The Denver Broncos should have enough money to spend in free agency to make some notable moves. What are their way too early needs for next offseason? The 2022 season has given us an early glimpse of what positions the Broncos might need to prioritize in free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.
Free agency might present a better chance for them to fill holes because of their limited draft capital. Knowing George Paton, I’d expect the Broncos to have several more draft picks than they do now. He also has not been shy with his free agency signings, so there’s no reason to believe he would shy away from doing that again, especially since Russell Wilson is in town.
Way too early free agency needs for the Denver Broncos
Offensive line outside of right guard
The Broncos offensive line has not been great this season, and part of me does not care what any PFF grade or ESPN stat says. There are clear holes along the line that need to be filled, and I think each position is up for consideration outside of right guard, which is Quinn Meinerz’.
It might not be a smart idea to replace too many starters along the line, but I’d expect George Paton to rebuild the interior and try and come up with a solution at right tackle. Jack Conklin, an All-Pro right tackle, is set to be a free agent in 2023, so perhaps the Broncos could look there.
I’d expect this unit to have up to four new faces on it, and it’s clear that they need to do a better job at keeping Wilson upright.
Denver Broncos need RB and TE in 2023 free agency
Running back
With the injury to Javonte Williams, the Broncos might need to invest in the free agency market at the running back position. Given his history in the front office, George Paton has shown a high priority for this position. He invested a second-round pick in Williams and brought back Melvin Gordon.
I think this is Gordon’s last year, and I don’t think that’s up for discussion. If Williams is not ready for week one, Denver is going to have to find themselves a true RB1 in the meantime. Perhaps Damien Harris is an option, as he’s a free agent in 2023. Will the Giants re-sign Saquon Barkley? He could be available in 2023 as well.
Tight end
Perhaps this won’t be a need when we get to the end of the season. Maybe Greg Dulcich can make an immediate impact as a rookie. If not, Denver might be looking toward the free agent market for a tight end boost.
Denver has gotten virtually nothing from their tight ends this season. Albert Okwuegbunam has been a non-factor, even though many across the NFL expected him to break out this year. Guys like Eric Tomlinson, Eric Saubert, and Andrew Beck are nice depth pieces, but none of them are difference-makers at the position.
Mike Gesicki is a free agent at the end of the season as of now. Maybe Denver is willing to pay a premier price for his services?
Denver Broncos need WR in 2023 NFL free agency
Wide receiver
Notice a trend? Denver’s defense is among the best in the NFL, and I don’t think they’ll need to give much attention to this unit in 2023. The offense is a different story, and I think wide receiver is an underrated need.
Right now, the Broncos have one healthy and reliable pass catcher, Courtland Sutton. Jerry Jeudy is a good player, but he’s been inconsistent and has had a couple of injury troubles. Hopefully, he’s able to establish himself more by the end of the season.
KJ Hamler has proven virtually nothing in the NFL and is not someone the team has relied on so far. Sure, he’s fast and a funny guy, but he’s not a good player. Montrell Washington is one of the better return men in the NFL. Perhaps he can play, and maybe he takes a leap forward in year two, but if not, the only other reliable pass catcher on the roster is Tim Patrick, even including tight ends.
Tim Patrick is rehabbing a torn ACL and turns 29 this season. 2023 will be his age 30 season, and coming back from an ACL leaves a lot of uncertainty, especially coupled with his age. I think the Broncos would benefit from adding another reliable pass catcher in free agency just in case.
This conversation could be much different at the end of the season, though, if Jerry Jeudy or KJ Hamler can become consistent contributors in the offense.
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