The 2023 free agent market could be very kind for the Denver Broncos. What players might be available for them to potentially sign?
The 2023 free agency period for the Denver Broncos is going to be an important one. After they give Russell Wilson a massive extension, their cap situation might not allow them to chase any other big-name players.
However, depending on the numbers of his future extension, Denver may end up having plenty enough cap space to sign a notable free agent or two for 2023.
The 2023 free agency period being predicted now hinges on what I think to be potential holes on the Broncos’ roster that may need to be filled.
So, let’s begin.
Starting with the offense, I think there are two spots where the team could potentially add a semi-big name in free agency.
I’m looking at the tight end position and right tackle.
Right tackle has been a revolving door, but a right tackle room of Billy Turner and Calvin Anderson might be plenty good enough.
However, Turner isn’t young anymore and Anderson may never develop, so one player they could sign to fill this role are Jack Conklin of the Browns and Rob Havenstein of the Rams.
Both are above-average players entering the final year of their contract, according to spotrac.com.
Conklin is a bit younger but suffered a serious injury in 2021. I think I would rather have Conklin, as he’s a two-time All-Pro.
The team could also target Mike McGlinchey, a talented tackle from the 49ers, but is someone who hasn’t exactly lived up to the draft status.
All three would be noticeable upgrades over what the team currently has, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver tries to snag one of them if they hit the market.
Tight end might surprise some, but I think if Albert Okwuegbunam doesn’t take a leap in year three, the team could target a more reliable option because Greg Dulcich will only be a rookie.
Denver could elect to simply sign an impact tight end for Russell Wilson rather than waiting around to see if Albert O or Dulcich develop.
A couple of players who the team could target but might be just out of their price range are Dalton Schultz of the Cowboys and Mike Gesicki of the Dolphins. Both are playing on the franchise tag this season and would be in line to receive big paydays in 2023.
Both are under 28 years old, so their prime years are still ahead of them.
In tier two, the team could target Austin Hooper or Evan Engram if they hit the open market. Both are talented players with desirable qualities and have years of genuine production.
Engram is hyper-athletic and fits the modern-day tight end mold perfectly. He is currently on the Jaguars.
Hayden Hurst and Bob Tonyan are tier three names the team could also look at if they are wanting more production from the position.
On the defensive side, I really don’t think the team would be overly aggressive here. They recently drafted Nik Bonitto, signed Randy Gregory, and moved Baron Browning to EDGE full time.
They also signed DJ Jones and have some young players in the secondary that could step up at cornerback and safety next year.
I could see the team moving on from Ronald Darby, as they could save $10 million against their 2023 cap space.
I would guess that secondary and maybe inside linebacker are the two most likely positions where they would add players in 2023, but not anything major.
Mid-tier targets the team could sign as a depth piece or even a CB2 could include Mike Hughes, Sidney Jones, PJ Williams, and Marcus Peters. All of these players are set to be 2023 free agents as of now.
None of these names are super exciting, outside of Peters, but he’s starting to get up there in age.
Patrick Surtain II is the clear CB1 and shut down corner for Denver, but he will need a competent running mate, and Darby could end up being replaced.
As for inside linebacker, the Denver Broncos re-upped Josey Jewell on a two-year deal this offseason, but are relying on unproven Jonas Griffith as the other inside backer for 2022.
Denver may want to target some low-cost options here, as they haven’t shown an inclination to invest much in the ILB position this offseason.
Some low-cost options at ILB include Cory Littleton, Jarrad Davis, Devin Bush, and Kyle Van Noy.
Most are rather household names, but none are the groundbreaking ILBs that the game has.
It doesn’t appear like George Paton would open up his checkbook for a major ILB upgrade, and the ILB free agent market next offseason isn’t going to be that massive.
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I know we are a full season away from this, but I don’t think it’s too early to look ahead at 2023 free agents for the Denver Broncos to consider signing.