Broncos 2022 Free Agency Preview: Time to once again add cornerbacks

When the NFL free agency kicks off on March 16, the Broncos figure to be one of the most-active teams in the league. On the heels of a fifth-straight losing season, they have plenty of holes to fill. And with a new head coach coming in, they’ll need to tweak the roster to fit what Nathaniel Hackett wants to do.

Currently, the Broncos are roughly $40 million under the 2022 salary cap, but that number could grow a ton, depending on what George Paton decides to do with high-priced veterans. Mike Purcell, Daesean Hamilton and Sam Martin are just some of the names who could be let go to free up space to sign new faces, with more than $50 million potentially available.

How should the Broncos put all of those dollars to use? In the weeks leading up to the start of free agency, we’ll offer a position-by-position breakdown of the best players projected to be on the open market, as well as analysis of who would be a realistic fit in Denver.

It continues today with a position where the Broncos seem to upgrade every year – cornerback. Last season, Denver signed Ronald Darby and Will Fuller in free agency, and then spent a first-round pick on Pat Surtain. This season, with Fuller and Bryce Callahan potentially departing via free agency, Denver is once again looking to add corners. Surtain and Darby are in the fold, but things get thin after the starters. Michael Ojemudia has been up and down in his two seasons, so reinforcements are needed. There are options on that front.

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Top Five Available

1. J.C. Jackson – During his four seasons in New England, Jackson has gotten better and better each year. Last season, he hauled in eight interceptions and posted a league-high 23 passes defensed, earning a Pro Bowl invite and second-team All-Pro honors. That came on the heels of a season in which he snagged nine interceptions, proving that he has a nose for the football. The big question with Jackson will be finances, as he’s projected to attract a four-year deal worth more than $60 million.

2. Stephon Gilmore – During his 10 seasons in the NFL, Gilmore has been a star. The former first-round pick first shined in Buffalo, then blossomed in New England and continued to play well in Carolina. Now, the five-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time All-Pro pick and former Defensive Player of the Year winner will hit the open market, where the lockdown corner will garner plenty of offers. He will turn 32 in September, so his deal may be shorter than Jackson’s, but the average salary will be in the $15 million range.

3. Carlton Davis – Davis has been a very solid player during his four seasons in Tampa Bay. The former second-round pick posted a career-high four interceptions in 2020, showing that he can be a playmaker on defense. Durability has been the biggest question mark, however, as Davis has missed a total of 14 games during his career and has yet to play a full season. That’ll be an issue for teams looking to sign the 25-year-old cornerback to a long-term deal.

4. Casey Hayward Jr. – After four seasons with the Packers and five with the Chargers, Hayward moved on to the Raiders in 2021. He played well, recording an interceptions and nine passes defensed on the season, but he’s clearly not the same player he was when he was earning back-to-back Pro Bowl invites in San Diego / Los Angeles. That said, he can still provide depth for a team. Hayward will turn 33 in September, so he’s likely to sign a one-year contract that won’t break the bank.

5. Darious Williams – After first latching on with the Ravens in 2018, Williams has blossomed since being acquired by the Rams midway through that season. This past season, he started 13 games for the eventual Super Bowl champions, playing well. In 2019 and ’20, he hauled in a combined seven interceptions, becoming a key member of the L.A. defense. Lining up opposite of Jalen Ramsey, Williams certainly got tested, showing that he’s a solid No. 2 cornerback.

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Realistic Options for the Broncos

1. Darious Williams – Williams is familiar with Ejiro Evero, making him a natural fit for the Broncos. Denver’s new defensive coordinator knows what the young player can do, having helped him develop during their time together in Los Angeles. It makes sense to keep the process going, as Williams could blossom into a very good player under Evero’s tutelage.

2. Ahkello Witherspoon – The former University of Colorado star has been a solid player during his five seasons in the NFL. In his four years with the 49ers and last year with the Steelers, he’s been a reliable, third cornerback. That’s exactly what the Broncos need. Witherspoon can play alongside Surtain and Darby, stepping in to start if needed.

3. Bryce Callahan – Callahan is a good player. That’s never been the issue. When he was on the field with the Broncos, he made plays and was never a liability. The problem has been his health. During his three seasons in Denver, Callahan only played 21 games. He missed the entire 2019 season with a foot injury and then battled various ailments the last two seasons.

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OTHER FREE AGENCY PREVIEWS – OFFENSE

Quarterbacks – Read

Running Backs – Read

Wide Receivers – Read

Tight Ends – Read

Centers – Read

Guards – Read

Tackles – Read

OTHER FREE AGENCY PREVIEWS – OFFENSE

Defensive Line – Read

Edge – Read

Inside Linebackers – Read

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