Broncos Free Agency Primer: Three Tiers of Edge Rusher Options
The Denver Broncos will likely be selective in free agency in 2024, after having spent a lot in 2023. The Broncos' current cap issues mean that the team must get that situation in order first, which means it's likely they sit out the first wave of free agency.
But it's still a good idea for Broncos fans to get familiar with the pending unrestricted free agents at each position. We're going to examine the most notable free agents over the coming weeks.
With each installment, we'll look at who would be the top free agents at each position, and then look at the best options after that. We'll wrap up with other notable names, then consider who the Broncos are most likely in a position to pursue.
In this installment, we'll look at edge rushers, a position at which the Broncos could add a veteran player to help with the rotation.
The top three: Josh Allen, Brian Burns, Danielle Hunter
Allen and Burns are both franchise tag candidates -- if they haven't been tagged by the time you read this, it's likely they will be. If they aren't for some reason, they'll be seeking big money and the Broncos are out.
Some time ago, people were connecting Hunter to the Broncos because of George Paton's time with the Minnesota Vikings. However, I would expect Hunter to want to play for a contender and be compensated well.
Don't count on the Broncos landing any of these three players.
Next in line: Jadeveon Clowney, Jonathan Greenard, Bryce Huff, Za'Darius Smith, Chase Young.
These five players range from those who may have to take "prove it" deals to players who are coming off quality seasons but it may be fair to ask if they can keep it up.
Huff had 10 sacks in 2023 but never had more than 3.5 in his first three seasons. Greenard broke out with 12.5 sacks and had eight in 2021, but some may wonder if he benefited in 2023 by playing alongside Will Anderson Jr.
Young has been plagued by injuries but did do good things for the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs. Clowney and Smith were both solid for the Browns but are aging players.
Huff and Greenard could be players who teams are tempted to give big money deals, so the Broncos are likely out on them. As for the others, the Broncos might consider one if that player will take a one-year deal with incentives.
Other notable names: Dorance Armstrong, Derek Barnett, Mike Danna, AJ Epenesa, Leonard Floyd, Brandon Graham, Carl Lawson, Josh Uche, Andrew Van Ginkel
If the Broncos do add an edge rusher in free agency, it's more likely to be among these players. Here, you'll find players who will have to take lower-cost deals for one reason or another.
Epenesa could be intriguing if he comes at a reasonable price point. Van Ginkel was productive in 2023 but may best be paired with a true No. 1 edge rusher. Danna is a steady performer but isn't a No. 1 option. Uche had 11 sacks in 2022 but his production fell in 2023.
But those four could be players the Broncos look at if they remain unsigned going into the second wave of free agency. The others mentioned might be considered, though some of them are older.
One can't rule out the Broncos adding an edge rusher in free agency, but the draft may be the more likely place they add to the depth. That's particularly true if they think somebody on their current roster can become the primary edge rusher in 2024.
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