15 worst free agent signings in Denver Broncos franchise history

7. Donald Stephenson, OT (2016)

Outside of signing Peyton Manning, I think we can all agree that John Elway struggled to identify good fits at a couple of different positions on his rosters, specifically: Quarterback and right tackle.

For a long time, the right tackle position has been more of a revolving door for the Broncos than the quarterback spot. This team has struggled to effectively replace Orlando Franklin since he left for the Chargers in 2015. In hindsight, perhaps keeping Franklin around for another couple of years would have been worth the investment for John Elway.

The Broncos were desperate for offensive tackle help throughout the 2015 season. They ended up winning the Super Bowl with Ryan Harris and Michael Schofield at the tackle positions. With all due respect to those men, there's a reason why the Broncos wre so heavily rumored to be in on a potential trade for Joe Thomas during the 2015 season.

The offensive line needed work, and the Broncos knew that in the 2016 offseason. Instead of taking someone proven, the Broncos went after Donald Stephenson of the Chiefs in free agency, a player who started just 21 games in four seasons with Kansas City as a swing player for their line.

The Broncos signed him to a three-year deal worth $14 million, $10 million guaranteed to be their starting right tackle. The Broncos kept him around for two seasons but he was replaced in the starting lineup somewhat ironically by another guy on this list...