Broncos shouldn’t be splashy in free agency this offseason

This past week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers extended the contract of Lavonte David, which led to the disappointment of many in Broncos Country who wanted Denver to sign the inside linebacker in free agency.

But the truth is, the Broncos got lucky. Denver’s not in a position to bring in a top free agent.

Yes, the Broncos can afford a big-name free agent, but what’s the point? They aren’t competing anytime soon.

Denver needs to spend its energy on developing its young players. Once they have a strong, young core, then the Broncos can be splash in free agency.

Former general manager John Elway’s first five seasons as an executive were filled with many exciting offseasons with big-name free agent signings, many who played crucial roles in the Broncos two Super Bowl appearances in 2013 and 2015.

But the most forgotten offseason of the Elway era was his first in 2011.

First, Elway made sure to extend the contract of Champ Bailey after Josh McDaniels (like he did everything) almost ruined it.

However, after re-signing Bailey, Elway did … well … not much. And that was the right move.

In 2011, the Broncos were coming off of a 4-12 season, but the roster was loaded with younger, developing talent.

The 2010 draft included Demaryius Thomas, Tim Tebow, J.D. Walton, Zane Beadles and Eric Decker — with all five entering 2011 as projected starters. Then, the 2011 draft consisted of Von Miller, Rahim Moore, Orlando Franklin, Julius Thomas, Virgil Green and undrafted Chris Harris Jr.

Yes, Denver had elite players like Elvis Dumervil, Ryan Clady and Champ Bailey still on the roster, but for the most part they were surrounded by a young squad. The roster had a lot promise, but they needed to get on the field.

The 2011 season is remembered for Tebow magic, but what it should be remembered for was the foundation that was built. Denver finished 8-8 but made the playoffs. They peaked midseason but won a playoff game. The young core learned how to win.

The following off season, the Broncos signed Peyton Manning along with having another strong draft featuring Derek Wolfe, Brock Osweiler, Ronnie Hillman, Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan.

From 2010 to 2012, the Broncos drafted the backbone of their amazing from 2011 to 2015. Once Denver had the foundation of young players on rookie contracts, then they could add elite free agents to go with Manning — names like Wes Welker, T.J. Ward, DeMarcus Ware, Louis Vasquez and Aqib Talib.

These big names complemented the younger players.

Had Denver loaded itself up with bad free agents in 2011, the younger talents might not have received that valuable playing time. Also, the Broncos didn’t get themselves up against the salary cap and had the money to sign Manning and the others who followed.

The Broncos need to fill many holes this offseason, but they don’t need to be ridiculous and spent a lot of money just to spend it. They can sign quality free agents without having to break the bank.

For instance, it’d be better for Denver to approach a free agent like cornerback Jason Verrett — a proven and capable starter who won’t eat up salary cap — instead of big names like Patrick Peterson and William Jackson III.

Breaking the bank for an overpaid free agent won’t make the Broncos better, either. They’re not good enough. It will only tie them to a highly paid player who will interfere with filling holes with quality players.

Of course, Denver should re-sign Justin Simmons, like they did with Bailey in 2011. He’s a home-grown talent, and he’s young. Simmons is a leader and a player who can help guide younger players.

The same can be said for Garett Bolles, who, like Simmons, has earned a spot and to be highly paid.

And Von Miller is a legend and should remain with the Broncos.

Like Clady, Bailey and Dumervil in 2011, Bolles, Miller and Simmons can help lead the younger players on the 2021 roster. But outside of those three players, the Broncos should be as young and complete as possible.

Big names don’t equal success if a team doesn’t draft well. Big name free agents aren’t an entire roster. The big names are supposed to take a playoff roster and put them over the top.

Once the Broncos have built a foundation, then big name free agents can come. Until then, the 2021 plan should be to find out what you have in the younger players.

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