Who are some players the Denver Broncos could sign or trade for from each NFL Team? Here’s one player from each team that could interest them.
Each team in the NFL has players the Denver Broncos should be interested in. It would not surprise me if one or two, or even three of these guys end up in Denver.
I took a look at the rosters of each of the other 31 teams in the NFL, as well as their pending free agents, and chose one player from each team I think the Broncos should go after. Some of these guys are flashy names while some may not ring a bell.
The Broncos may not be that far from the NFL playoffs. Some of these players could make the team instant contenders. Here’s the list.
NFC West players the Denver Broncos should target in 2022
Arizona Cardinals – Chandler Jones, OLB
Chandler Jones has been one of the better pass rushers in all of football since he entered the league in 2011. Since then, he’s accumulated 107.5 career sacks, as well as 473 tackles. He’s an absolute monster.
Jones is almost 32-years old but has shown consistency in his play, as he’s had 10+ sacks in seven of his seasons. The Broncos traded Von Miller during last season, and he won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams so any hope of Miller returning to the Broncos seems gone at this point. The Broncos need some pass rush help and Jones could be that answer.
In a division where it’s crucial to get to the quarterback, Jones would be outstanding in Denver alongside Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, and Stephen Weatherly.
San Francisco 49ers — Jeff Wilson, RB
Running back Jeff Wilson is likely a name you won’t link to the Denver Broncos but I think that with the potential loss of Melvin Gordon in free agency, Wilson could be big in the run game alongside Javonte Williams, who could see a lot more carries in 2022.
Wilson would be behind Williams but maybe could be some sort of short-yardage type of back for the Broncos. It’s not flashy, but running depth is important.
Seattle Seahawks — Russell Wilson, QB
Signs seem to be pointing heavily to Aaron Rodgers being a Bronco but he’s not the only top-tier quarterback the team should be looking at.
Russell Wilson has been linked to the Denver Broncos for a while as the Seattle Seahawks may want to move on from him at some point. If the Broncos do not acquire Rodgers, Wilson should be the top target for them. The addition of Wilson could be beneficial to the team longer-term than Rodgers but the big question is, would both of them be able to get the team to the Super Bowl?
It’s certainly worth the chance and capital they’d have to give up. It’s worth a chance. It’s a lot better than what the team currently has.
Los Angeles Rams — Austin Corbett, G
Will the Los Angeles Rams allow guard Austin Corbett to walk in free agency? Probably not, but here’s the thing: Money talks. If the Broncos want to move on from Graham Glasgow, Corbett could be a little bit of a cheaper option.
Corbett played most of the team’s snaps over the last three years. He gave up just three sacks in 2021 and committed five penalties. The Broncos should be looking to upgrade every position and adding this Super Bowl champion could be huge for the team’s quarterback as well as its running backs.
NFC South players the Denver Broncos could target in 2022
Atlanta Falcons — Grady Jarrett, DL
Grady Jarrett has appeared in every game over the last three seasons and has hardly missed much time since his rookie season. He has 89 career quarterback hits and 54 tackles for loss along with, 359 tackles, five forced fumbles, and 26.5 sacks.
Jarrett is a big force on the Atlanta Falcons defensive line. He would be an upgrade over Mike Purcell.
New Orleans Saints — Kwon Alexander, LB
The Predominantly Orange team has been pounding the table for Kwon Alexander for several years now. Alexander will become a free agent in March, and the Broncos should take a look at adding him.
Alexander is a fast linebacker (4.55 at the 40-yard dash in 2015), and could help in coverage.
The Broncos could lose Josey Jewell and/or Alexander Johnson in free agency. Kwon Alexander would be very ideal.
Alexander is still just 27-years old and has some time to develop.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — O.J. Howard, TE
O.J. Howard could be going from one future Hall of Fame quarterback in Tom Brady to another in Aaron Rodgers if he signs with the Denver Broncos. Howard is a big, tall tight end who has not been the star in his team’s offense during his time with the Buccaneers.
However, in the right system, he could flourish. The Broncos could utilize Howard to an extent he has never been used before. In a three-tight end set with Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam, could you imagine? Defenses would be forced to pay attention to five targets on some occasions instead of having the tight ends out to block.
Rodgers and Howard would be lethal.
Carolina Panthers — Haason Reddick, LB
Reddick is a former first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals and signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. He’ll be a free agent in March.
Reddick can cover tight ends and running backs, but he’s also a star in the pass rush game. He topped ten sacks in each of the last two seasons and really has come a long way after his first three years in which he had just 7.5 total sacks.
Reddick’s versatility would come in absolutely huge for the Denver Broncos. I think that he’ll generate a ton of interest by NFL teams in free agency.
AFC East players the Denver Broncos could pursue in 2022
New England Patriots — Jamie Collins, OLB
Jamie Collins is 31-years old, but It’s certainly possible that he would pair nicely with Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed. He wouldn’t be a Von Miller-level replacement, but Collins has had a number of solid seasons in terms of tackles and sacks.
