Denver Broncos: 2021 free agents with connections to watch for

Denver Broncos 2021 free agent targets with connections

5. Ifeadi Odenigbo, DL (Vikings)

It’s not always going to be the big names that make for the best free agent signings. Sometimes, like with the Broncos poaching Darian Stewart from the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, you have to strike on free agents at the exact right time.

The exact right time could be right now for Vikings defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo.

The obvious connection here is new Denver Broncos GM George Paton, who had part in drafting Odenigbo in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Northwestern.

Odenigbo is an edge defender and defensive lineman for the Vikings who exemplifies what Paton talked about at his introductory presser of a player who was drafted by the team, developed in their system, and wound up becoming a productive late-round “dart throw”.

In the last two seasons, Odenigbo has played over 1,000 snaps for the Vikings’ defense and has 44 quarterback pressures, 10.5 sacks, and 28 quarterback hits in that time frame.

If you can get this kind of high-effort player as a top reserve off the edge who can play down on the defensive line for the right price, you’ve got to do it. The Broncos’ coaching staff and George Paton would need to come together on how Odenigbo could fit in terms of scheme, but he could. be a valuable rotational rusher.