Many Denver Broncos fans have been frustrated by the team's process so far in free agency, at least prior to the Jaylen Waddle trade. Head coach Sean Payton has seen and heard about all the "angst" and frustration toward the team, and while he understands it, a recent decision to cut Dre Greenlaw can perhaps serve as a sobering reality for everyone when it comes to the risks of free agency.
Payton spoke for nearly a half-hour at the NFL owners meetings in Arizona about a wide range of topics, and considering that Greenlaw is really the only notable cut the team has made this offseason on a team prioritizing continuity, it's something he was going to have to address sooner rather than later.
Payton acknowledged the difficulty of making that move, especially considering how passionate of a player Greenlaw is.
Denver Broncos HC Sean Payton disappointed with how things worked out with LB Dre Greenlaw
“That was a tough one. Here is why: he is so passionate. In my career as a coach, I’ve been lucky enough to coach a lot of passionate players that love the game. I’m always disappointed internally that that didn’t work out because I love that player. I love how he competes. I love all the things he brings. You feel somewhat responsible when it doesn’t work out."
- Head coach Sean Payton (via Broncos PR)
Payton's response here definitely makes the wound of the Greenlaw situation feel fresh again. The Broncos obviously brought Greenlaw in to be the missing piece of an already elite defense. After playing in 10 games this past season (plus the playofs), the writing was really on the wall after the season, when Greenlaw talked about how difficult it was to acclimate to Vance Joseph's defense
He compared it to learning Spanish. He also talked about the difference in practice schedules with Sean Payton versus 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. And it was clear based on how he talked about that subject that he preferred Shanahan's way of operating.
It's not a surprise to anyone that Greenlaw ended up back in San Francisco. What's surprising, and frankly very disappointing, is that he didn't work out in Denver.
Greenlaw's athleticism, toughness, and physicality were such welcomed additions when he got on the field against the Houston Texans. He has shown game-changing abilities in the past with the 49ers, and imagining that level of impact at the Broncos' biggest defensive position of need?
It truly did feel like he was exactly what the team needed.
But again, Greenlaw's situation serves as an important reminder of the risks of NFL Free Agency, and why the Broncos only guaranteed one year of Greenlaw's deal in the first place.
Sometimes, no matter how great a situation looks on paper, the way it looks on paper is the best it will be. And maybe that's another reason to be excited about the continuity of this team. Even the dream free agents don't live up to lofty expectations.