He has surpassed 100 tackles in a season three times, including the 2014 season in which he had 116 combined tackles and four forced fumbles. The following year, he had five forced fumbles.
The Broncos could maybe get a short-term deal done with Collins—a prove-it deal if you will.
Buffalo Bills — Matt Breida, RB
Bills running back Matt Breida is set to become an unrestricted free agent in a couple of weeks. At just 26-years old, he could be a relatively cheap addition to the Broncos backfield. Breida averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2021 and for his career has an average of 4.9 yards per carry.
The reason that I feel that the Broncos could get him on the cheap is that his stats may be deceiving. He was buried on the Buffalo Bills depth chart last season. He’ll be 27-years old in a couple of days.
This would be a low-risk, potentially-high reward for the Broncos. If it doesn’t work out, it’s not like they broke the bank.
Miami Dolphins — Mike Gesicki, TE
Aside from Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam, the Denver Broncos don’t have a ton at tight end. They do have Eric Saubert, but that’s about it.
It would not hurt to add another tight end through free agency. Gesicki could help would be another option to a strong receiving game. He had a career year with the Dolphins in 2021, catching 73 passes for 780 yards and two touchdowns, so he may not come cheap, but I love this idea for the Broncos.
New York Jets — Morgan Moses, RT
I understand the Broncos will prefer a longer-term answer qt right tackle after going years with the position lacking a franchise guy. However, if Moses stays healthy, the Broncos could hypothetically have him for a couple of years while also drafting a guy to develop behind him.
Moses has only missed one game since becoming a starter in the NFL and has never given up more than five sacks in a season according to Pro Football Focus.
Bobby Massie is scheduled to hit free agency this offseason so there will be a hole at the right tackle position.
The big question is, will Moses want to remain blocking for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson or potentially sign with a team that could get Aaron Rodgers? The Jets are projected to have over $44 million in cap space, compared to the Broncos’ $39 million. It shouldn’t be an issue but that’s pending other big potential moves.
AFC North players the Denver Broncos could pursue in 2022
Cincinnati Bengals — S Jessie Bates
Jessie Bates is easily the Cincinnati Bengals’ top free agent and will be in demand by many teams. Even though he only had one interception in 2021, he had three picks in each of the three seasons before this year.
It would very much shock me if Kareem Jackson returns to the Denver Broncos in 2022.
The Broncos would be absolutely dominant with the combination of Bates and Justin Simmons.
Baltimore Ravens – LB Josh Bynes
One of the bigger things with the Denver Broncos defense is its run defense. There have been games where they’re dominant and others where they are non-existent. Bynes could be a huge addition for the Broncos to help stop the run.
Cleveland Browns — DE Jadeveon Clowney
The Broncos could use more help with the addition of a pass rusher and while Clowney is getting older, I feel like the Broncos have a strong core around that can help him be a very effective player for a season or two.
Clowney is still at the top of his game, as he recorded nine sacks for the Cleveland Browns in 2021.
Pittsburgh Steelers — DE Stephon Tuitt
Stephon Tuitt holds almost a $14 million cap hit for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. While they don’t necessarily need to clear cap space right now, it might be something they’ll consider and Denver would be a nice trade partner with them for Tuitt.
I feel Tuitt would be a pretty big upgrade at defensive end and would be a nice rotational player or every-down player, depending on what new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive line coach Marcus Dixon bring to the table in 2022.
NFC East players the Denver Broncos could pursue in 2022
Dallas Cowboys — LB Leighton Vander Esch
The Cowboys have a massive player hitting free agency in 2022 in linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. The catch? Dallas declined to pick up Vander Esch’s fifth-year option.
As a rookie in 2018, Vander Esch had 140 total tackles. He’ll fly all over the field to make plays and along with Baron Browning and Justin Strnad, the Broncos could have a tremendous linebacker group with this addition.
Philadelphia Eagles — DE Derek Barnett
Derek Barnett is one of my favorite free agent targets. Just 25-years old, Barnett has had several solid seasons for the Eagles. For his career, Barnett has 21.5 sacks, 76 quarterback hits, and 147 tackles. Last year was a career year for Barnett in terms of tackles, when he recorded 46. He had seven tackles for loss last season as well.
Washington Commanders — TE Ricky Seals-Jones
Ricky Seals-Jones is a 6-foot-5, 243-pound tight end for the Washington Commanders but is scheduled to hit the free agent market. The Broncos could use Seals-Jones’ height to their advantage in the passing game. Seals-Jones converted to tight end from wide receiver in college.
New York Giants — SS Jabrill Peppers
Could the Denver Broncos replace Kareem Jackson and add another former first-round pick? Justin Simmons is the all-around safety and this potential signing would be interesting as it would affect the team’s run defense.
