Broncos' Talented Secondary Facing an Exodus in 2024
The Denver Broncos are facing a problem in the secondary this offseason. The issue is several of the Broncos' key players may not be on the roster when free agency and the NFL draft comes around.
What was a strength in 2023 will be weakened unless the Broncos' front office can come up with a solid plan that moves toward a youth movement. What are the team's options this offseason?
Let's examine.
A Potential Exodus
Each of Denver's free-agent defensive backs — Fabian Moreau, P.J. Locke, and K’Waun Williams — could be moving on to other teams. Williams was on injured reserve nearly all season and did not play a snap, but Moreau was a starter after replacing Damarri Mathis, who had a massive sophomore slump.
Locke was a solid starter and made some impact plays. Losing him would be a significant loss.
Furthermore, promising young safety Caden Sterns has been unable to stay healthy. He's played only six games combined over the past two seasons.
A Valuable Trade Piece
All-Pro Justin Simmons will count for over $18 million against the cap in 2024 and could be one of a handful of good trade pieces on the Broncos' roster. He could be playing for another team in order for the Broncos to get their cap situation sorted out and get more draft picks.
Lynchpins For the Future
Even though the secondary's future will look different, it's still bright. Patrick Surtain II is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons and is the best cornerback in the league. The Broncos also found a star in Ja’Quan McMillian, who has developed into one of the better nickel corners in the NFL.
The Broncos also invested 2023 draft picks on cornerback Riley Moss and safety JL Skinner. Neither saw much playing time on defense but will be called upon to develop into starters.
Even though the Broncos' secondary has future potential, the team still needs to explore the market for some veteran players who won't break the bank. It's possible the Broncos could re-sign Locke to a new deal, but that's no sure thing.
Free-Agent Options
If they go the free-agent route, the Broncos are not going to be able to afford a young safety like Antoine Winfield, Jr., but that doesn’t mean they can’t land a veteran. A player like Adrian Amos could be had on a one-year deal to provide leadership and bridge the gap until a young player is ready to take the mantle.
If the Broncos do explore the market for a corner, they will be shopping the bargain bins for players like Eli Apple or Shaquill Griffin. Either could be valuable rotational pieces for a season, though.
In-House Options
It's more likely the Broncos will see what they have in Moss, the 2023 third-rounder, than splurge in free agency. GM George Paton revealed the Broncos view Moss as a starter during his end-of-season presser.
Moss is the future opposite Surtain. The Broncos can only hope that Mathis bounces back from his awful season to help fill out the rotation.
Bottom Line
The youth movement should take precedence in the Mile High City, and the secondary is the launching pad for that movement. The Broncos have some really good young players who can solidify the back end of the defense for years to come.
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