Denver Broncos: 3 concerns that are bigger than QB issue

Defensive line

The Broncos needed help at defensive line going into last offseason but after trading for Jurrell Casey and re-signing Shelby Harris to a one-year deal, it looked to be strong.

One year later, Casey is already done in Denver and Harris is once again looking for a big contract. Throw in the fact that DeMarcus Walker is also set to hit free agency and the team needs to place a big focus on this part of the roster.

Dre’Mont Jones is a guy many are excited about and for good reason. The team will also get Mike Purcell back next year, who is solid against the run. Beyond that, the only other guys on the roster are DeShawn Williams, McTelvin Agim, Jonathan Harris,  Deyon Sizer and Isaiah Mack.

Hopefully, Agim takes a big jump in year two. Williams’ play in 2020 should have at least earned him a shot to be on the roster in 2021. Harris, Sizer and Mack are depth guys who will have to have impressive showings this summer to make the roster.

Re-signing Harris should be one of the team’s biggest priorities this offseason. With as much cap space as the team is projected to have, there’s no reason not to make the deal happen. The release of Casey alone can help create the space to give Harris the deal he has earned.

The Broncos could open the 2021 season with Harris, Purcell and Jones as the starters on the defensive line, but another talented pass-rushing defensive end should be added (unless Paton is satisfied with re-signing Walker) and more depth should be added either through free agency or the draft as well.

If the team fortifies each of these positions as described, finding a replacement for Lock won’t seem as necessary.