Denver Broncos veteran additions have been busts so far
EDGE
The jury is still out on Stephen Weatherly, who was recently acquired in a trade, but it’s the inaction of the team at this position that has been particularly maddening.
The team has opted for younger options off the EDGE since Bradley Chubb’s injury like Aaron Patrick, a player who was previously on the Jaguars’ practice squad.
Instead of going after veterans that could help in the pass rush, the Broncos have opted for bargain types here and it’s been costly in the pass rush department early on.
Linebacker
The Broncos have unfortunately lost both of their initial starting linebackers — Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson — to season-ending pectoral injuries.
A few weeks ago, the team made the wise move to sign Avery Williamson, but let him go to the Titans despite their need for a veteran run-stuffing presence.
Since Williamson left, the Johnson injury happened and the Broncos had to bring in Micah Kiser from the Rams’ practice squad, who has already landed on IR.
The team brought in Jonas Griffith at roster cut time from the 49ers but he was only brought in for his special teams abilities and he’s been on injured reserve the last few weeks, not making an impact.
Most recently, the team acquired Kenny Young from the Rams in a trade. The jury is out on that pickup but he’ll play substantial snaps.
Overall, the additions made at linebacker so far have been extremely disappointing even if they have been put in tough positions. The team’s handling of Avery Williamson is the most disappointing so far considering the impact he could have made.