NFL free agency is a time to upgrade and improve a franchise and for the Denver Broncos, there’s talent to be had in that market.
With a new regime in town, it means a new philosophy must take root in the Mile High City. Sean Payton is not a tyrant, but he is a coach who will bring discipline, toughness, will to win, and attention to detail. This stern approach gives the Broncos a coach who will take the reins and allow Denver to play with a hard-nosed attitude. In both free agency and the draft it is very likely the first start of creating the foundation for what Payton, George, and ownership want in place.
Since there is a new regime in town the unknown makes this fascinating to watch unfold. No one knows the direction the Denver Broncos will go in free agency. Yet, one thing is known and that is the positional needs of the team. It is truly unknown the players the organization will target and people who will want to come to the Mile High City. As a fun exercise we dip our toes into the mind of new look franchise and who they may go after in 2023 free agency.
The recent rumors surrounding Garett Bolles, whether or not to re-sign Dre’Mont Jones, and bringing back Alex Singleton and Latavius Murray will be up for discussion. It is also entirely possible the Broncos will be searching for a brand new offensive line from right tackle, center and left guard. Dalton Risner is currently expected to enter free agency and it’s unclear if he will even be back. There’s also the very likelihood new faces join the fold in this off-season.
Let’s take a in-depth look at many players the Denver Broncos may actually target.
Offensive Tackles the Denver Broncos could target in NFL Free Agency
Cameron Fleming
The Denver Broncos have a plethora of in-house free agents that are priorities. We start first with Cameron Fleming the tackle who asserted himself as a quality, plug-and-play tackle for the team once injuries plagued the offensive line the entire year.
If in fact Garett Bolles is on the move for the Broncos, then re-signing Fleming is even more of a priority. Fleming provided insurance for both tackle positions in 2022. According to PFF, Fleming played 600+ snaps last season and graded out to be one of the better seasons of his career. As fate would also have it, he became arguably the best reliable offensive lineman the entire year. Even though Fleming had a rough season the campaign before, he became a necessity for the team.
We also have to remember team’s can never have too many swing tackles and Fleming in 2022 asserted himself as an underrated priority for the Denver Broncos.
Jawaan Taylor
Walker Little’s emergence with the Jacksonville Jaguars has possibly made Jawaan Taylor expendable in free agency. If rumors are true Taylor will test the open market there could be a team that sees him as a potential starter and long-term investment at right tackle. This is something general manager George Paton has said during the Combine. The Denver Broncos must find that long-term solution at right tackle.
Taylor may not be the best run blocker, but there’s obvious talent to invest in with him. And with Zach Strief manning the offensive line as their position coach we have no idea who could be of interest on market. Even though we mentioned Taylor’s run blocking is suspect at times he’s still willing to make it a part of his game. Keep in mind his college game before going to the Jaguars was a road grader. Taylor is what scouts would call a “people mover” to defensive linemen. Also, with Taylor being young, and Strief a young mind it would be crucial finding that long term option to where they can grow together.
If Taylor can truly hone in better on his run blocking it’s possible he’s one step closer to being a more complete tackle. Since Taylor joined the Jaguars he’s shown excellent growth in pass protection proving to be his best attribute early in his NFL career. More importantly, Taylor's availability is a strong pull for him in Denver. Denver’s offensive line was so plagued with injuries it makes sense to allocate as many resources there, like Kansas City.
Of all the options for Denver, this may be one of the most intriguing choices to find on the open market for right tackle.
Kaleb McGary
If Denver truly wants to spend big money on the tackle market, Kaleb McGary should be at the very top of the list for right tackle. McGary is arguably the most complete right tackle on the market and the Denver Broncos would be smart to strongly invest in McGary.
McGary has turned himself into one of the run-blocking tackles on the right side in the NFL. He graded out above 90 on Pro Football Focus in run blocking in 2022. And close to 70 in pass blocking. McGary also showed to hold his own versus one of the better pass rushers TJ Watt for a whole game. McGary allowed zero sacks and one pressure. He also registered five penalties in 2022 with one accepted.
