Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos top 2017 free agents and offseason needs

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:59 a.m. ET

Fansided, Sayre Bedinger/FanSided via Predominantly Orange

Taking an in-depth look at the top free agents for the Denver Broncos, and what needs they will have this offseason. What will John Elway do?

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the 2016 season, expectations for the Denver Broncos were all over the place. For many fans, it’s always Super Bowl or bust, and quite honestly why not? The Broncos are always a safe bet to at least be in contention.

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For others, however, this season was one that included too many question marks to ignore, too much uncertainty to predict anything concrete, and finishing 9-7 is probably about as good as it was going to get.

But had the ball bounced the other way — literally — in two other games, we might be talking about an 11-win Broncos team and who knows what would have happened in the playoffs? Tough losses at home against Kansas City and on the road against Tennessee were major reasons why the Broncos were sent home this season to watch the playoffs instead of participate.

Missing the postseason is not something John Elway takes lightly, and as EVP of Personnel and General Manager, you can bet he’s going to do something about it. I want to take a look at the impending free agents for the Broncos, what each of those players brings to the table, and what the Broncos’ top needs are heading into the meat of the offseason.

Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarcus Ware, ED

DeMarcus Ware was part of the Broncos’ vaunted 2014 free agent class, and boy was he worth every penny. Ware provided the Broncos with an elite edge defender opposite Von Miller, and was instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl run of 2015-16.

Now, Ware is an unrestricted free agent and potentially trying to play one more season. Will it be in Denver? If the Broncos could get him back at a decent price, it wouldn’t be the worst idea. However, there are a number of other needs on this team, and this exact situation is why the Broncos drafted Shane Ray, who had eight sacks this past season.

Sylvester Williams, DL

After four years of starting for the Broncos, Williams’ time in Denver may be coming to a close. The Broncos had to have liked what they saw from Williams in 2015 when he played at a fairly high level, but his play wasn’t nearly consistent enough in 2016 to warrant a new contract.

Williams is likely to test the waters elsewhere, and sign somewhere other than Denver this offseason, leaving a hole at nose tackle.

Vance Walker, DL

Walker was injured in training camp, and it might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. Denver’s run defense was abysmal without departed free agent Malik Jackson and the injured Walker, who has been rehabbing all year.

If Walker is healthy, he could be an interesting guy to bring back on a cheaper deal. He was one of Denver’s best run defenders in 2015 and was obviously a very valuable piece for the league’s best defense.

Kayvon Webster, CB/ST

While Kayvon Webster hasn’t made the type of plays at cornerback that you might expect from a third round pick, he has emerged over the last few seasons as one of the best special teams players in the entire NFL.

I think it’s pretty clear that Webster wants a shot at a starting job, which isn’t happening in Denver, so his departure has been expected. He will be a fine player wherever he goes.

Justin Forsett, RB

The Broncos added Forsett this past season in the wake of a number of injuries at the running back position, and he ended up seizing the starting job. It was a great job by Forsett of quickly earning the coach’s trust, but also a pathetic job by other backs on the roster who couldn’t hold down the starting gig.

Forsett was acquired for his familiarity with zone blocking principles, and is likely to play elsewhere in 2017.

Jordan Norwood, WR/PR

After his crazy punt return that set a Super Bowl record, Norwood was one of the worst in the NFL this past season at simply fielding punts, forget returning them. He made some plays as a slot receiver, but became a liability on special teams, potentially costing the Broncos some games.

Norwood was a former futures contract player who has contributed to a Super Bowl win in Denver, and we’re forever grateful for that.

Dekoda Watson, LB/ST

Watson was a late addition to the roster this past offseason, but ended up being one of the best pass rushers in the pre-season, and contributed all year on special teams. He’s in phenomenal physical shape, and should be retained at a decent price for the team if possible.

Brandon McManus, K (RFA)

McManus is one of the best kickers in the league. I didn’t include him earlier in the list (same with some of these other players) because he’s not an unrestricted free agent. The Broncos will ‘tender’ McManus a contract, and he’s more than likely to accept, but they could wind up coming together on a long-term deal as well.

McManus has one of the biggest legs in the NFL, and while his accuracy was a bit erratic in 2016, his ceiling is still very high and the Broncos have put a lot of faith in him as — almost sadly — one of their most prized offensive possessions.

Todd Davis, LB (RFA)

Davis stepped into a starting role at linebacker for the Broncos this past year after Danny Trevathan left for Chicago, and two things were true:

Because of number two, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Broncos look to some upgrades this offseason, but it’s definitely likely that Davis will be retained and remain a favorite to open the season as a starter.

Best of the Rest

Billy Winn, DL
Shaquil Barrett, ED (ERFA)
Matt Paradis, C (ERFA)
Bennie Fowler, WR (ERFA)
Jordan Taylor, WR (ERFA)
Taurean Nixon, CB (ERFA)
Kapri Bibbs, RB (ERFA)
Sam Brenner, OL (ERFA)
James Ferentz, C (ERFA)
Quentin Gause, LB (ERFA)
Casey Kreiter, LS (ERFA)

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos general manager John Elway looks on before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

In Elway we trust. Here are the top needs for the Broncos this offseason, in order of (my perceived) importance.

1. Right Tackle

The Broncos’ solution these past two seasons at right tackle have been atrocious. Michael Schofield is not the answer. The same goes for Donald Stephenson and Ty Sambrailo, so John Elway is going to have to simply rip off the bandage and sign someone like Ricky Wagner this offseason, someone who is proven a top flight player at the position in this league.

Left tackle will also become a need depending on what the Broncos do with Russell Okung.

2. Right Guard

While Michael Schofield played decent at right guard this season, the one area where free agency is quite strong in terms of the Broncos’ needs this offseason is at guard. They could really look to upgrade both right and left guard, but I think Max Garcia will transition well to the power scheme.

3. Defensive End

The loss of Malik Jackson and injury suffered by Vance Walker proved more detrimental to the Broncos’ defensive front than anticipated. Derek Wolfe also struggled through some injuries this past year.

Adam Gotsis was drafted to eventually be a starter here, but the Broncos don’t have much depth aside from Jared Crick. I think we’ll definitely see them look to make a move or two here.

4. Nose Tackle

With Sylvester Williams’ apparent regression and impending free agency, the Broncos will certainly be looking to upgrade nose tackle this offseason. Kyle Peko is expected to have some sort of impact, but that won’t stop Denver from making a move here.

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5. Tight End

Tight end isn’t a desperate need, but everyone’s favorite mock draft pick right now is Alabama’s O.J. Howard, and for good reason. The tight end position in Denver lacks a true difference maker, which John Elway has been searching for since Julius Thomas left for Jacksonville.

6. Wide Receiver

Behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, the Broncos are actually pretty thin at receiver. There’s some upside from guys like Jordan Taylor and Bennie Fowler, but the Broncos could specifically use someone who specializes in the slot receiver duties.

Hopefully, Cody Latimer can also find a way to emerge in his fourth year with the team.

7. Linebacker

Danny Trevathan was a huge difference maker for the Denver defense that won a title. The Broncos certainly have a good one in Brandon Marshall, but they could look to make a move for Rueben Foster if he falls out of the top 10, or perhaps take Temple’s Haason Reddick at 20 overall.