Broncos 2022 Free Agency: What should Denver add on offense?
Mar 5, 2022, 6:00 AM
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 past few weeks, DenverFan.com put together 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.
Here’s a recap of those stories:
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QUARTERBACKS
Top Available
Jameis Winston – Everyone was excited to see what the former No. 1 overall pick could do in a new setting. After a season playing behind Drew Brees in New Orleans, it was Winston’s job this year with the Saints. The early returns were good, as the quarterback went 5-2 to start the season, throwing 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions. An ACL injury ended his season prematurely, however. There’s no denying Winston has talent; he’s had a 5,000-yard passing season in the NFL. But can he limit the mistakes that once caused his to throw 30 picks?
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Tyrod Taylor – During his 11 years in the NFL, Taylor has only had the opportunity to start 52 games. In part, that’s been because of injuries. But he’s also been the victim of circumstances. He keeps getting replaced by “quarterbacks of the future.” But if the Broncos are looking for someone to mentor a young QB, Taylor has the resume, having played with Baker Mayfield, Justin Herbert and Davis Mills.
Full Article – Quarterbacks
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RUNNING BACKS
Top Available
Melvin Gordon – Broncos Country may be down on Gordon, but the rest of the league probably isn’t. During his two years in Denver, the running back was very effective, despite splitting time with Phillip Lindsay and Javonte Williams. This past season, he out-rushed Williams (918 to 903) on the exact same number of carries, while getting into the end zone eight times. He’s also a very good receiver out of the backfield and an above average blocker in pass protection. He’s clearly a RB1, just not in Denver.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Raheem Mostert – Injuries have plagued Mostert throughout his career. This season, he was limited to two carries in one game with a knee injury. That’s been a pattern during his seven-year career that has featured five different stops. The running back did seem to find a home in San Francisco, however. He’s a great fit in Kyle Shanahan’s system. He’s a one-cut-and-go back, which would be a good fit in Denver as well. Playing behind Williams, perhaps he could stay healthier as a secondary option.
Full Article – Running Backs
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WIDE RECEIVERS
Top Available
Davante Adams – Arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target is a free agent. Probably. There’s a chance the Packers could franchise tag the five-time Pro Bowl selection, but their cap situation and quarterback drama could make that tricky. If Adams hits the open market, he’ll become the highest-paid wide receiver in the league. He’s coming off a season in which he caught 123 passes for 1,553 yards. That’s just amazing production.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Adams – It seems strange to think that the Broncos would be in the market for the top wide receiver in free agency, but that could very well be the case. It all depends on Aaron Rodgers. If the quarterback comes to Denver and wants to be reunited with his top target, Denver will need to make it happen. Adams is head and shoulders above any of the talented wideouts on the Broncos roster, so it would be an upgrade. It’s an investment worth making.
Full Article – Wide Receivers
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TIGHT ENDS
Top Available
Dalton Schultz – Schultz has good timing. Heading into free agency, the fourth-year tight end had a breakout season, following up on a 2020 campaign that saw him burst onto the scene. As part of the Cowboys dynamic offense, Schultz had 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns in ’21. That’s good in any offense. Given that he’s probably the fourth or fifth option on most plays, given the weapons that Dallas puts on the field on a weekly basis, it’s borderline remarkable.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Maxx Williams – Not a huge threat in the receiving game, Williams best season in terms of pass catching came in his rookie year, when he hauled in 32 passes for 268 yards. That was in 2015. Since then, he’s been a steady receiving threat, but has mainly been a blocking tight end. First, he was a part of Baltimore’s run-heavy offense. Then, he went to Arizona, where’s he’s been a part of the Cardinals balanced attack. He’s coming off of a knee injury, but should be ready to go by the start of training camp.
Full Article – Tight Ends
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TACKLES
Top Available
Terron Armstead – Three of the last four seasons, this former third-round pick has been a Pro Bowl selection in New Orleans. He also earned a second-team All-Pro nod in 2018. So he’s been playing at a high level. There is some concern about his health, given his age. He missed eight games last season due to injury and will turn 31 in July. But for a team looking for an immediate answer, someone who can play at a high level, Armstead will be worth the nearly $24 million per year he’s projected to demand.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Germain Ifedi – During his six seasons in Seattle and Chicago, Ifedi has been in search of a permanent home. The Seahawks and Bears have both tried him at guard and tackle, with varying degrees of success. But last season in the Windy City, the former first-round pick finally started to look comfortable at right tackle. His season was cut short by injuries, but Ifedi appears to have found his home on the o-line.
Full Article – Tackles
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GUARDS
Top Available
Brandon Scherff – One of the biggest prizes on the free-agent market this year, regardless of position, Scherff will draw a lot of interest. He’ll also ink a big-money deal. The five-time Pro Bowl selection is still in his prime, as he won’t turn 31 until late December. And the former No. 5 overall pick don’t show any signs of his play dropping off. The only concern is injuries, as Scherff has missed 22 games over the last four seasons.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Quinton Spain – At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Spain is a presence in the trenches. He’s also familiar with the West Coast offense, having started 16 games this season for the Bengals. He’s bounced around a bit, having played in Tennessee and Buffalo before landing in Cincinnati midway through the 2020 season. But he seems to have found a home in the zone-heavy run scheme.
Full Article – Guards
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CENTERS
Top Available
Ryan Jensen – The CSU-Pueblo product figures to cash in this offseason, with a contract of $10 million per season likely on the table. After four years in Baltimore and the same time in Tampa Bay, Jensen has blossomed in his early 30s. This past season, he was named to his first Pro Bowl, anchoring a Buccaneers offensive line that was solid all season. Jensen is also durable. He hasn’t missed a game since 2016, an invaluable trait in the middle of the o-line.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Matt Paradis – Perhaps it’s nostalgia, but bringing Paradis back to Denver makes a lot of sense. The team has struggled to replace him since letting him walk via free agency after the 2018 season. So turning back the clock to a player who started for the Broncos in Super Bowl 50 feels like a solid move.
Full Article – Centers
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