Good morning, Broncos Country!
Dream season runs for more a few more days.
I speak of the players fans hope John Elway and the Denver Broncos target in NFL free agency. The legal tampering period opens 10 a.m. Monday, which is when teams can speak to player representatives until the league year opens at 2 p.m. Wednesday. As this story says, during the two-day period, all teams have the right to negotiate “all aspects of an NFL player contract” with the certified agent of an impending free agent. Figures can be exchanged on a deal, but nothing can be agreed to or announced before the start of free agency on Wednesday. Though New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton thinks the NFL will delay free agency and the start of the league year.
On the MHR Radio Podcast, Adam Malnati and I discuss how legal tampering isn’t possible, as is not controlling destiny. But we also talk about our dream scenario for the Broncos in free agency — whenever it starts.
For those who have listened to the podcast or read me the last month, the top of my list is guard Joe Thuney. That hasn’t changed. While defense is no doubt the main focus, specifically defensive line, I also throw out Amari Cooper as a possibility. If the CBA gets approved, teams that use the franchise tag can’t use the transition tag. That means if and when the Dallas Cowboys place their franchise tag on Dak Prescott, unless a deal is reached with Cooper, he hits free agency. Elway and Denver should at least explore this option.
As for the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Prince Amukamara is an obvious possibility. As for the defensive line, D.J. Reader is one to keep an eye on. And while it’s still very unlikely, until defensive tackle Chris Jones is tagged or extended by the Kansas City Chiefs, he’s at top the top of the list. And given his cryptic tweet on Friday, maybe it’s not so farfetched.
When you add in the uncertainty of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid with Jones ... perhaps it’s not a dream to see Jones in Denver as the newest member of the Broncos come Wednesday (or whenever free agency starts).
“ hope that they know that I love em but, all good things must come to an end”....@iamkevingates
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) March 13, 2020
Horse Tracks
Ranking John Elway’s best free-agent signings
As free agency nears, DenverBroncos.com takes a look back at some of the best players to join the Broncos in recent years.
Players Guide to Broncos 2020 free agency | 9news.com
22 guys John Elway will try to sign.
Free agency offers chance to bolster defense
We all know the Broncos offense needs help. However, there is a chance Denver will focus more on the defense in free agency and use the draft to bolster the offense.
Broncos’ talented free-agent haul of 2014 still the benchmark - Denver Broncos- ESPN
Safety T.J. Ward, cornerback Aqib Talib, receiver Emmanuel Sanders and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50.
NFL Tracks
Which NFL team will be next to move on from its starting quarterback? - SBNation.com
In just the last couple years, teams have shown a willingness to ditch their quarterback. This offseason, a few young starters have already been subject of those rumors.
How each NFL team can address its biggest 2020 offseason needs - SBNation.com
Here’s what all 32 NFL teams can do to get better in free agency and the draft.
2020 NFL salary-cap space for all 32 teams - Who’s set to spend big?
The Dolphins have the most money available under the salary cap. The Vikings have the least. NFL Nation breaks it down for all 32 teams.
Aikman: Tag could have damaging effects on Dak - NFL.com
Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman weighed in on Dak Prescott’s contract situation. Aikman thinks if the Cowboys use the franchise tag, it could have damaging effects on the signal-caller.