The Denver Broncos are going to have an active free agency period. Could they bring back some former players? The answer to me is a resounding yes. I do think the team has some needs on the roster that a few former players can satisfy.
The most obvious need on the team would be the offensive line. The Broncos could justify bringing in four new starters along this unit. The only holdover from 2022 could be Quinn Meinerz, who may just break out in 2023.
The Broncos do not have much draft capital, so it should come as no surprise that George Paton himself even said that the team will be active in free agency.
Being active in free agency does not necessarily mean, though, that they have to spend a ton of money. There will be some free agents to sign at a cheaper price that will surely help the team out.
So, which former players should the Denver Broncos bring back?
Three Former Broncos the team should sign in 2023
1. Connor McGovern, C
Connor McGovern left the Denver Broncos for the New York Jets a few years ago in free agency on a contract that paid him $9 million per season. The Broncos then responded by drafting Lloyd Cushenberry in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Well, that didn't work. Cushenberry never found his footing beyond a low-end center in the NFL and actually did lose his job in 2022. He was apparently healthy enough to return to the lineup from his hamstring injury, but the job was held by Graham Glasgow, who didn't exactly play well in 2022.
McGovern played some guard in Denver and turns just 30 this year, so this could be a longer term investment.
2. Bryce Callahan, CB
Remember Bryce Callahan? The Denver Broncos signed him to a three-year deal when they hired Vic Fangio back in 2019. Callahan has been arguably the best slot cornerback in football for years now, but he's struggled to stay on the field. In fact, he missed all of the 2019 season.
In 2022, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers and played in a career-high 15 games. He also had a career-high three interceptions, tied his career-high with six passes defensed, had a career-high in tackles, and scored his first defensive touchdown.
Callahan can also play on the outside some and could be of great use to the Denver Broncos. He'd be much cheaper than Ronald Darby who could be a cap casualty this season and would help keep the Broncos' secondary elite, as it's been for years.
He won't command much at all in a contract, and I don't think his age should be a concern. Having a savvy and quality veteran like Callahan returning would be a great move for the Broncos and their defensive transition.
3. Bradley Roby, CB
Why not bring back an old friend? Roby is a free agent this year after leaving the Denver Broncos several years ago for the Houston Texans. He's also played for the New Orleans Saints as of late and obviously has a connection with Sean Payton.
Bradley Roby was drafted by the Broncos in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft and helped form the No Fly Zone in Denver with TJ Ward, Darian Stewart, Aqib Talib, and Chris Harris, Jr.
Roby had a very rough 2018 season and hit the market. At this point, he's probably no better than a CB3, but I think Denver needs to continue to load up in the secondary. The AFC is loaded with elite passers and the Kansas City Chiefs recently won another Super Bowl.
The Broncos, until they can truly say they've gotten their offense fixed, needs to continue to add to the secondary until it's as stable as possible. Roby would also likely come cheaper than the contract that Ronald Darby is on, and to be honest, what if the Broncos could sign Roby and Bryce Callahan for a cheaper total price than what they have Darby for currently?
It might make sense to pinch some pennies in that regard. Patrick Surtain II, K'Waun Williams, and Damarri Mathis are the current top cornerbacks on the roster