Broncos Biggest Offensive Roster Holes in 2024
With the Denver Broncos projected to be over the salary cap by $30 million, with six picks in the 2024 NFL draft and the possibility of moving on from Russell Wilson, the team will have limited resources to improve the roster.
Because of that, the Broncos will need to do a good job of prioritizing what positions they address in the offseason. While Denver has plenty of holes to fill, it won’t necessarily be able to fill them all in 2024.
Thus, it makes sense to figure out what positions need to take priority. It requires looking at the current roster, who is expected to be back for 2024, and who the Broncos expect to move on from, whether through cuts or trades.
We’ll start by looking at the offense and determining how high the priority is to get each position on the roster addressed. In the next installment, we’ll look at the defense.
Quarterback: High Priority
Given that the Broncos will most likely part ways with Wilson — even as it would be painful in terms of cap and cash — they will need to find another quarterback. Denver can’t go into 2024 with Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci as the only options.
It would be a good idea for the Broncos to draft a quarterback, though chances are the top three prospects will be gone within the top five picks, and nobody is willing to trade down from those spots.
But drafting a QB at some point is well-advised. Adding a veteran is an option, but it shouldn’t be a replacement for not drafting somebody.
Running Back: Low Priority
The Broncos will return Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin. Each brought strengths to the run game, and Denver doesn't need to replace any of them immediately.
It’s true that Williams and Perine are in the final years of their contracts, but it’s possible to find replacements in 2025 without much trouble. Backs like Perine are frequently available in free agency, and the Broncos can always draft a running back to replace Williams.
The Broncos can always add an undrafted free agent or two to compete for spots. Denver doesn't need to draft a running back early, nor does it need to add a free agent.
Wide Receiver: Medium Priority
During the 2023 offseason and regular season, the likes of Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy came up in trade talks. It won’t be surprising if they come up in such talks again.
Additionally, Tim Patrick is coming off his second significant injury in two seasons. He might be a cap casualty. That leaves the likes of Marvin Mims Jr. and Brandon Johnson as receivers expected to be here for multiple seasons.
If either Sutton or Jeudy is traded, the Broncos will need to find a replacement. The wide receiver class for 2024 is deep, so drafting one would be a good idea.
Tight End: Medium Priority
The Broncos will have Chris Manhertz under contract, and while Greg Dulcich has health concerns, there’s still hope he could contribute.
Also, Lucas Krull showed some promise this season, and the Broncos seem to like Nate Adkins. Thus, it’s not necessary to explore free agency, though the Broncos could bring back Adam Trautman if he doesn’t find a better offer elsewhere.
But it wouldn’t hurt to look for another tight end in the draft. The Broncos don’t need to draft one early, but adding one in the later rounds wouldn’t hurt.
Offensive Tackle: Medium Priority
The Broncos will have Mike McGlinchey for the next two seasons unless they trade him. They still have Garett Bolles under contract for 2024, but he’ll be a free agent unless he’s extended.
While Alex Palczewski is on the roster, the Broncos need to add a veteran in free agency who can compete for the swing tackle position.
As for the draft, it would be wise for the Broncos to add an offensive tackle at some point. At the very least, Denver needs somebody who can be developed with the potential to start down the road.
Interior O-Line: Medium Priority
Right guard Quinn Meinerz enters the final year of his contract, but it would be a surprise if he wasn’t extended at some point. Left guard Ben Powers will be back as well, though if he doesn’t improve in 2024, he could be a cap casualty in 2025.
And with center Lloyd Cushenberry III an unrestricted free agent, the Broncos should look at adding another interior lineman. Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth will likely get their chances to prove themselves, but it would be good to add at least one more interior lineman for competition.
Free agency might be the place to look for one. An experienced player who can push the younger players might be for the best. With that said, the Broncos shouldn’t rule out the draft, either.
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