This is also a pro for how he is as a disciplined tackle. His technique is pretty well-tuned. There’s not a lot that can get him off his platform. He’s not perfect by any means, but his growth these past four years has been impressive. Every single year McGary became a better tackle and player. He deserves every bit of the raise and extension on the open market.
Offensive Guards
Nate Davis
The guard position is expected to encounter massive changes from what was previously there from 2018-2022. Dalton Risner started out well for the Denver Broncos and had numerous offensive line coaches in his Broncos tenure. Risner struggled even with those changes but still found himself available for the team. The likelihood Risner is back is not good right now. This forces Denver to attack the left guard again in 2023. Nate Davis comes to mind for left guard.
Davis has been of the more successful guards for the Tennessee Titans and with a very run-heavy offense predicated on the play action, Davis seems like a plug-and-play guard. Davis encountered his best year as a guard in 2022 putting him in a great position for a nice payday in free agency. The Broncos plan to be a heavy-run attack offense and one that uses Russell Wilson’s strengths well. This is why Davis’ success in a play-action offense makes him for a great play here.
The Titans guard has shown tremendous growth every season and finished years better than the beginning. Davis would still need to have a better complete season from start to finish. Hopefully, 2022 is the start of something new.
Evan Brown
The Denver Broncos have valued versatile offensive linemen in the past. Detroit Lions guard Evan Brown, who is slated to be a free agent, is a versatile player who played exactly 12 games at center and 12 at right guard. Brown joined the Lions in 2021 as a true depth piece, but he saw his value rise significantly. Frank Ragnow went down due to injury and Brown slid right in there.
Brown played his 12 games at center when Ragnow went down for injury and proved his worth to the rest of his team. Fast forward to 2022, Brown found himself in the same predicament replacing an injured guard this time Halapoulivaati Vaitai. Vaitai was the starting right guard in 2022 initially before the injury and Brown played himself not just past his original one-year deal with the Lions. You could say Brown put himself in the same situation as Alex Singleton and that’s a pay raise. The deal Brown will get in free agency is going to be fascinating. With it being a position of worth a team just might get desperate to pay Brown.
Brown is an interesting candidate here to sign simply because this is his first significant payday. Denver has fallen victim to handing out bad contracts before and it may not be the best decision to hand out a hefty paycheck to a player who may or may not deserve the raise just yet.
Isaac Seumulo
Isaac Seumalo is a quiet individual and a very underrated guard in the NFL. Even though he played as a right guard for the Philadelphia Eagles it would mean he has to more than likely play left guard with Denver Broncos if they chose to sign him. Since the Eagles were the representatives in the Super Bowl from the NFC and had arguably the best offensive line in football, they still have many impending free agents. Seumalo very well might be walking to a new team.
Seumalo is a strong and smart guard. He does a terrific job recognizing the blocking assignment pre-snap and then proceeds to succeed on his rep. The strength and athleticism from Seumalo allow him to maintain his frame keeping upright when dealing with those physical players up front. His athleticism and quickness give him an advantage for him to get to the next level. This helps clear lanes for the running back to also hit his second gear.
If Denver has any desire to spend a lot of money on the guard play they would be smart to allocate it to all the needs on the offensive line. The Kansas City Chiefs did the exact same thing with Joe Thuney, Orlando Brown, and Andrew Wylie. Along with Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith, they spent so much money and effort on that offensive line it would be smart for the Denver Broncos to take a page out of the Chiefs' offseason playbook here and do the same.
Offensive Centers
Ethan Pocic
Familiarity continues to be a theme in this and we head back to the trenches with the center position. With Lloyd Cushenberry slated to be the starter next season, there is no guarantee he will be the guy. Cushenberry has struggled with balance keeping himself upright and is very up and down in the running game. The inconsistencies have caused questions surrounding his future with the Denver Broncos. This is ultimately why the center position is an underrated one heading into free agency.
