NFL
By Keith Richards
The 2023 NFL Free Agency period is underway! On a day in which the Broncos are normally passive, Denver was big spenders in 2023. Denver came into the free agency period with a new coach, a new attitude, and a new hope. What was it they said in Star Wars? “Free agency is built on hope.” Ok, they said “rebellions” but that’s neither here nor there. Let’s take a look at the start of the Denver Broncos 2023 free agency period.
Unfortunately, the Broncos did experience some loss in this free agency period. Some of the key players Denver lost include:
CB Ronald Darby
G Graham Glasgow
RB Chase Edmonds
DE Dre’Mont Jones
T Calvin Anderson
Dalton Risner is now an unrestricted free agent but has yet to sign with a team. That being said, it’s not expected that he will return to Denver for this upcoming season. So, with much of the offensive line gone (or in limbo), the Broncos had a lot of moves to make in free agency and the cap space to do so, which they did.
The goal of Denver this offseason is to bolster the run game. In their 2023 Free Agency spree, the Broncos spent big money on the offensive line. At guard, Denver signed Ben Powers of the Baltimore Ravens to a four-year, $52 million deal. In 2022, Powers played every snap for the Ravens’ offense. In 1,096 plays, Ben was only penalized once and allowed zero sacks. Penalties and snaps were two of the biggest issues for Denver last season. Powers can also play left or right guard, which will help if the Broncos face the same injury woes they did last season.
At tackle, Denver added Mike McGlinchey of the 49ers on a five-year, $87.5 million contract. While McGlinchey did miss 12 games in 2021, he played every game in 2022. Mike was considered one of (if not) the best right tackles on the market. He will start opposite Garrett Bolles, who will be returning from a knee injury. Last season, McGlinchey posted pass-block and run-block win rates of 89.6% and 81.3% respectively. He’ll make an immediate impact in Denver.
To replace Dre’Mont Jones, Denver signed Zach Allen of the Arizona Cardinals. While Jones probably has the higher ceiling of the two players, Allen’s production is very similar to Dre’Mont’s. As a bonus, Zach Allen played for Vance Joseph in Arizona. So, the transition should be smooth. Any player that comes with an endorsement from JJ Watt can’t be all that bad…right?
Another big free agent signing was a player from the 2022 Denver squad: Alex Singleton. Singleton was one of the most durable and productive players for the Broncos last season. He played in all 17 games, amassing 163 tackles (100 solo and 63 assists). Singleton’s durability and consistency will be huge for Denver in 2023.
Other key signings include:
RB Samaje Perine
TE Chris Manhertz
QB Jarrett Stidham
FB Michael Burton
While there is still work to be done, Denver had a great first two days. The biggest issue of all (the offensive line) was addressed thoroughly and effectively. There are still questions at wide receiver, Darby needs to be replaced, and Dalton Risner is still in the shadows. A lot of that, though, can be addressed in the draft in April.
While Denver did free up some cap space, they’ll need to free more for the draft and to cover their spending spree. One issue at a time though. As the first wave of 2023 Free Agency goes, I give Denver an A-. It’s the most movement I’ve seen from them since 2014, which was a group that went on to win a Super Bowl. I’m not making that prediction, but it’s all promising.
Don’t forget to check out Team NBS’ continual coverage of the free agency period (as well as the upcoming draft). Don’t forget to pick up your new gear from the incoming Denver players too!
