Grading Denver Broncos 2022 free agency haul thus far
Denver Broncos free agency haul grades
Josey Jewell – A
Again, not a super flashy signing, but Jewell is an underrated player who was starting to play some elite football for the Denver Broncos before tearing his pectoral early in the 2021 season.
The two-year, $11 million deal he signed makes sense for both sides. Jewell should rebound from this injury and pick up right where he left off, perhaps signing a richer contract next offseason.
Calvin Anderson and Tom Compton – B-
Calvin Anderson has been a primary backup for the Denver Broncos for the past couple of seasons. I think we’ve seen the ceiling for Anderson. He competed for the starting right tackle spot last year, but that job went to Bobby Massie.
Perhaps Anderson has some untapped potential, but he’s entering his 4th season and we’ve seen little return.
Tom Compton is a journeyman offensive linemen who has experience playing inside and outside. He is not good in the passing game but excels in the run game. He is a backup-level player who has experience playing in the scheme that Hackett will install. He also has experience with Butch Barry, who is the team’s new offensive line coach.
He was the assistant offensive line coach for the 49ers, where Compton spent the past two seasons. If Compton cracks the starting lineup, the Broncos are in trouble.
Josh Johnson – C-
Josh Johnson is a journeyman quarterback who has played for all 32 NFL teams, every single CFL team, and probably some other teams in leagues we have not heard of.
I am kidding. Johnson has been a backup his entire career and it appears that he will be QB2 in Denver this season. I think the team could have done better here.
Malik Reed, B-
Reed has spent his short career with Denver and has shown some pass rush skill, but it’s clear he is an OK backup.
He led the team in sacks in 2020, but he often has trouble setting the edge. He’s a fine backup and a decent re-signing.
Alex Singleton, C
Singleton is a bad linebacker who happens to rack up a lot of tackles, so I think people could assume that he is better than he actually is. To me, this is a depth signing for the linebacking room, as they are surely set to start Josey Jewell and Baron Browning in 2022 and perhaps beyond.
DeShawn Williams, B
DeShawn Williams has been a very solid player for the Denver Broncos since arriving in 2020.
In his two seasons, he’s racked up 3 sacks, 76 total tackles, and 11 QB hits. He’s a great rotational piece for the team, even if he’s a bit undersized.
Williams should remain in Denver for a while, in my opinion. He has a job and he does it well when he’s called upon.