Next week, the Denver Broncos will host their 2024 mandatory minicamp from June 11-13. Meanwhile, across the NFL, other teams have been adding to their rosters as the mandatory minicamps approach. These teams arguably have better rosters than Denver, which tells us that the Broncos should make some moves to improve their roster.
This week, the San Francisco 49ers signed TE Logan Thomas to complement star George Kittle. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed CB Cam Sutton to improve their secondary. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed WR Sterling Shepard to add depth to their receiver core, and Denver's AFC West rivals -- the Kansas City Chiefs -- re-signed WR Mecole Hardman, who caught the game-winning touchdown during their Super Bowl LVIII win.
Heading into the minicamp, there are still multiple former Broncos players unsigned and could find new teams during minicamp, or even before ...
Justin Simmons - Safety
Justin Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler and four-time second-team All-Pro safety selected by Denver in the third round of the 2016 Draft, is the biggest name on this list. He was released by the Broncos in March before free agency to free up cap space. With his exceptional football skills and leadership, Justin will instantly become a starter for the team he signs with.
While a return to Denver seems unlikely, Simmons is evaluating multiple options, as he might probably be looking for a winning team, since he has only experienced a winning season once during his career. On June 3, he responded to a post on "X" about him potentially going to the Miami Dolphins with the eyes emoji.
👀
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) June 4, 2024
Miami seems like a perfect fit for Simmons, not only because of his reply to that 'Tweet', but because the Dolphins have been a winning team in the Mike McDaniel era, and they have shown aggressiveness in free agency, adding important pieces that could help them win the strong AFC East. They need as much talent as possible to dethrone the Buffalo Bills and beat the talented New York Jets with future Hall of Famer QB Aaron Rodgers returning to action. Justin can reunite with his former teammate in Denver, Bradley Chubb, and add great talent to a secondary that must face dangerous receivers such as Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Kendrick Bourne among others.
Fabian Moreau - Cornerback
The Broncos signed veteran corner Fabian Moreau during last year's training camp. He earned a roster spot and contributed significantly, with 11 games, 46 tackles, seven pass breakups, and one interception without allowing a touchdown. Moreau replaced the struggling Damarri Mathis opposite superstar Patrick Surtain II.
The Broncos signed veteran Levi Wallace and selected Missouri product Kris Abrams-Draine in the fifth round of the 2024 Draft, moves that have strengthened their cornerback room, leaving little room for Moreau's return, unless Denver suffers too many injuries and wants to bring in a familiar face.
Mike Purcell - Defensive Lineman
The Broncos previously re-signed veteran DL Mike Purcell to one-year deals on multiple occasions, both before and after the three-year extension he signed in 2020, but his time in Denver is over. Though he has been a solid backup nose tackle and has had good moments, he will not be back.
Denver signed Malcolm Roach, who is younger and better as a run defender. The Broncos also signed veteran Angelo Blackson and added Jordan Miller and Brandon Matterson as undrafted free agents. Additionally, Eyioma Uwazurike could return from his indefinite suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policies.
K'Waun Williams - Slot corner
K'Waun Williams had a big game-winning interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London during the 2022 campaign but suffered a season-ending injury before the 2023 schedule began. Williams is a great nickel corner when healthy, but his career has been plagued with injuries, making him face uncertainty for his future in the NFL.
While Denver has locked in their nickelback position with Ja'Quan McMillian, injuries are the only way Williams could be back with the Broncos if they want a familiar face.
Cam Fleming - Offensive Tackle
Cam Fleming has been valued by the Broncos for his versatility and experience at offensive tackle over the past three years, as he has been the sixth man on the offensive line. He even started 15 games over Billy Turner in 2022. The Broncos, however, have found a solid new backup tackle in Alex Palczewski, one of four players who made the roster as undrafted free agents last year.
Additionally, Denver signed Wyoming standout Frank Crum as an undrafted free agent and veteran Matt Peart in free agency. With those two additions, Fleming has no chance to return, especially with the right tackle spot finally secured by Mike McGlinchey following multiple years of uncertainty at the position.
Ben Niemann - Inside Linebacker
Ben Niemann was an underrated addition by Denver last season, especially for his contributions on special teams. He appeared in seven games, logging 134 snaps and two tackles. He did not appear on defense, which reduces his chances of returning to the Broncos.
Jonas Griffith is back from injury. Denver also signed veteran Cody Barton and undrafted free agent Leville Bailey, so the chances for Ben at the inside linebacker room are slim.