The Denver Broncos have been in training camp for one week now but the team may soon address an area of weakness.
Teams must evaluate their roster throughout training camp and the preseason and that usually includes considering players from outside the organization. The Broncos have been looking at players who could come in and help at the inside, or off-ball, linebacker position.
We have discussed this many times, but the depth at this position is just not there. Josey Jewell is coming off an injury and the other spot will go to either Jonas Griffith or Alex Singleton. Though Griffith has shown some promise, that group leaves something to be desired.
If the Broncos were satisfied with what is already on the roster, they wouldn’t be exploring other options.
Last week, the team brought in Joe Schobert for a visit. In addition, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that the Broncos almost landed Anthony Barr, who decided to sign instead with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday.
Broncos seem to be looking at adding off-ball linebacker help
Both Schobert and Barr, at least on paper, would provide an upgrade for the Broncos and would bring the unit solid experience. Barr is a former first-round pick and has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times. Schobert has one Pro Bowl selection.
Though Barr is now off the market, Schobert is still out there and could sign with the team. After placing Tim Patrick and Damarea Crockett on season-ending injured reserve, the Broncos signed free-agent running back Max Borghi. But they still have one spot open on the 90-man roster.
Even if Schobert is not brought in on a deal, the Broncos do seem to be looking for more help at the position. There are several other notable free agents on the market the team could consider including Anthony Hitchens and former Broncos linebacker Alexander Johnson.
But Schobert, still just 28 years old, might be the best available option. A former fourth-round choice of the Cleveland Browns, he spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being traded there by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Steelers released Schobert back in March.