Position by position wish list for Denver Broncos in Free Agency

Linebackers

Alex Singleton

Chemistry is a big deal for linebackers and there might not have been better chemistry between Alex Singleton and Josey Jewell. Singleton signed with Denver Broncos in the off-season for the minimum and exceeded expectations by a mile. Even though he struggled mightily in the preseason the linebacker flipped a switch starting week one and did look back. He shattered DJ Williams tackling record totaling 163 tackles and it should have never come as a surprise. 

When Singleton was with the Eagles, he had back-to-back 100+ tacking seasons and is due for major pay raise eventually. Hopefully, for the Broncos' sake, it is this season and he continues to wear orange. Both Jewell and Singleton seemed to be inseparable during the season with their chemistry. At one point during the year, they wore matching cowboy outfits. Singleton did not just raise the play and level of himself, but Jewell as well. Jewell had a career season after sitting out last year due to an injury.

Like Murray, Singleton singlehandedly put himself in to the conversation to be retained by the Broncos.

Bobby Wagner

The Los Angeles Rams went forward with a “go big or go home” mentality and unfortunately there will be cap casualties on the team. Before free agency, the Rams made the move to release newly signed Bobby Wagner who now will head to the open market. Wager is well-regarded as one of the best linebackers to play the game and will find himself with many suitors. 

Before joining the Los Angeles Rams, he had been recruited by Russell Wilson on social media. Both Wilson and Wagner entered the league at the exact same time and became one of the better players for the Seahawks over their careers. Wilson and Wagner both helped Seattle win their first Super Bowl together.

Do not let age fool you. Wagner still has been productive in his career as a tackling machine. While this may seem excessive, it is important for Denver to continue the theme of upgrading the locker room and defense. Depending on Alex Singleton’s new deal, it cannot be ruled out both could be in Denver’s plans. However, I would qualify that as unlikely. 

There has never been a season where Wagner has had less than 100 tackles. Every single season Wagner has averaged 100+ tackles a year. In fact, Wagner had one of his better seasons with the Rams. 140 tackles, six sacks, and two interceptions. 

He’s still worth the risk.

Will Compton

We look further into the linebacker position with a player Greg Manusky is familiar with in his days at Washington. Manusky was the outside linebacker coach in Washington before being promoted to defensive coordinator. Manusky is now the inside linebacker coach with the Denver Broncos coach. 

Will Compton has been a durable player to be playing for as long as he has. Compton also has a very successful podcast with Taylor Lewan who also happens to be a free agent. It is also unclear if Compton wants to keep playing. At one point during the season, it seemed like Compton was bound to be back in the game but a snag happened and derailed it as a possibility. 

Compton has proven to be a strong defensive leader and tackling machine in his career. No he’s not a Hall of Famer, but he has proven to be a solid player at linebacker. He is a smart and intellectual player who can show to teammates the proper assignment. 

This is an unlikely scenario of happening, but it would be fun to see Compton in Denver alongside Josey Jewell. That said it’s still likely for me we see Alex Singleton back in Denver in 2023.