George Paton hints at the Broncos next moves in free agency

While Russell Wilson, Randy Gregory and D.J. Jones might be the Broncos big moves this offseason, they could fill some needs with familiar faces

BY JAMES MERILATT

Mar 18, 2022, 8:11 PM

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On Friday afternoon, George Paton met with the media to introduce Randy Gregory to Denver. In addition to talking about the Broncos newest pass rusher, the general manager also hinted at the team’s next moves in free agency.

Denver’s priorities heading into the offseason were quarterback, edge rusher and defensive line. They also need to add depth at right tackle, cornerback, middle linebacker and safety.

Help at two of those spots may be coming soon. And the names will be familiar to Broncos Country. Kareem Jackson could return for a fourth season at safety, while Bryce Callahan is an option to re-sign as a slot corner.

“We’re talking to Kareem’s folks, as well as Bryce,” Paton confirmed on Friday. “We’d like both of them back. Both of them are really good players and good leaders.”

This wouldn’t be the first time Jackson joined the Broncos during free agency. He originally signed with the team in 2019 after nine years in Houston. Then last season, he re-signed in Denver after being released following the 2020 season.

Callahan came to Denver in 2019 after four seasons in Chicago. He missed that entire year with a foot injury, but played 21 games in ’20 and ’21 with the Broncos.

At the moment, Denver’s starting safeties or Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns. Simmons is amongst the best players in the NFL at the position, while Sterns showed promise last season as a rookie. But Jackson would provide a veteran presence and is a big hitter.

Pat Surtain and Ronald Darby are the Broncos starters at cornerback. But in today’s NFL, most teams play three cornerbacks on a majority of plays. Michael Ojemudia would currently fill that spot, so Denver might be more comfortable with a veteran, known commodity as their third corner.

Stay tuned. The Broncos aren’t done signing players yet. And the next additions could be familiar ones.

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