The Denver Broncos are about to enter the 2022 NFL free-agent signing period, along with the rest of the league.
The Broncos have already made the biggest move any team has thus far this offseason, acquiring Russell Wilson in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. That move has already had a ripple effect across the league as the Washington Commanders then traded for Carson Wentz and the Los Angeles Chargers, knowing what they will be up against in the division, went and traded for Khalil Mack.
The NFL will officially kick off the new league year on Wednesday, but teams can begin the legal tampering period on Monday, meaning you will hear of some deals between teams and available players being agreed upon soon.
The Broncos figure to be in that mix and will be looking to surround Wilson with the kind of pieces to build a true Super Bowl contender.
What follows would be the ideal haul for the Broncos in this free-agent signing period, whether it be by signing a player or trading for one. In fact, let’s start with a trade.
Broncos trade for right tackle La’el Collins
I touched on this topic not long ago, but with the Dallas Cowboys giving right tackle La’el Collins the clearance to seek a trade, the Broncos should be all over it.
Collins has had his troubles since becoming a Pro but when he is on the field, he gets the job done. He is an incredibly good run blocker and he can hold his own in pass protection. Wilson played behind some shaky offensive lines in Seattle and if the Broncos can add a guy like Collins, the offensive line is immediately better.
This would allow the team to move on from Bobby Massie, but re-signing him might be the best option if the team can’t get a deal for Collins. The market is thin on right tackles this year and after trading away their first and second-round choices in the Wilson package, the Broncos probably won’t find an immediate starter in the draft.
George Paton should prioritize a move like this one.