Denver Broncos free agency predictions: Filling the gaps in 2022

Denver Broncos free agency predictions: Linebacker

At the risk of seeming super boring, I don’t know that we’re going to see a huge splash by the Denver Broncos at the linebacker position.

I think it’s likely we’ll see one of their free agents come back in 2022 (at least one), and my guess right now is that Josey Jewell will be back for the 2022 season on a one-year deal.

Now, could the Broncos go after former Seahawk Bobby Wagner? I would not be opposed to that, but more money needs to be spent elsewhere (EDGE).

Not that the Broncos couldn’t afford for their two biggest moves to be an EDGE player and a star linebacker like Bobby Wagner, but they could bring back someone like Josey Jewell and allocate their budget elsewhere in free agency.

Jewell was ascending prior to his pectoral injury and although none of us have seen him work with Baron Browning in an actual game setting, I think that is an ideal starting duo going forward.

Another player at this position group that makes sense is a guy like Anthony Barr of the Minnesota Vikings. George Paton was part of drafting him in the first round out of UCLA and both Paton and Barr came from the same college and high school in California.

Another low-risk, high reward option at the linebacker position that could be interesting in 2022 is former Dallas Cowboys free agent Leighton Vander Esch. Vander Esch is an incredible athletic talent who has a Pro Bowl appearance already but injuries have plagued him.

I think the Broncos sign two guys at linebacker in free agency. Someone like Josey Jewell to bring back and then another dart throw in free agency with starter potential.