The Denver Broncos have made one big splash after another so far in 2023 NFL free agency. Why not make a few more, right? The common theme among players that we're seeing sign in Denver so far has been a nod to the new ownership group as well as the presence of head coach Sean Payton. It's clear that the Walton-Penner ownership group and Payton are making an impression and making players feel valued.
With that being said, it wouldn't be shocking if the Broncos were still in the market for some more free agents even after signing a bunch of guys already. They might even have some more big splash moves up their sleeves...
What moves -- for the right price -- could we see the Denver Broncos consider even after spending so much money in free agency? Let's take a look at seven.
7 moves the Denver Broncos could still make for the right price
1. CJ Gardner-Johnson, S, Eagles
Although the Denver Broncos don't have as much cap space as the Chicago Bears (who started with almost $100 million) they clearly have enough salary cap space to do whatever they want, within reason. Apparently, the team was trying to sign wide receiver Allen Lazard and made him an aggressive pitch, but no dice. If they were going after Lazard, it stands to reason that they have the means to go after someone like CJ Gardner-Johnson, who might be the best player still available in free agency.
The former New Orleans Saints draft pick was traded to the Eagles last year in a move that most people found to be head-scratching. The Saints barely got anything for Gardner-Johnson and the Eagles got a Pro Bowl season out of him, including a career-best six interceptions.
Reuniting Gardner-Johnson with Sean Payton seems like a reasonable idea in itself, but there are actual teeth to this rumor right now...
#Broncos among the teams with interest in #Eagles free agent C.J. Gardner Johnson, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 16, 2023
It seems that this potential move has been given a nice little shove into the realm of reality after people were speculating based on who Gardner-Johnson was following recently on Instagram.
2. Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs
The Denver Broncos were in on the wide receiver market with Allen Lazard, which was interesting because some of the PR that was coming out regarding the team's intentions at the receiver position involved a need for speed. With all due respect to Lazard's 4.55 in the 40-yard dash, there are speedier guys available.
Perhaps the Broncos would consider former Kansas City Chiefs second-round pick Mecole Hardman on a one-year deal after he missed nine-plus games in 2023 with an injury. We saw Parris Campbell sign a very reasonable one-year deal worth a little under $5 million with the New York Giants, so could we see someone like Hardman get similar value?
That would be super helpful to the Denver Broncos, who simply need options in the passing game. Even after adding return specialist and cornerback Tremon Smith, the Broncos could bring in Hardman as a punt return option and speed thread.
3. DJ Chark, WR, Lions
Speaking of speed at the wide receiver position, why not look to add someone like DJ Chark? Chark is a big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-4 and he has 4.3 speed at the position. He's not necessarily a high volume type of receiver but I think the way he can maximize targets deep downfield could really be an asset to the Broncos, who need a true vertical threat in the offense.
The Broncos also have a connection to Chark in pass game coordinator John Morton. Morton was with the Detroit Lions last season and made plays like this against some of the league's best:
D.J. Chark pic.twitter.com/wq0Y5JB2vX
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) January 23, 2023
If the Broncos were in on Allen Lazard, they should have an expanded look at the rest of the market. DJ Chark would be a fantastic pickup for a team that needs more playmakers.
4. Foster Moreau, TE, Raiders
Yes, the Denver Broncos signed Chris Manhertz to bring a physical blocking presence to the tight end position, but that doesn't mean they have to be done adding there. This is a good draft class at the tight end position, but there are also still some really good players available in free agency.
As the market starts to cool off a little bit, you can't help but think that Foster Moreau coming in on a three-year deal worth $15 million or something like that would be huge for the Denver Broncos. It wouldn't prevent Chris Manhertz from playing, but it would give the Broncos the chance to utilize a lot of 12 and 13 personnel (two and three tight ends) while keeping their options open in the passing game.
Having athletic players like Moreau and Dulcich along with the blocking prowess of someone like Manhertz? That would be phenomenal and would keep teams on their heels when the Broncos go into these personnel groupings.
5. Greg Gaines, DL, Rams
I have suggested this before, but it's worth repeating while he's still on the market. The Denver Broncos should go after a player like Greg Gaines to really round out the depth chart on the defensive line. With limited NFL Draft capital, you need to keep your options open and although the Broncos could look to attack that position group in the draft, I think you have some great options ready to play right now.
Gaines would be one of them.
Gaines played for the Rams the last four years including a short stint with Denver Broncos defensive line coach Marcus Dixon on their staff. The familiarity there could lead to the Broncos landing a really good player on the cheap in free agency who could also be a longer-term option (Gaines is only 26).
6. Shelby Harris, DL, Seahawks
How about a reunion here? The Denver Broncos need more defensive line help, and Shelby Harris (still a Denver resident) was only gone for a year. There's no doubt that the Broncos would have preferred to have kept Harris in last year's Russell Wilson trade if possible, but the Seahawks weren't backing down on the king's ransom in return for Russ.
Now, Harris could return to Denver where he spent a few very successful seasons, starting in 2017 when he was playing for then-head coach Vance Joseph. Harris got his first real opportunity to start in the NFL from Joseph and the Broncos and I wouldn't be surprised to see him return to Denver to finish out his career.
Or, at least play 2023...
7. Devin Singletary, RB, Bills
Even after the addition of Samaje Perine to the running back room, it might not be a bad idea for the Denver Broncos to take advantage of a really weak market right now and sign someone else. I know free agent running backs are not always everyone's preferred brand, but certainly when you look at a team that's almost starting from scratch at RB (considering Javonte Williams' injury), someone like Singletary could make a lot of sense.
Singletary is a smaller back, but he's more than just a change of pace at the position. he had over 1,100 yards from scrimmage for the Bills last season and is fully capable of doing a little bit of everything at the position. It would be fun to see his dynamic quickness at work in Sean Payton's offense.