Broncos Veteran Free-Agent Options to Fill Post-Draft Holes
With the Denver Broncos completing the 2023 NFL draft and signing several undrafted free agents, some might ask if the Broncos are finished with roster building. As we have seen in past seasons, the work isn't done when the draft is done.
In the past, the Broncos have signed inexpensive free agents to fill out roster holes after the draft up until training camp. The Broncos may do it again.
However, while the Broncos made a quick free-agency move after last year's draft in re-signing Melvin Gordon, there's no guarantee the team will move that quickly this time around.
Decisions on free agents during the summer months come for a host of reasons, ranging from a player getting injured, to an injured player whose recovery time is taking longer than expected, to an inexperienced player who simply isn't impressing the coaching staff in the offseason workouts.
Regardless of the reason, it wouldn't surprise me if the Broncos go out and add other free agents. But how soon they do that depends on several factors, from available cap space (the Broncos have about $5M) to any salary demands a veteran-free agent has.
Let's look at a couple of positions at which it wouldn't surprise me if the Broncos added a veteran free agent at some point before the start of training camp.
Running Back
The Broncos passed on the available running backs in the draft but did add undrafted free agent Emmanuel Wilson of Fort Valley State. However, with Javonte Williams' recovery in question, the Broncos may bring in a veteran free agent.
However, this isn't a position at which the Broncos need to hurry up and get it done. As we saw last year, Latavius Murray joined the Broncos during the season, and it didn't take long for him to produce.
In other words, running back isn't a position in which a player needs to do a lot to get up to speed. A veteran doesn't need to be present for offseason workouts. The current unsigned veterans are undoubtedly working out on their own in hopes that they might find a team who wants to sign them.
Therefore, don't be surprised if the Broncos wait until closer to the start of training camp before adding a veteran. This gives them time to see how Williams is doing and get a better idea about the younger backs they have on the depth chart.
Veteran names to know: Leonard Fournette, Kareem Hunt, Latavius Murray, Mark Ingram, Darrell Henderson, Kenyan Drake, Jerick McKinnon, Phillip Lindsay.
Swing Tackle
The Broncos paid big money to right tackle Mike McGlinchey and have gotten quality play from left tackle Garett Bolles. However, Bolles is recovering from a broken leg, and it's fair to ask how he'll fare once he's healthy — and, just as importantly, if he fits into the plans of Sean Payton and his coaching staff. Remember that Bolles was rumored to be the subject of trade talks.
Regardless of Bolles' status, the Broncos didn't draft an offensive tackle and lacked a swing tackle with experience. Journeyman Isaiah Prince, who has been in the league since 2019, has started just six games. Quinn Bailey has played a little more than 200 offensive snaps in the past two seasons, and Christian DiLaurio has been limited to special teams.
Therefore, it would be worth looking at the available veterans among offensive tackles. This is a position in which the coaching staff needs to look closely at how players do in the offseason and possibly make a decision sooner than later so a veteran can get up to speed.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that some veterans at the position may want a chance to start. They could be waiting until a team loses someone to injury, then join that team to be a starter. Therefore, the Broncos should think more about players who have done their best work as a swing tackle but could start if necessary.
Veteran names to know: Cameron Fleming, George Fant, Brandon Shell, Greg Little, Dan Skipper, Isaiah Wynn.
Safety
Though the Broncos did draft JL Skinner in the sixth round, then added Devin Matthews as an undrafted free agent, it's possible the Broncos look for a veteran to add experience.
The Broncos were reportedly in talks with Kareem Jackson, though the veteran safety has indicated he would like to join a team that is closer to a Super Bowl. While playoffs might be on the minds of Broncos fans for 2023, expecting a Super Bowl trip this season may be expecting too much.
Also, if the Broncos can't meet whatever salary Jackson is seeking, they aren't likely to bring him back. However, adding a safety other than Jackson can't be ruled out.
This will likely boil down to how Skinner and third-year player Caden Sterns are doing in recovery from injury and how the inexperienced players on the roster fare during the offseason. If the Broncos think they need more help at the position, don't rule out the possibility of a veteran.
Veteran names to know (other than Jackson): Adrian Amos, Rodney McLeod, Lamarcus Joyner, Duron Harmon, Andrew Adams.
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