Denver Broncos Futures: Which 2023 free agents will return for next year?
Looking forward to next offseason, and the Denver Broncos have a ton of free agents. Which ones should return to the team for the 2023 season?
It’s never too early to look towards the future for the Denver Broncos. With Russell Wilson now in the mix, the Broncos should theoretically be more active in free agency in putting together the strongest possible teams.
Denver will have some rather important free agents they will need to address next offseason. Some free agents are probably not returning no matter what, but others may need to be given some consideration to return to the team.
It remains to be seen how much cap space Denver will have to make these moves, as certain contract extensions for players could create cap space.
Denver also might end up trading a player or two before the season begins who are going to be free agents in 2023, so that would obviously eliminate them from this equation.
One place in particular I see the Denver Broncos being paying extra attention to is along the offensive line.
Keeping Wilson upright should be the team’s top priority, so keeping quality players in-house should be George Paton’s top priority.
With that said, there are other positions to pay attention to, so which 2023 free agents should return to the team?
Which 2023 free agents should return to the Denver Broncos?
1. Bradley Chubb, EDGE
The most prominent free agent Denver could have in 2023 is Bradley Chubb, who is approaching a crucial fifth year.
His fifth-year option was exercised, so he’s still under his rookie limits.
If Bradley Chubb cannot put together a solid season, he won’t return. The signing of Randy Gregory and the drafting of Nik Bonitto puts a huge target on Chubb to have a good season.
The signing of DJ Jones also helps the front seven greatly, so if Bradley Chubb cannot generate enough pressure with the new players playing alongside him, he should not return to Denver.
Injuries are also another valid concern as well. A good season could go right out of the window if Chubb misses extended time with injuries.
Ultimately, I think Bradley Chubb misses a few games, but plays a mostly full season.
He’ll probably notch somewhere around 10 sacks and return to close to his rookie form.
I don’t think he’ll be an elite player, but he may play well enough to warrant a fair extension for both sides.