With the 2023 season coming to a close this Sunday with the Super Bowl and after another disappointing season we look forward to the Denver Broncos offseason. The Broncos have a lot of positions they need to address as well as core players to try to retain. One player, in particular, is defensive end Dre’Mont Jones who has become a solid and integral part of this defense.
If he decides to bolt in free agency to look for greener pastures, here are three players that could replace him.
3 free agent options to replace Dre’Mont Jones for the Broncos in 2023
Yannick Ngakoue, Indianapolis Colts
With Dre’Mont Jones set to hit the open market unless the Broncos hit him with the franchise tag or long-term contract, it looks like he will be on the way out. With his possible departure, the Broncos will need to fill that void and Yannick Ngakoue could be perfect for that.
Last year he played for the Colts he recorded 9. 5 sacks, 16 QB hits, and 8 tackles for loss. Ngakoue has good movement off the ball as he demonstrates by blowing by the RT on this play:
Yannick Ngakoue is headed to Indy.
— NFL (@NFL) March 19, 2022
That @Colts defense is looking even scarier. pic.twitter.com/BUr7BvU6Nb
He can also stand sturdy in the run game and is also readily available missing at most two games throughout his 7-year career. Depending on who the Broncos DC turns out to be, this could be a better fit if they switch to a 4-3 defensive which is what he has played although I do believe he could adapt into a solid DE in the 3-4.
Marcus Davenport, New Orleans Saints
Another option if Dre’Mont Jones departs is former New Orleans Saints top pick Marcus Davenport. Drafted by Sean Peyton in 2018 Marcus could reunite with his former head coach. Being a starter since his rookie year he has amassed 21.5 sacks and has been a solid tackler.
2022 was a down year only getting 0.5 sacks and two tackles for losses. If the new DC (unnamed at this point) can get his 2021 production from him where he racked up 9 sacks, 9 tackles for losses, and 16 QB hits, he can be a solid contributor.
Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles
If the Broncos need a stop-gap DE that can still play at a high level then Graham is the man. Although an older player Graham has had his best year getting to the QB 11 times and adding an additional 16 pressures. Graham has been a stout run defender and has contributed to making plays having two forced fumbles this year like the play against the Commanders demonstrates:
Brandon Graham might not get outrageous sack numbers but he's such a good player man. Presses RT upfield, drops his hips to generate good leverage, then has balance/flexibility to pull through with last outside chop. Technical wizard pic.twitter.com/sDgERfQKLC
— Nate Christensen (@natech32) February 8, 2023
Having played defense in a 4-3 and a 3-4 he can bring that versatility with him making him a fit regardless of what the Broncos run. Being on the reigning NFC Champions, he can bring leadership to help turn around the losing culture the Broncos have had.
Denver Broncos have zero room for error in 2023 offseason
The 2023 offseason for the Denver Broncos is going to be one of the most important ones in the history of the team, so there is no room for error.