Maximum APY Broncos Should Spend on Each Free-Agent Position

I've previously written about what the Denver Broncos can do before free agency and how I would rank free agents at positions of need, whether they're the team's own or players from other teams.

But another question is how much money the Broncos should spend on these positions. There will only be so much money available after cutting veterans or renegotiating their deals, so the Broncos must consider that aspect.

It's also essential for the Broncos to set their limits as to how much they will spend on a particular position. Some positions are worth committing a lot of money to, while with others, the Broncos will need to spend less money, given their current roster.

My focus is to consider the maximum amount the Broncos should spend on a particular position in terms of average per year (APY) salary. Depending on the player, Denver could spend less than this amount, but it should stay within it.

Also, if the Broncos spend a lot of money on one or two positions, they may need to spend less on others. Again, they will only have so much cash available to spend.

Let's look at the positions and the APY limit I'd set.

Interior Defensive Line: $16M APY

With two defensive linemen eligible for free agency and a third who might be cut, the Broncos must address this position with at least one free agent.

The maximum APY I set is how high I would go to retain Dre'Mont Jones or to add, say, Javon Hargrave. They are the two I expect to draw the most interest from other teams.

However, if the Broncos add someone like Zach Allen or David Onyemata instead, they must come in below that APY number. While these players could be helpful, they aren't in a position to demand as much money as Jones and Hargrave.

Right Tackle: $16M APY.

Jack Conklin re-signed with the Browns for $15M APY, and while his contract has a unique structure, that APY gives you what to expect to pay to the top right tackles in free agency.

I expect Mike McGlinchey and Jawaan Taylor to approach $16M APY because they excel in pass protection. Kaleb McGary might come in lower, given that his strength is run blocking, though his pass protection has improved.

For any other right tackle, though, the Broncos need to come in much lower than the maximum amount I suggest. While other players are talented, they aren't worth big money.

Center: $8M APY

I'm not expecting any free-agent centers to reset the market. There are some quality players, but none are top-tier and shouldn't be paid that way.

The other thing to remember is that if the Broncos manage to pay a top option at both interior defender and right tackle, they will have less to commit to a center.

Connor McGovern and Ethan Pocic are the ones I expect to hit the mark above, while players such as Garrett Bradbury would have to take less.

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Offensive Guard: $9M APY

The reasoning here is simple. If the Broncos cut Graham Glasgow, his replacement needs to come at a similar cost. Glasgow is due $11M in 2023, with $1.4M through various roster bonuses.

Furthermore, while some good players are set to hit the open market, none are in a position to reset the market. And, as I've mentioned, the Broncos may commit a significant amount of money to an interior defender, a right tackle, or both.

Whatever happens, though, the Broncos shouldn't get into a bidding war at this position. If they play it smart, they may find a player at a cost below the maximum I've set.

Running Back: $6M APY

It's tempting to think about the top options among free-agent running backs, but those players will likely seek deals at the top of the market.

The Broncos need a veteran running back, but they shouldn't overspend here. Better to get somebody at the second-tier price.

Chase Edmonds is due $6M in 2023, but I've suggested renegotiating his salary to lower that number. If he doesn't renegotiate, he should be cut.

Inside Linebacker: $6M APY

It will be tempting to hit free agency to get a linebacker, given how Broncos fans often grumble about how the team's linebackers have struggled with coverage.

Stay away from the early bidding wars, though. This is a position at which the Broncos need to look for value.

Remember that the Broncos retained Josey Jewell on a value deal last year. While it's true, Jewell was coming off an injury, and it was still a good strategy for the Broncos not to overpay. Denver should take the same approach this offseason.

Backup Quarterback: $6M APY

The top backups will probably come at or below the maximum amount I've set. Other backups, though, could come at a lower cost.

Teddy Bridgewater came in above that number in 2022, but he may take less money to play for Sean Payton. Jacoby Brissett took less than that, though he may go to a team where he can be a bridge QB.

Other QBs, though, should come at a much lower cost. That would be the case with Brett Rypien, a restricted free agent, and should be the same with Marcus Mariota, who the Falcons have released.

Safety: $5M APY

The hope is that Caden Stearns will be healthy in 2023. However, if the Broncos decide to add a veteran safety, they cannot spend a lot.

The Broncos would be looking at a short-term deal for a solid veteran. Ideally, they find a younger player who is looking to prove himself.

The maximum amount I've set for safety is also what I would use for cornerback, should the Broncos cut Ronald Darby and want to add a veteran. Though Darby is due $10M, the Broncos shouldn't commit that much to a veteran if he's cut because they need to spend money on other positions.

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