Ethan Pocic is familiar with Russell Wilson and Wilson is familiar with Pocic. Both already have chemistry already being with the Seahawks. Justin Britt, a recent release from the Houston Texans, could make some sense as well. Pocic was slated to be a backup with the Cleveland Browns in 2022 behind Nick Harris, but a door opened for Pocic, and did quite well. He showed great hands and balance to not allow as much pressure as he could. The other great part for Pocic is allowing himself to get to the second level and creating lanes for the guards next to him to reach the second level.
This kind of chemistry is massive for a center or any offensive lineman. Denver is expected to target the offensive line heavily in free agency and the draft. Right tackle has been a turnstile like the quarterback position in Denver. That right tackle will garner a lot of buzz and rightfully so, but center is flying under the radar.
Garrett Bradbury
These are only a couple of options with a slightly new addition of Justin Britt, but it is truly hard to gauge the interest level of the Denver Broncos in their current position. In 2022, the Broncos did trade up in the draft to take Luke Wattenberg; however, in a short period of time, he did not play well enough to consider him as a future starter just yet with Denver. Wattenberg still has potential and will get a clean slate like everyone else.
If Denver has any desire to spend money on the offensive line, Bradbury makes a lot of sense. Obviously, Denver may not have the resources to sign Bradbury and/or a high-profile right tackle, but the Broncos would be smart to be aggressive as possible in upgrading their line. Bradbury has been up and down in his Minnesota Vikings career, but talent is still showing on tape. Even though the Vikings chose not to pick up the fifth-year option, Bradbury did a lot in a contract year for him to be paid in an off-season. Desperate teams overspend on positions of value. Bradbury may be another case here.
Athleticism for Bradbury and his balance is truly on display on tape. He does a tremendous job keeping his base upright when facing tough defensive linemen. Another aspect of Bradbury’s game that falls hand-in-hand with his balance is hand usage.
Denver may also bring Graham Glasgow back, but there is no guarantee he will. Plus, with an option like Bradbury on the market it would be smart to kick tires on him. The last intriguing factor is Paton’s draft history and which involved drafting Bradbury when he was with the Vikings before joining the Broncos in 2021.
Justin Britt
Like Ethan Pocic it makes too much sense to bring in a center who has long been familiar with Russell Wilson. Wilson and his center will need to be attached at the hip to be effective together. Britt was drafted by Seattle in 2014 and was Wilson’s center for his second Super Bowl versus New England. Unfortunately for Britt, his career could never hit the ground running for his liking as a Houston Texan.
Britt’s best career game was when Russell Wilson was the quarterback and it would be beneficial for both parties to try and reunite again. Over his career, Britt has proven to be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of being a successful run-and-pass blocker. That said Britt has shown to be best at it when he’s had a mobile quarterback like Wilson. It still just remains to be seen what Zach Strief would prefer to do with the center position.
A smart decision would be to have a meeting with head coach Sean Payton, Russell Wilson and Strief. All three have to come to the conclusion of what’s best for the team pursuing a center. As we mentioned earlier, Luke Wattenberg is still a raw player whom George Paton did draft. If Strief sees improvement in Lloyd Cushenberry who are we to stop Strief from making him starter? The point still remains that chemistry has to matter for quarterback and center. The synergy must be a hit from the start.
Wide Receivers
DeAndre Carter
We recently talked about reunions for Sean Payton and Russell Wilson, but we cannot forget about new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Lombardi is under scrutiny simply due to fans questioning the hire when at the end of the day, the buck stops with Payton. Also, it’s still important to understand as a team to bring familiarity with players to new organizations. DeAndre Carter might actually be the type of player to watch out for if you’re the Denver Broncos.
