The bulk of free agency is over for most teams. Let’s take a look at and summarize the moves made by the Denver Broncos during March.
After a wild free agency period across the NFL, which saw major signings and trades, the Denver Broncos, when the dust settled, are the most improved team in the NFL.
Their free agency period gets an A+, for obvious reasons.
The Broncos did sign quite a few players, some well-known, and others not.
As the main waves of free agency have ended, the last few waves are set to begin. This is where teams will look to sign tier 3 and tier 4 players who will slide in as depth pieces for various teams. There are still many starting-caliber players free to sign, but the bulk of them have found homes.
The Denver Broncos did a masterful job during free agency, signing big-name players but also making very prudent financial decisions for the future.
So you don’t have to go digging for all of the signings, we’ve got them here for you.
Denver Broncos Tier 1 Signings
Randy Gregory, D.J. Jones, Russell Wilson (trade)
The Broncos got heavily involved in the first wave of free agency. The Russell Wilson trade was the best move of free agency thus far. Among several draft picks, the Broncos also gave up Shelby Harris, Drew Lock, and Noah Fant to acquire Wilson.
Randy Gregory was a Dallas Cowboy for his entire career before apparently agreeing to return to the Cowboys on a five-year, $70 million deal.
All of a sudden, he dropped the Cowboys and signed with the Denver Broncos for the same contract.
There was some language in the contract from the Cowboys that the Gregory camp was not a fan of, which was the reason for him signing with the Broncos.
The Broncos can easily move on from Gregory’s contract after the 2023 season. It’s effectively a 2-year deal.
The next tier 1 signing was D.J. Jones, a skilled run-stuffer formerly of the 49ers. He signed a three-year deal worth $30 million with $20 million guaranteed. Jones will help in improving the Broncos’ rushing defense, which was 15th in 2021.
Denver Broncos Tier 2 Signings
Billy Turner, K’Waun Williams
Tier 2 signings are usually quality starters, and the Broncos got two of them with Billy Turner, who just might start at left tackle, and K’Waun Williams, who is a slot cornerback.
Both are perhaps a bit underrated in what they do. Turner was a very solid right tackle for the Packers, where he spent the past three seasons.
He also has experience at guard, which could be something the Broncos take advantage of.
Williams is one of the best slot corners in the NFL. His contract is for two years, and he is essentially the CB3 for the Denver Broncos.
Look for both players to be solid contributors in 2022.
Denver Broncos Tier 3 Signings
Tom Compton, Josh Johnson, Alex Singleton
Tier 3 signings are typically backup caliber players who might see some action during games.
Compton figures to be quality depth. He can play outside and in and would be very serviceable as a spot starter if someone is injured. I think the team is in trouble if he cracks the starting lineup.
Alex Singleton is a shaky at best linebacker who should contribute the most on special teams. He has over 200 total tackles the past two seasons, but the Eagles needed to upgrade their linebacking group, and they let Singleton sign for dirt cheap, so don’t expect much from him.
Josh Johnson appears to be the backup quarterback. The veteran journeyman has a ton of backup experience and has started a few games. Hopefully, Johnson never sees the field because of injury.
Denver Broncos In-house Players
DeShawn Williams, Josey Jewell, Calvin Anderson
Denver made some smart decisions in re-signing some of their own players.
DeShawn Williams is a very good rotational piece whose role shouldn’t change for 2022. He does his job and can at times get to the passer. He’s solid and fits nicely in Denver.
Josey Jewell was quickly turning into one of the league’s best linebackers before tearing his pectoral early in the 2021 season.
Re-signing Jewell on a two-year deal worth $11 million is a good deal for both sides. Jewell should pick up where he left off with Denver and continue to play at a high level.
Calvin Anderson lost the starting right tackle job to Bobby Massie last year. While he may start at right tackle, he is best serving as a backup swing tackle. He can play left and right, which is nice. He seems to be a fan favorite, too.
Denver Broncos 4 free agents to sign after solidifying offensive line
The Denver Broncos signed Billy Turner to solidify their offensive line, filling the right tackle spot. Which free agents should be up next for this team?
Overall, the Denver Broncos had a good free agency period. I think I’d like them to re-sign Bryce Callahan and Alexander Johnson to finish it off.