ESPN Lists Broncos' Best & Worst FA Signings Since 2018

As free agency approaches, fans are buzzing about which free agents they feel could raise the Denver Broncos back into relevancy. While speculation about the future is always an exciting conversation, it's also intriguing to see how well Denver has done with its free-agent hauls of the past.

ESPN has done precisely that by listing the best and worst free-agent acquisitions since 2018. Let's take a look at Jeff Legwold's analysis, starting with Denver's best free-agent acquisition.

Best signing

: Kareem Jackson, S, 2019

One signing that has worked out well for the Broncos despite their recent struggles was Jackson’s three-year deal.

Jackson has since signed two more one-year contracts, played 61 games in the past four seasons, had three 80-tackle seasons, and been an essential voice in the team’s locker room. The Broncos will look to keep him, given he is an unrestricted free agent again.

As for the worst, Broncos Country remembers it quite well.

Worst signing

: Ja’Wuan James, OT, 2019

It was a combination of bad luck and a period when the Broncos struggled to get it right in free agency. But after James signed a four-year, $52 million deal as the solution at right tackle, he played in just three games over two seasons because of injuries.

James was released before the 2021 season after he had suffered a torn Achilles in a workout away from the team during the COVID-19 pandemic. James later filed a grievance against the Broncos.

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Indeed, Jackson was a force in Denver's secondary since 2019. His veteran presence helped elevate the play of those around him. Whether it was blasting receivers and running backs with thunderous hits or creating turnovers, Jackson cranked the intensity to 100.

His energy and charisma were a welcome addition to a Broncos squad lacking that “dog” mentality since Aquib Talib was in town. Jackson and Justin Simmons were undoubtedly among the best safety tandems in the NFL from 2019-2021.

Jackson's three 80-tackle seasons are very impressive, and he led the Broncos in tackles in 2021. Not bad for a 33-year-old safety. While his play has declined recently, he was the caffeine hit that Denver needed on defense when he first arrived, even if only for a short time. Jackson is a free agent this year, and it will be interesting to see whether he will play a 15th year.

Now on to the ugly. Ask any Broncos fan who the worst free-agent signing in the past five years was, and 10 out of 10 times, James will be the first name out of their mouths.

Over the years, Denver has failed miserably to find a stalwart right tackle. While names like Menelik Watson and Donald Stephenson cause fans to cringe, James induces a migraine.

Fans thought the years of searching for an anchor on the right side of the Broncos' offensive line were over. Boy, was that wrong — $52 million down the drain due to James sustaining multiple injuries. The mere flashes he showed on the field were promising but not nearly enough to justify keeping him around for more than a year.

This cataclysmic failure of a signing still leaves a sour taste in the Broncos’ mouths. The front office cut bait with James when they saw an opportunity.

When James sustained an Achilles tear before the 2021 season, he was released, which didn’t sit well with him, as he later filed a grievance against Denver for $15 million.

James only ended up recouping $1.9 million of his salary. He proceeded to take shots at Denver on social media, though. The James era was a complete disaster.

The free agency frenzy is less than a week away, and these two past signings should serve as a lesson to the Broncos. Just because there’s a big name on the market doesn’t mean they're a sure thing. Sometimes the bargain bin has its hidden gems.

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