Wide receiver is a need even before the Courtland Sutton trade block news. The team has to find that kind of player alongside KJ Hamler and Montrell Washington. Admittedly, Denver does need to find a consistent deep threat who can take the top off. Hamler can definitely be that player and Washington can as well. However, Hamler’s injury history and Washington’s decision-making on special teams can derail opportunities. Make no mistake though that both are capable of being that player.
This is why a player like Carter makes sense as that option in free agency before heading into the draft. Carter was part of Lombardi’s offense in Los Angeles with Justin Herbert at quarterback. Carter has speed and solid ball-tracking ability as a deep threat. If Denver decides to be aggressive here for this option, Carter makes too much sense. While it was one season it was also his best year as an NFL player. It would not surprise me in the least if this is a signing pre or post-NFL Draft.
DJ Chark
There’s another fascinating wide receiver on the open market and that is DJ Chark. Chark is a former 1,000-yard receiver with Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 where he was selected to his only Pro Bowl. His most disappointing season was in 2021 before joining Detroit. With the Lions, Chark provided nice contribution even though he only started in 10 games. With 500+ yards receiving it begs question if he would have been close to accomplishing nearly 1,000 yards again.
Chark sustained an ankle injury in October, but thankfully it will not require surgery. This means Chark should be fully healthy by this point in March. He will give the Denver Broncos a deep threat who adds size and a decent frame along with some production in a Sean Payton offense.
Even with the likes of KJ Hamler and Montrell Washington already on the roster, if Denver adds more deep-threat bodies, there is a better likelihood that at least one will provide an impact. Chark also provides that frame at six foot four to make himself known as a red zone threat.
Allen Lazard
If the Denver Broncos make the deal for Courtland Sutton, they will need to decide if they want another wide receiver body in the room. This scenario hasn’t happened, but if it does Tim Patrick assumes the role of replacement for Courtland Sutton, but this free agent very well could be falling Into Patrick’s role if he signs. That’s Allen Lazard from the Green Bay Packers.
Lazard originally came into the league as a big-body wide receiver who some teams thought would be a tight end. His career has shaped out like Patrick’s so far. Patrick and Lazard have been doubted they are contributors in the NFL. In fact, others have doubted who they are as route runners. Lazard has become a productive number-two wideout in the NFL and it makes sense for Denver to consider a player like Lazard if he’s available.
In this situation, Denver already has Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick. Even though Lazard is a solid number two wideout, he would provide stability in a room with both top-three receivers. It also gives the Denver Broncos red zone weapons once again with Lazard.
Again, this scenario simply is if Courtland Sutton is dealt. The possibility he will be traded remains uncertain. Yet, the team must find a way to manage how to accumulate draft capital if they can in the NFL Draft.
Running Backs
Miles Sanders
The running back from the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles, Miles Sanders finds himself in a market that might see him landing with a new team in free agency. Sanders has been a good back but also has hardly any tread on his tires. This is in large part due to the Eagles finally choosing to up his carries in what could be his final season with the team.
Sanders had over 250 carries for the first time in his career and 1,000+ yards rushing. Also, unlike in previous years Sanders was not a pivotal factor in the receiving game. He only tallied less than 100 yards, but this should not preclude any team like Denver from inquiring about his services. He is more than qualified to be a multi-faceted back between the tackles and as a safety net for Russell Wilson in the passing game.
Latavius Murray
There’s a fair argument to be made that the team’s best offensive player was Latavius Murray in 2022. The obvious and right choice is Jerry Jeudy; however given the circumstances, Murray provided a huge spark to the running game since joining the Denver Broncos team in London. Every time the team needed a big run, Murray gave it to them especially with Javonte Williams sustaining his season-ending injury last year.
The other reason of course is Murray’s attachment to Sean Payton. No, we’re not talking about the random appearance during Radio Row before the Super Bowl. Murray spent his time in New Orleans during 2019, 2020, and the beginning of the 2022 season. In both 2019 and 2020, he had roughly the same yardage but a consistent 600+ yards rushing with four to five touchdowns.
