My Broncos free agent shopping list

When a guard is the big signing, it probably hasn’t been a super exciting opening day of free agency. Keep in mind that Denver’s move for A.J. Bouye gave them a big move before the market started, and that Justin Simmons would have been a top 15 free agent for any other team in the league. Elway made two savvy decisions so far, and it looks like the Broncos general plan is to practice fiscal responsibility and look for value signings.

Here is a short list of “my guys” when it comes to the open market. I have not necessarily pored over a ton of film on all of them, but I’m intrigued by what I’ve seen and how they fit. Some also have shared history with members of the Broncos’ coaching staff, which makes them an easy fit in this time when player visits don’t exist.

Wide Receiver

This assumes the Broncos aren’t about to dive into the trade market. If they were, Stefon Diggs, Brandin Cooks, and Robert Woods are all intriguing names that have been floated.

1. Breshad Perriman - former first round bust who looked decent with the Bucs. Could be a decent vet so you don’t need to rush a rookie. Will probably cost less than Anderson does.

2. Robby Anderson - I don’t like him at 10+ mil, but I get the rationale and there’s some upside because the Jets are a bit of a black hole for talent.

3. Jarius Wright - if he’s super cheap he makes sense as a competition/veteran guy who knows Shurmur’s offense.

Running back

If you’re putting a gun to my head and I have to pick a veteran for the Broncos to look at, I’m taking Jordan Howard over Melvin Gordon. Howard is younger than Phillip Lindsay and has had success across multiple systems. He’s an inside zone runner who has also seen success in some gap schemes and while he’s not a great receiver, he won’t be as bad an overpay as the former Charger.

Tight end

1. Marcedes Lewis if they want to save money on Heuerman by getting older, slower, and stouter as a blocker. Truth be told, both this free agent crop and tight end draft class is pretty iffy.

Tackle

1. Mike Remmers makes sense as a swing tackle upgrade. He played for Shurmur 2 of the last 3 years. Broncos Country will remember him for his SB50 punking at the hands of Von Miller, and he’s just average-ish, but he’d ensure that Elijah Wilkinson either starts at right guard or serves as depth inside.

Center

1. B.J. Finney is the former backup to Maurkice Pouncey with the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting at least two games each of the last four seasons. He’d makes a lot of sense because of the Mike Munchak connection. Signing him would probably mean Graham Glasgow starts at right guard as he’d serve as experienced competition for Patrick Morris. It’s a situation worth monitoring because Ramon Foster retiring means Finney may return to Pittsburgh.

Defensive line

1. D.J. Reader is the big ticket. Reports indicated that the Broncos are in heavy pursuit for him. He would be outstanding if the Broncos want to splurge on someone, but he’s going to be expensive ($12+ million).

2. Michael Pierce is a good role player. He’s a big ol’ boi at like 350 who brings something as a pass rusher and clogs gaps well, but he’s essentially an upgrade on Mike Purcell (edited)

3. Mike Daniels - I like him as a reclamation project type. He’s been injured a bunch in the last two years but he used to average 5 sacks per, and was a pro bowl snub for like 4 straight years to start his career. If they can get him on a prove it kind of deal it could be great.

4. Ndamukong Suh - If miss on all the guys above he could give them a decent run stuffer and disruptive presence, bu he’s essentially a mercenary type.

Lastly there’s a lot of kind of replacement level run guys. They won’t do a whole lot but take up space, but if they do that I like A’Shawn Robinson. He’s a really good run defender but offers very little against the pass

Cornerback

1. Prince Amukamara - I wrote a roster review on him if you wanted to read it. Unfortunately the way the cornerback market blew up on Day 1 there’s a very real possibility there are more suitor$ than the Broncos feel comfortable bidding against.

2. Xavier Rhodes - makes sense for cheap but he may be washed up.

3. Darqueze Dennard - Has never started more than 9 games in a season but was a strong sub package player until an injury shortened 2019.

4. Mackensie Alexander - I’m intrigued, but he may not be as cheap as I hope.

Safety

Former Bears (Deon Bush and Sherrick McManis) make some sense for depth, but only because I know Fangio could maximize them.