Broncos 2022 Free Agency: What should Denver add on defense?
Mar 11, 2022, 3:38 PM
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. But with a new head coach coming in, not to mention a franchise quarterback now on the roster, they’ll want to take advantage of having Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson in Denver.
Currently, the Broncos are roughly $26 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. In other words, Denver has plenty of room to do what they’d like in free agency.
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.
Last week, we summarized the offensive stories. Here’s a recap of the defensive breakdowns:
***
DEFENSIVE LINE
Top Available
B.J. Hill – During his first three seasons in the NFL, Hill struggled to find a foothold. He didn’t have a secure place in the Giants defense. That changed this year, as he blossomed with the Bengals. Not only did he record 5.5 sacks, but he also had six tackles for a loss. He was a constant presence in the opposing team’s backfield, causing havoc along the middle of the line. That kind of disruptive force is valuable. And at just 27 years old heading into next season, Hill has room to improve.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
D.J. Jones – Pro Football Focus projects that Jones will garner a three-year contract on the open market, one worth just under $9 million per season. That’s essentially Shelby Harris money. That’d be a good investment by the Broncos, as it would provide another effective player to rotate with Harris and Dre’Mont Jones, while solving the position for multiple seasons.
Full Article – READ
***
EDGE RUSHER
Top Available
Von Miller – After 10-plus Hall-of-Fame-worthy seasons in Denver, Miller was shipped to the Rams in the middle of the 2021 season. In Los Angeles, he won a second Super Bowl ring. Now, he’s arguably the most-prized free agent in the 2022 class, regardless of position. Miller had a resurgence in L.A. He had 9.0 sacks in his final eight games with the Rams, including 4.0 in the playoffs. He’ll turn 33 in March, but Miller proved that he can still be an elite pass rusher.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Haason Reddick – After a breakout season with the Cardinals in 2020, where he posted a career-high 12.5 sacks, Reddick moved to Carolina and proved that it wasn’t a fluke. In his one season with the Panthers, the former first-round pick had 11.0 sacks. He’ll turn 28 in September, so there’s more tread on the tires with Reddick. He has more success in blitz-heavy schemes, which would be a good fit under Ejiro Evero.
Full Article – READ
***
INSIDE LINEBACKER
Top Available
De’Vondre Campbell – After five years in Atlanta and Arizona, the former fourth-round pick blossomed last season in Green Bay. He’s a three-down linebacker who can play against the run, evidenced by his 146 combined tackles, as well as the pass, based on his two interceptions and five passes defensed. A first-team All-Pro selection in 2021, Campbell’s timing was impeccable. He’s projected to garner a multi-year deal worth $7-8 million per season on the open market.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Bobby Wagner – In the wake of Russell Wilson being traded to the Broncos, the Seahawks also shed their most-notable name on the other side of the ball when they released Wagner. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection and six-time All-Pro was the heart and soul of Seattle’s defense. But he turns 32 in June, so he wasn’t a part of the rebuild plans for Pete Carroll and Company. That said, he can still play. And he’s durable. Wagner has missed two starts in the last seven seasons combined. He’d be a huge upgrade for the Broncos.
Full Article – READ (NOTE: Wagner was not a free agent at the time the original article was written)
***
CORNERBACK
Top Available
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.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
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.
Full Article – READ
***
SAFETY
Top Available
Tyrann Mathieu – Mathieu has developed into one of the NFL’s elite playmakers on defense. The “Honey Badger” was good during his time in Arizona and Houston, but he’s blossomed in Kansas City. Playing on a team that could afford to have him take chances, Mathieu has flourished in a Troy Polamalu sort of way, roaming the field with freedom and making plays. He’ll turn 30 in May, but shows no signs of slowing down. In the past three seasons, he’s earned three Pro Bowl invites and been selected All-Pro twice.
Realistic Option for the Broncos
Xavier Woods – After four seasons in Dallas, Woods spent the 2021 campaign in Minnesota. He played well under Mike Zimmer, continuing to show his playmaking ability. He posted 108 tackles, demonstrating that he can be an in-the-box safety like Kareem Jackson. But he also hauled in three interceptions, proving he’s good in coverage, as well.
Full Article – READ
***