NFC North players the Denver Broncos could pursue in 2022
Detroit Lions — RB Craig Reynolds
If this name sounds familiar as a Broncos fan, it should because Reynolds had a pretty solid game against Denver in 2021. Reynolds went for 11 carries for 83 yards in relief of D’Andre Swift. The Lions have him under contract for 2022 but could the Broncos offer enough in a trade? I’d be interested.
Green Bay Packers — QB Aaron Rodgers
I mean, yeah… This one is the worst-kept secret in all of the NFL in 2021 and 2022. Aaron Rodgers could be on his way out of Green Bay because of his unhappiness and the Denver Broncos are the most-linked team for him. This move needs to happen.
If the team makes one trade in 2022, it HAS to be for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers would make the Broncos instant contenders.
Chicago Bears — OLB Alec Ogletree
Alec Ogletree May have not been great lately but he has the ability to be effective in the passing game in coverage. If the Broncos want to add another guy like that to pair with Justin Strnad and company, Ogletree is a solid option.
Minnesota Vikings — LB Eric Kendricks
I know the number of linebackers in this entire article is absurd but it is a position the Denver Broncos need strength at. Kendricks has been very productive for the Vikings even last year, recording over 140 tackles and five sacks. This signing would make many people very happy.
AFC South players the Denver Broncos could pursue in 2022
Tennessee Titans—QB Ryan Tannehill
This one might sound Uber crazy but stick with me. This could be possible if the Broncos don’t actually land Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers does something to stay in Green Bay, I would love for the Broncos to go after Ryan Tannehill. I could see another top-tier quarterback going to the Titans in his replacement.
Tannehill has been pretty awesome for the Titans after the Dolphins experiment did not work out.
He’s not a top-5 quarterback, but I think that he could do very well with the Broncos and their offensive weapons.
The Titans have finished first in the AFC South each of the last two seasons. While the Broncos probably wouldn’t finish first in the AFC West with Tannehill, I think that they could be strong wildcard contenders with him as their quarterback.
Houston Texans—DT Maliek Collins
Maliek Collins has had an up and down career since becoming a third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. Collins did have five sacks as a rookie but has never reached that total again. The closest he’s been was in 2019 when he had four sacks.
He has 48 career quarterback hits, and maybe that’s a key for the Denver Broncos being interested in him in 2022 free agency.
Indianapolis Colts—RB Marlon Mack
Marlon Mack was outshined by the presence of Jonathon Taylor in Indianapolis but certainly has potential. As the lead running back in 2019, Mack passed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the Colts. The year before, he was close. I think that he’d pair nicely with Javonte Williams if Melvin Gordon hits free agency.
Jacksonville Jaguars — LB Myles Jack
Myles Jack is another name that has been linked to the Denver Broncos. Jack has eclipsed 100 tackles in three of his seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. If the Jacksonville Jaguars want to free up some cap space in 2022, trading him to the Broncos would be an ideal move. He’d make an instant impact.
AFC West players the Denver Broncos could pursue in 2022
Kansas City Chiefs—S Tyrann Mathieu
Tyrann Mathieu probably will want to continue playing for a contender, but if the money’s there, Mathieu would be an intriguing option for the Denver Broncos.
Mathieu is one of the best safeties in the entire league at covering different parts of the field. Pairing him with Justin Simmons would easily make the Broncos’ safety position the best in the NFL.
Mathieu had 76 tackles, three interceptions, a sack, and a touchdown for the Chiefs in 2021. If the Broncos were to sign Mathieu in free agency, it would help tremendously in terms of stealing a defender from the best team in the AFC West, as well as giving the Broncos secondary a must-have piece to an already-impressive defense.
Give me Mathieu every day of the week.
Las Vegas Raiders—DE Solomon Thomas
Solomon Thomas is a former top-3 pick of the San Francisco 49ers. He has a career total of 128 tackles and 9.5 sacks as well as two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and two pass deflections in his five years in the NFL.
The thing is, Thomas is a solid player who has 35 career quarterback hits and 19 tackles for loss. His draft status will just paint him as a bust in the NFL. Top-3 players in the NFL Draft should be able to produce a lot more and a lot more consistently than Thomas did so far in his career.
Giving him a short-term deal would not hurt the Denver Broncos.
Los Angeles Chargers—CB Chris Harris Jr.
Chris Harris Jr. left the Denver Broncos for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 but is scheduled to hit free agency in 2022. Could he come back to where his NFL career began?
For the right price.
Harris Jr. showed that he is a top-tier cornerback when he was with the Broncos but injuries made things difficult for him in Los Angeles. With the Broncos expected to lose a couple of cornerbacks in free agency, bringing Harris Jr. back on a short-term deal would be an interesting move. He could potentially help Patrick Surtain II improve his game to become an All-Pro player.
5 potential replacements for Melvin Gordon
If the Denver Broncos do decide to move on from running back Melvin Gordon, who could they choose to replace him with? Here are five options.
I would completely be in favor of the Broncos bringing him back home.