The One Move Broncos Must Make in Free Agency

The Denver Broncos entered the offseason with numerous needs, but in today’s NFL, not every position can be ultimately 'fixed.' The salary cap can limit the number of free-agent signings, and since the Broncos do not have much draft capital, the team needs to go after one position with gusto and fill in others as best they can.

That position is right tackle. The Broncos have been trying to solve their problem at right tackle since they moved Orlando Franklin to offensive guard back in 2014.

From that moment on, it's been a series of draft picks who didn’t pan out and free-agent mistakes. The front office cannot afford to miss this season if the Broncos are to make some noise in 2023.

Russell Wilson must bounce back, and the best way to help him is to shore up an offensive line that underperformed and suffered significant injuries. It's no secret that Wilson needs more time to throw when he drops back. Giving him that time is essential to the team’s success.

The right tackle is essential to fix rather than the line’s interior because the team can get by with non-elite players or short-term solutions at guard or center. Graham Glasgow showed in 2022 that he could solidify the center position even though he was not as effective as his former self. The Broncos could spend less at those positions and more at the right tackle spot.

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Denver must get a player who can line up against some of the most elite pass rushers attacking from that side and win those battles without regular help. That's a tall order but a must-do for the Broncos.

One name that should be high on their list, even if he may not seem like a coveted free agent, is Jacksonville Jaguars free-agent offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. He's young and just coming into the prime age for an offensive lineman.

Taylor has also improved throughout his career by reducing his penalties, pressures, and sacks allowed. His physical tools, combined with the suitable scheme and coaching, can elevate him into one of the better offensive tackles in the game. Taylor is primed to solidify the Broncos' right tackle spot for the next five seasons if he can be signed.

There are other options if Taylor cannot be snatched up in free agency, and the Broncos must explore those options as contingencies. Still, getting a 25-year-old player who is entering his prime and has no real injury history would be the most prudent move.

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