It was reported earlier this afternoon that the Denver Broncos would be releasing veteran starting safety Darian Stewart after spending the last four seasons with the team.
Are the #Broncos making the right decision to move on from Darian Stewart in 2019? https://t.co/suAGJpsbBR
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) March 6, 2019
This move obviously opens up a starting spot in the Broncos secondary and potentially a big free agent signing sometime next week.
The name that makes the most sense because of connections, former coaches, and improving the team is Bears safety, Adrian Amos. He flourished under Vic Fangio and Ed Donatell in Chicago and will be a free agent in a few days.
This fit makes a ton of sense on paper and even Amos himself recently said that the Broncos are potentially a good fit for his services if he hits the free agent market.
“I don’t know, but obviously that would be a fit where I know the defense and things like that,” Amos said. “But it’s not something that I’m pinpointing like, ‘Hey, I want to go there,’ or anything like that. I’m just keeping all options open. First and foremost, I’m a Bear right now, so that’s a main focus early on. But if that doesn’t work out, then I have to explore what team fits me best, what team gives me the best opportunity to take care of my family as well as progress on the football field.”
He could serve as an extra coach on the field for the Broncos since he knows Fangio’s/Donatell’s system and what is asked of them. Plus, he’s also a damn good coverage safety who has earned high marks from Pro Football Focus.
Adrian Amos played more snaps in coverage than any other safety – and finished with the 8th-highest grade at the position. pic.twitter.com/z9DHaK8Ucj
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) January 29, 2019
His addition will help the Broncos fix their issues with covering a tight end first and foremost and also would give Fangio two solid talents at the back end of his defense. In Chicago he had free safety Eddie Jackson, as well as Amos, being big contributors for his top-ranked defense. Look for Justin Simmons to fill Jackson’s role on the Broncos while the role Amos filled is currently vacant...for now.
This isn’t a slam dunk to happen. It’s simply dot connections and something that makes a ton of sense on paper. In the end, it will come down to money(like it always does).
If they deem the asking price too high, an in-house option like Will Parks could be considered as well. He is coming off a solid season for the Broncos and could move into the starting role while the Broncos spend their funds elsewhere. Just another option on the table for Elway, Fangio, and the Broncos.
Will Elway and the Broncos open up their checkbook and sign a highly talented safety? History says he most certainly will. We shall see how it plays out.