I do think the Denver Broncos are going to hit the free agency market to fix their defense, which is lacking a good bit of talent. The Broncos 1-5 start in 2023 was 99% because of their defense. It was on a historically bad pace, but a mid-season turnaround fueled by that historic flip on defense had the Broncos finishing 7-4 over their last 11 games.
For two-thirds of the season, Denver was a good football team; the record says they were. So, just imagine for a second if Denver just split their first six games in 2023. Imagine if their defense wasn't a total disaster to begin the season. The Broncos probably make the postseason and win double-digit games.
So in my opinion, I think the defense can definitely start the 2024 NFL Season off on the right foot with a solid free agency haul and some added help in the 2024 NFL Draft. What would an ideal free agency haul on defense look like for the Broncos?
1. Danielle Hunter, EDGE
Danielle Hunter was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings back in 2015, and that was when George Paton was in their front office, so there is a clear connection there. Denver needs a significant boost to their pass rush, and Hunter had the best year of his career in 2023 as an outside pass rusher. Hunter has also played with his hand in the dirt as well, so this is someone who Vance Joseph could deploy in a variety of packages.
Hunter is the juice that the Broncos need along the defensive front, but they don't stop there.
2. Sheldon Rankins, DT
Drafted by Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints back in 2016, Sheldon Rankins has been a model of consistency during his entire career, which has spanned between the Saints, New York Jets, and Houston Texans. Rankins has career highs of eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 15 QB hits, which all came in 2018.
He's also, you know, a good defensive lineman, which is missing along the Broncos' DL. Cutting DT DJ Jones should be a top priority to save some money this offseason, and using some of that to sign Rankins would be a good start. With 109 regular season games under his belt and seven playoff games played, Sheldon Rankins is what the Broncos need up front.
He does provide a tangible pass rush threat on the inside and has 43 TFLs over his career, so he's not a stranger to getting into the backfield.
3. Javon Kinlaw, DT
You thought I was done along the defensive line? Nope! this time, we'll add another first-round pick into this unit in Javon Kinlaw. A 2020 first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers, Kinlaw should be viewed more as a reclamation project than anything else. He's not lived up to his first-round billing but is still a first-round pick, so you have to assume the potential is there in the right system.
He played in all 17 regular season games in 2023 and racked up 3.5 sacks, four sacks, and six QB hits. Perhaps a fresh team for Kinlaw can help him reach his peak.
4. CJ Gardner-Johnson, DB
I am all about connections here. CJ Gardner-Johnson was a first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints and Sean Payton back in 2019 and has played all around the secondary. He's the type of young talent the Broncos need in this unit. I think Denver needs to do right by Justin Simmons (and their cap space) and trade him this offseason.
The Broncos could build around Patrick Surtain II, Ja'Quan McMillian, and CJ Gardner-Johnson in the secondary. That is a strong three right there, but obviously, the team would need to add some more talent within this unit. Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions this past offseason, and it is a but puzzling why the Broncos did not make more of an effort to bring him in.
5. Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB
The Broncos need CB help, so Sean Murphy-Bunting comes along as the quality CB2 that the team needs. According to spotrac.com, his market value this offseason is $6.7 million per season. Sure, that would work. He'd be a cheaper addition but still a quality player. In 14 games this year, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer had two interceptions, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, and 57 total tackles.
The Broncos CB2 position was unstable in 2023, as Damarri Mathis did not develop and Fabian Moreau is older, a free agent this year, and was falling off a bit toward the end of the season. Murphy-Bunting can ideally hold down the CB2 spot, as opposing offenses will definitely not target Patrick Surtain often.