Lastly, Murray became an intricate part of the Broncos' locker room. In that short period, Murray asserted himself as a team leader and vocal leader. For a team who struggled to find any sort of consistency, Murray became that constant voice and player for Denver. He’s a must re-sign.
David Montgomery
The recent hire of Lou Ayeni as running backs coach will add intrigue for the running backs class in free agency. Ayeni spent time at Northwestern, Toledo, and Iowa State to help coach the running backs. He also was part of the Bill Walsh internship with both Atlanta and Chicago. There’s at least some experience in NFL, but not yet as a full-time coach in NFL.
It just so happens that both Kareem Hunt and David Montgomery are free agents in 2023. Hunt was the running back while Ayeni was at Toledo and Montgomery was the running back while Ayeni was at Iowa State. Montgomery performed at a solid level but could never have firm footing long-term in Chicago to be the bell cow for the foreseeable future. Montgomery has 200+ carries every single year as a Bear. With the recent addition of Khalil Herbert as a Bear and his emergence there, it makes sense to let Montgomery walk.
There is still a little bit of a concern because of all that usage in Chicago. It also begs the question if Denver Broncos will play a major factor in the running back market in the draft as well.
Quarterback
Gardner Minshew
The backup quarterback position is one of the underrated groups that the Denver Broncos will need to strongly consider this go around. Brett Rypien certainly can make this interesting as he did last season in the preseason. However, the crop of players in free agency appears to be deep for Denver to upgrade the position behind Russell Wilson. Also, Denver doing this will not take them out of the conversation of drafting a quarterback in the 2023 Draft.
Gardner Minshew deservedly should be a starter for some teams, but at this point in his career, a backup seems to be the best solution for him. If Denver wants to bring a true completion for Wilson in 2023 a player like Minshew would be a smart bet. Coming from Washington State and the late Mike Leach offense Minshew was part of an aerial attack there and showed solid mobility as a quarterback. He also displayed the same charisma as Baker Mayfield.
Minshew started a few games with Jacksonville, but due to Trevor Lawrence proving to be a long-term answer, it was only a matter of time before Minshew’s time was up there. He later signed with Philadelphia Eagles thinking there’d be an opportunity for him, but Jalen Hurts blew that chance for Minshew. So now at this point, Minshew may just be a career backup which is frustrating because he deserves to start somewhere.
Baker Mayfield
Once the number one pick in the draft and alleged franchise quarterback in Cleveland, Baker Mayfield will once again be a name to follow in this off-season as he will be a backup or a starter for teams in 2023. There’s a common denominator with both Mayfield and Gardner Minshew. It is that both should be a starter somewhere in the league.
It was once upon a time when the Denver Broncos would have loved to have drafted Mayfield with their fifth overall selection. However, as the process went on, it was apparent he was never going to be there. Mayfield brought Cleveland Browns out of the ashes and had injury after injury. Once the injuries started piling up, he was never himself. Mayfield started having questionable decision-making and was never himself.
Mayfield was released by the Browns in hopes to have a change of scenery. He would sign with Los Angeles Rams and Sean McVay. Mayfield then proceeded to play exceptionally well in that McVay offense. Efficiency was back, decision-making returned for Mayfield. The question for Mayfield is just, did he do enough to be a starter somewhere else? That’s ultimately the question.
For now he would be a solid backup behind Russell Wilson.
Jameis Winston
The Denver Broncos can go a variety of different directions with a backup quarterback and both may also be on the table. Denver’s interest in a backup should not in any way take them out of the conversation of drafting a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. The goal is to make the room better with depth and overall quality at quarterback. This will be the first time in a long time that Denver can truly say there will not be QB controversy, but the backup depth should be addressed.
This is why we looked at likes Gardner Minshew and Baker Mayfield as it relates to having the best possible quarterback room for the team. Jameis Winston is yet another option for the Broncos to consider as a backup to Russell Wilson. Winston was a former top draft pick. A quarterback who should have been a franchise quarterback. Unfortunately, circumstances have led to a different career path right now for Winston. Winston still may be a starter in the NFL, but right now his best course of action is being a backup.
