Despite the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos continue to build their roster. Following the draft, the team has the option of pursuing some famous free agents.The Broncos are in an unusual position as they prepare for the 2024 season. After Russell Wilson’s departure, the team’s first-round draft pick, rookie quarterback Bo Nix, appears to be his replacement. Even if Wilson is no longer a member of the squad, his effects will live on.
The Broncos and head coach Sean Payton are focusing on the future, and Wilson was not part of that strategy. However, Wilson’s fallout, which dates back to his original trade from the Seattle Seahawks, has left the franchise with minimal resources. The Broncos currently have only $8.7 million in cap space available, according to OverTheCap. That, of course, leaves little room for the team to do much in free agency, unless they decide to make cutbacks after June 1. However, only two players from those cuts can be used to distribute the cap charge.
The Broncos could not rely on draft picks or undrafted free agents to address all issues. However, if the Broncos opt to go back to the available veteran free agents, their financial resources will be even more constrained. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at three free agents that could cover some critical gaps for the Broncos.
Logan Thomas, TE
The Broncos’ tight end room is arguably the worst in the NFL. There isn’t a single significant player in the room for them right now, which isn’t helping Nix in his rookie season. The current tight ends are Adam Trautman, Greg Dulcich, Thomas Yassmin, Dylan Leonard, and Nate Adkins.
The Broncos couldn’t afford a highly ranked free-agent tight end, but the bad news is that this season’s free-agent tight end market is just as awful. Logan Thomas, former Washington Commander, is currently the greatest option available.
Thomas experienced injuries in 2021 and 2022, resulting in decreased production. However, he made a comeback in 2023. Despite coming from a dismal Washington offense, Thomas had 55 receptions for 496 yards and four touchdowns. If Thomas is signed, he will have to be the Broncos’ starting tight end right away. He is a good catcher and blocker.
Steven Nelson, CB
Last season, the Broncos were 23rd in passing yards allowed, with an average of 233.6 yards per game and 29 passing touchdowns. Right now, Patrick Surtain II and Levi Wallace are the cornerbacks. Bringing in a man like former Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson may significantly improve the room.
No one is seizing Surtain’s job, although Nelson might fight with Wallace for the other outside corner spot.Last season, Nelson, who started all but one game, tied his career high with four interceptions. He also has 63 total tackles and 12 pass deflections, according to Pro-Football-Reference.
At 31 years old and toward the end of his career, Nelson is unlikely to garner much more than a one- or two-year contract, which is ideal for the Broncos right now.
Connor Williams, C
One of the Broncos’ most significant free-agent loses was center Lloyd Cushenberry. He will now play for the Tennessee Titans in 2024. Initially, it appeared that the Broncos would leave the competition for center to Alex Forsyth or Luke Wattenberg, both of whom had no prior experience at the position. But then they signed unrestricted free agent Sam Mustipher to a one-year deal.
Mustipher has been a full-time starter for the Chicago Bears for the past two seasons. But at such a critical position, particularly one that will most likely assist a rookie quarterback, the Broncos may still be exploring. That leaves only one viable option: former Miami Dolphin Connor Williams. However, Williams raises some concerns.
Williams is coming off a season in which he had many significant ailments, including a groin sprain and, eventually, a severe ruptured ACL. Sure, he comes in at a high risk, but his experience and expertise at the position might benefit the Broncos in 2024.
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Leave a Reply