Broncos' Biggest Sleeper Free-Agent Priority in 2023

The Denver Broncos have several players who will be hitting the free-agent market soon. A few are priorities to re-sign.

The big names are DL Dre'Mont Jones, RB Latavius Murray, and LB Alex Singleton. However, there is one name that is not talked about who will likely be one of the first who is retained: FB Andrew Beck.

Beck is a former tight end who was converted to fullback, and the reason most aren’t looking at him as a priority is that the position he plays seems to be going the way of the Dodo. When examining Sean Payton’s offenses of the past, this position holds value.

Payton carried a fullback in every season he coached in New Orleans. He puts some value on that endangered football position.

Furthermore, those players added value and not solely as a lead blocker. In 2006, Mike Karney caught 15 passes out of the backfield and earned a second-team All-Pro award.

Jed Collins averaged 13 receptions from 2011 to 2013. Other familiar names like John Kuhn and Adam Prentice (familiar to Broncos fans) lined up in the backfield for Payton. Payton carried a fullback even in the seasons he also used two-tight-end sets extensively.

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Beck is a perfect fit for the fullback role in the Payton offense, especially if he is going to use two-tight-end sets often. Obviously, Beck can line up at tight end in some of those sets since he has experience at that spot. He can also be a threat out of the backfield as a receiver.

In 2022, Beck totaled nine receptions for 69 yards, even though he was used sporadically. Under Nathaniel Hackett, there was no consistency in Beck's usage, despite him making two huge receptions in Week 1. In the correct offense and with consistent playing time, Beck could be a sneaky weapon.

He would be the lead blocker in the situations where it is warranted, and last season, Beck performed well in that role. Many times he was making a block that led to more yards for the running back. He is a quality lead blocker and can get the needed yards in the passing game if given the opportunity.

Beck is not a coveted free agent, but he would be a solid re-signing who would not break the bank. The Broncos could bring him back on the cheap to fill that overlooked and under-appreciated role in the Payton offense.

Payton would devise plays that would utilize his skills, and he could fill in at times in two-tight-end sets, especially in the case of an unfortunate injury. His versatility is important, and may very well keep him with the Broncos for another season.

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