Winston has proven to be a solid “in a pinch” starting quarterback, but he still lacks the decision-making to be considered a full-time starter. However, Winston's best career choice has been with head coach Sean Payton in New Orleans. Before Winston went down to injury, he played the Saints to a 5-2 record in 2021. That was also Payton’s last year as head coach in New Orleans.
The moral of the backup quarterback story with these options is that Payton does not shy away from bringing in high-profile quarterbacks as reclamation projects. Winston is an example of that kind of player. Maybe this does open the door for a Baker Mayfield in Denver. This also could mean Gardner Minshew is that option for backup. Like Winston, it would not be a surprise to see Payton bring in a popular name as a backup.
Defensive End
Dre’Mont Jones
During the Combine, George Paton started out positive in discussing Dre’Mont Jones and contract talks. Jones, according to Paton is a “core player” and has had positive discussions regarding that new deal. Yet, the Denver Broncos defensive lineman has not come to terms on a contract. No deal is even imminent. Paton furthered the point saying it is likely Jones is heading to the open market.
Jones has gotten better every year and has every right to earn that big pay raise. That new deal could come from Denver or someone else. He is in that tier-two level for defensive linemen. What Denver may have struggled with is paying as a defensive end or defensive tackle. Jones is flexible to play both and plays both quite well.
It is still a very dangerous game to let Jones test the market and see who has an interest in him. Given the contract friend Bradley Chubb received from Miami, it is not out of possibility someone pays Jones the equivalent of that kind of deal. The likelihood of Jones returning is less and less if he hits the open market.
While the Broncos made the right decision to not tag Jones, it is still imperative they get a deal done with their “core player” before he hits free agency.
Marcus Davenport
Despite being aggressive to re-sign Dre’Mont Jones, the Denver Broncos still have to upgrade the defensive line in free agency to address depth. Randy Gregory is a very good player when he is on the field. That’s the key part. It is also important to not rule out considering depth behind the starters as a pass rusher. Like cornerbacks or offensive line depth, a team can never have too many pass rushers. The more a team has at pass rush, the more team rolls out productivity to get to a quarterback. Marcus Davenport would be one of those options.
Davenport had a disappointing season in 2022 statistically, but in a time when Denver Broncos need all hands on deck at pass rush, he would bring another horse to that room. Every once in a while a player will have that career year and they need to find it again. In 2021, Davenport had a great season with just a tick under ten sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits. His best-graded seasons were in 2019 and 2021 while only being 26 years old. That is still plenty young to land on a team who can take chance on that youth with a two or three-year deal.
In both solid seasons, Davenport was showing signs of potential. But make no mistake, Davenport’s year was a colossal disappointment for the Saints and him. It would be wise after that kind of year he takes his talents elsewhere and rebrand his image more with an aggressive style head coach. Maybe this is a head coach who saw his talents as a first-round draft pick in Sean Payton who is now head coach of the Denver Broncos.
Zach Allen
What to do with life without Dre’Mont Jones is a world I would rather not think about, but here we are. As mentioned before, if the Denver Broncos truly allow Jones to walk in free agency it would be nice to have a backup plan in case he joins another team. If this happens, a dream scenario would be targeting the likes of Zach Allen in free agency.
Allen has been tutored by future Hall of Famer JJ Watt and has turned himself into a player who will get a payday in free agency. Maybe not the Dre’Mont Jones payday, but he will be worthy of every penny if Denver can truly be that aggressive in filling this kind of need before heading into the draft. Allen started with the Arizona Cardinals as an interior defensive lineman but struggled at times to play at that strength. It was not until 2022 that Allen saw major improvements in that part of his game. It’s not to say he cannot play outside as a defensive end, but the Cardinals had him in the interior.
