparently one of the team’s ‘lurking’.
From NFL Now on @nflnetwork: 38-year-old Jason Peters has recently told friends if Tom Brady can play into his 40s, so can he. The #Eagles have remained in contact with him as other teams (@JamesPalmerTV mentioned the #Browns, #Jets and #Broncos) lurk. pic.twitter.com/cxWq9qGmwI
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 12, 2020
The Eagles might be concerned about last year’s first-round pick Andre Dillard and his development thus far, which would make sense if they are still interested in bringing Peters back, but if the Broncos want Peters, he’s there for the taking.
If the Jets, Browns, and Broncos are the teams looking into acquiring Peters, the Broncos are the only team among those with a clear vacancy at one of the tackle positions.
But why would the Broncos try to sign Peters? Does that even make sense after they decided to pass on the position completely in the 2020 NFL Draft?
Absolutely, it would.
If the Broncos feel Bolles is not up to snuff, they are not obligated to hand him a starting job this year. Furthermore, if the Broncos decide they are not keeping Bolles beyond this season no matter what, Peters is the better player to have for a year anyway. At least, you’d rather take your chances with Peters for a year than with Bolles, then re-evaluate at the end of the season.
It could cost at least $10 million to sign Peters, who has a reputation and pedigree as one of the best tackles in the league. With that said, the price could be lower given the point we are at in the offseason and also given Peters’ age.
If I were John Elway, I would sign Peters to a two-year deal to have some insurance beyond this season and a possible starting option for 2021 with the draft and free agency in play as ways to find long-term solutions.
Peters may not be looking for more than a one-year deal, but he also apparently believes he can play into his 40s.
The reasons for signing Peters in Denver far outweigh the reasons not to do it. The Broncos have plenty of cap space. They clearly aren’t overly confident in the 28-year old Garett Bolles turning a corner this season, and Peters is an immediate upgrade at a critical position.
Price will obviously be a factor, but this is a move the Broncos should make now that they have declined Bolles’ fifth-year option.