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A strong offseason characterized by some bold moves during 2017 NFL Free Agency could get the Denver Broncos back on track towards being contenders.
After a disappointing 2016 campaign, the Denver Broncos are in line to make some drastic changes this offseason. Upgrades are needed on both lines, a new quarterback may be on the way, and some extra depth across the board would be ideal.
Luckily, the 2017 NFL Free Agency period should provide the Broncos the opportunity to make most of the aforementioned upgrades. It helps that they have about $44 million to work with at this moment, according to Spotrac.com. That figure gives them the spending power to bring in some big names when free agency gets under way on March 9.
And with John Elway at the helm, I'd expect the Broncos to make some bold moves. The Hall of Fame quarterback turned front office guru isn't afraid to spend big to make serious improvements. I'd expect that to ring true during free agency, especially with Denver only a few pieces away from "contender" status.
So let's take a look at a few "bold" predictions for moves the Broncos could make during 2017 NFL Free Agency. Keep in mind that these are meant to push the limits of logic–they aren't necessarily moves I'm guaranteeing will happen in the next month.
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5. Broncos Bid Farewell to Jared Crick
I know—not the boldest of predictions, but I had to start somewhere. Up to this point, I haven't heard much chatter about Jared Crick getting the ax in 2017. However, based on how miserable him and the Denver run defense were last season, it's far from crazy to imagine the Broncos moving on after only one year.
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As a big fan of Adam Gotsis, I also believe Denver would like to open the door for the 2016 second-round pick to get more snaps. He's shown immense potential up to this point in his football career. Moving on from Crick and putting Gotsis in the starting lineup seems like the right move to further unlock his upside.
Getting rid of Crick wouldn't open a huge amount of cap space. The move would give Denver about $1.75 million more to work with this offseason. Considering some of the upcoming "bold" predictions, though, they can use all of the extra financial flexibility they can get.
In the end, it comes down to Crick's effectiveness as a starter along the Broncos' 3-4 front. Although the stats looked nice, he often struggled to anchor against the run and was inconsistent as a pass-rushing threat. It's time to give Gotsis a shot and show Crick the door.
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4. Ronald Leary Comes to the Mile High City
We all know the Denver offensive line must improve in 2017 if they plan on getting to the playoffs. While the bigger needs lies at tackle, the Broncos could also use some help at guard. That's where a talent like Ronald Leary comes into play.
The former Dallas Cowboys starter is expected to receive plenty of interest on the open market. However, I'm guessing he'll be intrigued by the Broncos due to their potential to be a contender next season. Plus, they have the money to make it worth his while to bring his talents to Denver.
With Max Garcia and Michael Schofield far from reliable options along the interior, the Broncos desperately need an upgrade. Leary has proven more than capable of being an exceptional talent at guard. It won't be cheap, but it's the type of move Denver needs to make if they plan on fielding a competent offense in 2017.
Leary can step in as a starter and upgrade this front five immediately. Even with the cap space it would cost Denver, it's the type of move they need to make. Settling on another subpar offensive line simply shouldn't be an option for the franchise.
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3. Broncos Surprisingly Keep Donald Stephenson
About a week ago, the Broncos made the decision to decline left tackle Russell Okung's 2017 option. While the move saved a huge chunk of money, it was a tad surprising to see the move come before Donald Stephenson was made a cap casualty.
The aforementioned move still hasn't happened, and it's definitely left some scratching their heads. Stephenson is coming off an awful campaign after signing last offseason to serve as the starting right tackle. Just ask Pro Football Focus, which rated him as one of 2016's worst offensive tackles. Now set to count $5 million against the cap in 2017, Stephenson seems like a no-brainer candidate to get the ax.
However, I'm predicting that doesn't happen. Despite Stephenson's pitiful play last year, he's still an experienced veteran who has put together quality showings in the past. It's not ideal sticking with him after what he showed in 2016, but there are definitely worse directions the Broncos could go in.
With the 2017 free agency class looking rather thin at offensive tackle, keeping Stephenson isn't a horrible idea. Maybe they can convince him to take a pay cut, and cross their fingers that he enjoys a bounce-back season.
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2. Denver Convinces Brandon Williams to Sign
One of the Broncos' biggest focuses this offseason is upgrading the middle of the defense. They fielded one of the worst run defenses in 2016, but new head coach Vance Joseph is invested in making a permanent fix in the near future.
So with that significant cap space they still have available, they make the bold move of stealing Brandon Williams away from the Baltimore Ravens. It's going to take a lot of dough with him being the best run-stuffer on the market, but it's an addition that would be a solve-all for the Broncos' struggles against the run.
Williams is an absolute monster when it comes to clogging up running lanes. His massive frame, overwhelming power and surprising athleticism would undoubtedly upgrade any defense he's a part of. It's easy to see why the Ravens fielded the No. 5 run defense in 2017. I can only imagine what his presence along the Denver defensive line would do for their ability to stop the run.
There are going to be a lot of teams after Williams this offseason. However, I believe Elway can paint a pretty enough picture to convince him to come to Colorado. The boatload of money the team can throw at him will help, too.
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1. Broncos Sign QB Tony Romo to Reasonable Deal
By what we're hearing right now, the signs are pointing towards Tony Romo being a free agent in the very near future—and the Broncos being his top potential suitor (via NFL.com's Ian Rapoport).
It's no secret Denver could use a bridge-gap quarterback heading into 2017. Trevor Siemian wasn't terrible last season, but clearly isn't a long-term option under center. Paxton Lynch may be, but appears to be a ways away from being ready for a full-time starting role. Assuming that's still the case in both regards, Romo would be ideal option for the short term.
There are some obvious concerns with the Cowboys' former starter. He's been injured for most of the last two seasons, and appears to be another back surgery waiting to happen at this point in his illustrious NFL career. Then again, the Broncos weren't too concerned when they signed Peyton Manning a few years back.
In order for this to happen, though, Romo needs to be willing to take a huge pay cut. I'm guessing that'll happen, especially since he'll be playing for a guy like Elway on a team with serious upside. If Romo can get through an entire season, you'd have to imagine the Broncos would be contenders in 2017.
Just picture it—the Broncos doing battle with the Cowboys in Super Bowl LII.