The smarts and intellectual part of his game is a positive for Allen. He did everything he could to be that sponge with Watt to soak up as much knowledge as he can learning from him. When you mix his intelligence and the ability to perform at any strength inside of the defensive line, he would be a smart addition to the Broncos.
Defensive Tackles
David Onyemeta
If Denver truly wants to dip into the New Orleans Saints defensive line it would be wise to choose the better option and that is David Onyemeta. Onyemeta is a very athletic big body capable defensive tackle that surprises on tape. Statistically, he has not had a lot of sacks by any means but he still generates pressure as a defensive tackle.
Onyemeta paired with DJ Jones would actually make for a fun dynamic in generating a rush. Jones has done a lot by himself and for the first season he did a great job holding his. While the run defense was suspect, one person can only hold the fort down for so long. Onyemata gives the Broncos relief alongside Jones to help him out upfront. It is unsure if a move like this would rule out a DeShawn Williams reunion. But it is important once again to remind people Denver Broncos need able bodies to create as much of a clog on the line as other teams would need a plunger to create lanes.
As we said earlier, Onyemata gives Denver a second option in the defensive front who can push linemen backward with strength and power. If Onyemata can flip a switch like with Jones, Denver may have an underrated duo. Both would give the Broncos solid support in the run game and create double teams. Creating double teams is the underrated point for Onyemata in his being an addition on the defensive line.
Like Davenport, Sean Payton was there for the early growth of Onyemeta as a player with the Saints before taking the Fox job. It would not be a surprise if one of the former Saints players joined the Broncos in the off-season.
Sheldon Rankins
You guessed it. Another former player who played with Sean Payton in New Orleans. Sheldon Rankins is 28 years old but has been able to produce at a good level throughout his career. Rankins is expected to be a priority for the Jets to retain him, but whether they will remains to be the question. The rumor is Rankins asking for $8 million to $10 million a year. That might put him out of the Denver Broncos' price range. However, with Payton back in the coaching saddle it is possible he takes less to play for his former head coach.
Rankins, like Onyemata, would give the Broncos a formidable duo up front defensively with DJ Jones. This is also one of those moves for Denver that could also trigger life past Dre’Mont Jones which is not out of the question. As we said earlier, if Dre’Mont tests free agency it’s a very possible scenario Jones heads elsewhere leaving a glaring hole next to DJ on that line. Rankins would be a worthwhile investment if Denver chose to go down that route.
Nearing thirty has not stopped Rankins from generating pressure from the inside. Rankins sustained an Achilles injury in 2018 and has steadily tried to get back to that elite form we saw in New Orleans. Make no mistake for Rankins, he would be a fun addition to the Broncos and give the team a player with athleticism alongside DJ. As we said earlier, Rankins would help soften the possible loss of Dre’Mont if he hits 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.
Secondary
Vonn Bell
The former New Orlean Saint could be a nice addition to the Denver Broncos secondary in free agency. One of the things that puts a damper on this possibility is the likelihood that Caden Sterns takes that next step in his career. Yet, if the team is in the business of trading away draft picks and being aggressive for both head coach and quarterback in back-to-back years. This enters Bell and possibly others into the mix for additions to the safety room.
Denver could dip into the Chauncey Gardner-Johnson can be an option; however, it is far more likely he stays with the Philadelphia Eagles in the franchise tag it seems. This opens a door for Denver to sign Bell in free agency. Bell with New Orleans had his career season in sacks in 2017. Obviously five years ago, but Bell has done a great job creating pressure on a quarterback and is 28 years old.
It’s hard also to know if Denver will dip their toes into the safety room with the emergence of PJ Locke and Sterns lately. Yet, if the Broncos are business of putting forward the best product of talent on the back end of the secondary. Bell has a Super Bowl pedigree now with the Cincinnati Bengals. It would be smart to bring that kind of player to a locker room desperate to have a playoff-caliber team in 2023.
