Broncos' Three Best Free-Agent Options at Needed Positions
I recently released my seven-point plan for the Denver Broncos to free up salary cap space this offseason in preparation for free agency.
The Broncos have created $36.8M in cap space, so who should they bring back among their own free agents, and which free agents from other teams should be considered?
The Broncos have a clear need at a few positions. Today, I'll list the top three options among potential unrestricted free agents for the Broncos to consider at those need positions based on the moves I would make to get the team into a better cap health.
Note that this will not include street free agents or players whose teams have been released from their current contracts. Based on my proposed cuts and tenders before free agency starts, let's review the positions the Broncos would need to address.
Interior Defensive Line
With Mike Purcell a cut in my scenario and with Dre'Mont Jones and DeShawn Williams set to become unrestricted free agents, adding at least one interior defender is a priority.
1. Dre'Mont Jones, Broncos: Obviously, retaining Jones is the best option to address this need. Mile High Huddle's Lance Sanderson has proposed a four-year, $60M contract with $37M fully guaranteed. The Broncos could go a little higher than that, but not too high.
2. David Onyemata, Saints: If the Broncos fail to retain Jones, the best option among other interior defenders may be Onyemata. There is, of course, the connection with Sean Payton. However, he'd have to take less than Jones because of his age.
3. Zach Allen, Cardinals: Among other interior defenders, Allen is one of the best options. Though he did have a hand injury at the end of the 2023 season, he has improved from year to year. If his health checks out, he'd be worth adding.
Right Tackle
Billy Turner, Cameron Fleming, and Calvin Anderson are all unrestricted free agents. Right tackle is a clear priority for the Broncos to address in free agency. Here are the three best options.
1. Mike McGlinchey, 49ers: Some may think the Niners would use the franchise tag, but that comes at more than $18M, which the Niners may not be willing to do. McGlinchey would give the Broncos stability in a position that needs it.
2. Jawan Taylor, Jaguars: Another player who represents a quality option at the right side. Again, some might think the Jaguars use the franchise tag, but they are over the cap and likely will have other priorities.
3. Kaleb McGary, Falcons: There will be competition for McGlinchey and Taylor, but McGary has shown improvement over the past couple of seasons. The Falcons have a lot of cap space, though, so they could re-sign him. But if McGary hits the open market, he should be on the Broncos' list.
Center
Lloyd Cushenberry has failed to improve as a player, and even if you can point to coaching, it's hard to rely on him. And with Graham Glasgow being cut in my scenario, the Broncos need another center.
1. Connor McGovern, Jets: Bringing back an old friend can't be ruled out. McGovern will be 30 years old, but he's been a steady performer.
2. Ethan Pocic, Browns: A former Seahawk, Pocic is familiar with Russell Wilson. New offensive line coach Zach Strief could bring out the best in him.
3. Garrett Bradbury, Vikings: Though Bradbury could have been a better player, he did improve in 2022. He's likely to be an inexpensive player relative to those with a better track record.
Offensive Guard
Dalton Risner is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Luke Wattenberg might improve with better coaching, but the Broncos must find another veteran option.
1. Will Hernandez, Cardinals: If the Broncos can't add a center in free agency, they should have the money to add Hernandez. Though not a great player, he has been a solid performer.
2. Nate Davis, Titans: Chances are the Titans will need to let Davis depart, given their cap situation. Davis could be worth adding at the right price.
3. Dalton Risner, Broncos: I wouldn't close the door on Risner if he doesn't get any offers to his liking. If he returns, it's better to do it on a short-term deal to demonstrate he will improve under Strief.
Running Back
Though I kept Chase Edmonds on a reduced salary in my offseason approach, the Broncos should look at other options Mike Boone, Latavius Murray, and Marlon Mack are all set to hit free agency. It remains to be seen if Javonte Williams will be healthy to start the 2023 season.
1. Miles Sanders, Eagles: Sanders has never proven to be a featured back, but when it comes to a back you put into a tandem, he may be the best option among free agents. The only thing to watch is the cost.
2. David Montgomery, Bears: Montgomery becomes the next option to consider if Sanders costs too much. I'm not expecting him to be one of the higher-paid backs, so he makes sense.
3. Devin Singletary, Bills: Like Montgomery, I don't expect Singletary to be one of the higher-paid backs. His fumbling issues are a concern, but they may be corrected under Payton and his coaching staff.
Off-Ball Linebacker
While Alex Singleton is set to become an unrestricted free agent, this isn't a position the Broncos should trip over themselves to address in free agency. I expect prices to get high here, so it's better to sit out the initial wave here and look for value later.
1. Cody Barton, Seahawks: Barton could be overlooked in free agency because he needs to be a standout player. However, he has improved over the last couple of seasons. A two-year deal would be acceptable for him.
2. Alex Singleton, Broncos: If Singleton doesn't get any offers in free agency, I'm certainly open to bringing him back. The one thing to remember is his fit in what may be a new defensive scheme.
3. Devin Bush, Steelers: Though Bush has been a different player since his ACL injury, there is no better candidate for a one-year, low-cost deal than him. Because he is just 25 years old, he still has time to turn things around.
Backup Quarterback
The Broncos need a Plan B at quarterback, meaning they need to add a veteran. They only want to spend a little bit, though.
1. Teddy Bridgewater, Dolphins: No, seriously. The Broncos should not rule out a reunion with the quarterback who started the bulk of the 2021 season. His familiarity with Payton makes him the ideal backup.
2. Jacoby Brissett, Browns: If Bridgewater isn't interested in returning to Denver, Brissett makes the most sense among the other veteran backup options.
3. Brett Rypien, Broncos: If the Broncos feel the backup QB market will get too pricey or don't think there's an option they will like, they could always use the right-of-first-refusal tender on Rypien or bring him back on a one-year deal.
Safety
Kareem Jackson is an unrestricted free agent. While there is hope that Caden Sterns will get healthy and that Delarrin Turner-Yell will take the next step, it would be good to add a cheap veteran.
1. Vonn Bell, Bengals: Of all the free agent options, Bell fits the bill for what the Broncos need — a reliable veteran who shouldn't cost much. And there is the connection with Payton, too.
2. Terrell Edmunds, Steelers: Edmunds is a younger player who makes sense on a one-year, low-cost deal. I'd look at him if Bell isn't available.
3. Mike Edwards, Buccaneers: Here is another younger player who might make sense if Bell isn't available. Again, you need to look at a one-year, low-cost deal.
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