John Johnson
We talked about coaching reunions with players. How bout a player-and-player reunion? John Johnson is a recent release of the Cleveland Browns and could be a hot name on the market for a team that might want to reunite former college teammates. Chemistry is a big deal for Justin Simmons and other safety positions. Therefore nothing would surprise me if Denver Broncos signed former Boston College safety John Johnson.
Johnson has been a bit of a playmaker and tackling machine for a safety over his career. In every single season since joining NFL, Johnson has registered an interception. He also has totaled 100+ tackles a season twice. In an interview with Let’s Talk Broncos Podcast, Caden Sterns enlighten me about the whole safety position with free and strong safety or box safety. The definitions of safety are more detailed than what Madden tells you. There’s left-to-right safety and then box safety.
This means it does not matter if you have the same style of safety or a different player playing the same position. A playmaker at safety who brings the best out of defense takes the cake over single-focus thinking because a team already has that player. This kind of logic helps teams have the best defense possible.
Therefore an addition like John Johnson would be a great move for a team that wants a younger safety who can be both left, right, or box safety.
PJ Williams
Oh, I love reunions. The cornerback PJ Williams has spent his career with one team and that is the New Orleans Saints. Williams spent five seasons with new Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. The impending free agent is a fascinating study positionally because of where he played with the Saints. Williams's positions during games were as follows: outside cornerback, slot corner, left safety, and right safety.
If Denver moves on from Kareem Jackson who could seem like a likely candidate to also return with Vance Joseph as defensive coordinator, then Williams could be making the most sense to replace what Jackson brought to the table. Williams may not be the enforcer that Jackson is but he can still be the sound defender and younger.
Williams would join a secondary room where he can be a slot corner or even that third or fourth safety. That seems like he’s nothing, but he gives Joseph another chess piece of the secondary to maximize that versatility.
Byron Murphy
With Vance Joseph as the defensive coordinator with Denver Broncos, it would make sense to bring in a player with whom Joseph has familiarity. At 25 years old and a defensive back room that’s already at a high level adding Byron Murphy would be a great decision for this team.
Christian Parker being retained is actually an even bigger point to bring Murphy into Denver. Parker has been instrumental in the growth of Justin Simmons, Patrick Surtain II, and Damarri Mathis. Keeping Parker would allow Murphy to likely reach his 2021 potential again as a playmaker at cornerback. In 2021, Murphy had four interceptions including a pick-six.
Being part of a losing culture can breed bad habits. For Murphy, he has to dip back into his college game as a player. Murphy has sound technique and discipline as a cornerback with playmaking. Washington is rich in defensive-back talent. Look at Elijah Molden and Trent McDuffie. Murphy was before them but still proved to be a player capable of being a tough competitor in coverage. Since Parker and Joseph are in town as coaches it would make sense to bring him in and coach him up to be that hard-nosed corner again. It’s there. Now it’s time to tap back in and get it back.
Jabrill Peppers
Defensive chess pieces are fun if used properly. Since joining the NFL from Michigan, Jabrill Peppers has not exactly made the kind of impact he or the teams he has been on proud they made that move. At this point in his career, Peppers has proven to be a solid depth player on defense. Versatility is still there for the 27-year-old, but expecting to him be a starter is too much to ask for right now.
However, a player with the kind of versatility as a defensive back from both cornerback and even safety is still a luxury for a defensive coordinator. No one is expecting Peppers to be the starter with Denver Broncos if he comes here, but he would bring insurance to a secondary. Depending on how Vance Joseph plans to use Baron Browning, Denver could have multiple chess pieces on at least two levels. Browning could be a front seven chess piece and Peppers along with others could be a secondary chess piece.
The cornerback already consists of Patrick Surtain II, Damarri Mathis, and K’Wuan Williams. A player like Peppers gives them ultimate control of mixing and matching defensively. However, as we said before, Peppers is not a starter. He could be a significant role player for Denver though in that secondary. Also, if Byron Murphy signs here, there’s no telling what Christian Parker could do if he gets his hands on Peppers. Parker just might be the right ingredient to bring the most out of Peppers.