The Broncos are rebuilding with very little capital to work with

Now that the dust has settled and the Denver Broncos finally found the missing link (this year it is a head coach with experience...remember how last year it was a franchise QB?), the Broncos have a tough hill to climb.

Every year we tout how loaded the Broncos roster is and how underrated they are (at least the past couple of seasons to be sure). The truth I hear from Sean Payton’s talk is that there’s a lot of work to do. This team needs to be be rebuilt.

That’s honestly fine. I’m for it.

But the problem for this team in 2023 is that if George Paton doesn’t turn our 3rd round and later draft into gold using medieval alchemy, there’s not a ton of improvement to be made.

The team will be able to do something in free agency as they are currently sitting at ~$9.6MM in cap space (H/T to overthecap.com per usual). They can even cut Graham Glasgow and double that amount.

Outside of working with Sean Payton, there is no draw for free agents to come to Denver, though outside of cold, hard cash.

And yes, the new ownership can manipulate the cap utilizing signing bonuses and some other cap trickery, but will they? I’m not holding my breath on it.

Not after they just spent a boatload on an aging QB and the highest profile coach in the NFL.

As a fan, I’m excited for this season, but I’m honestly hoping this team is more authentic instead of what we’ve heard the past several seasons. Let’s keep to the theme of rebuilding and how it will take time.

That’s the only real way forward for the franchise cap-strapped with a costly QB and lacking draft picks.

Broncos News

New coaches, free-agent updates and more: Top takeaways from HC Sean Payton and GM George Paton at the 2023 NFL Combine
HC Sean Payton has hired a number of coaches during his career, but he hasn’t built a staff from scratch since he began his New Orleans tenure nearly two decades ago. And as he assembles his staff, Payton explained his method for finding the right coaches

Broncos anticipate RB Javonte Williams, WR Tim Patrick being ready for start of 2023 season
GM George Paton also provided an update on OLB Randy Gregory.

The Broncos’ QB Room Will Look a Lot Different Next Season - Sports Illustrated
Denver’s new quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, 28, is in after playing for the Giants last year, and Russell Wilson’s personal QB coach is out. Will it work?

Four things we learned about Sean Payton's new coaching and football staff - Denver Sports
Why do the Broncos think they have a "game changer" working with Sean Payton? And why did returning position coaches sit in on defensive-coordinator interviews?

Sean Payton on adding Matt Patricia to Broncos staff: 'I wouldn't rule that out' - Denver Sports
Payton said he would meet with Patricia at the NFL Scouting Combine and that the ex-Lions head coach could still join Denver's staff.

Other NFL News

Eagles Facing Major Overhaul on Defense | Football Outsiders
Did you enjoy watching Philadelphia's dominant pass defense last season? Then we have bad news for you: it will be a completely different unit in 2023.

Joe Schoen, Duke Tobin and the Combine Decoder Ring | Football Outsiders
NFL GMs spill secrets about Justin Fields, Saquon Barkley and others in the things they DON'T say.

GM John Lynch: 49ers could add veteran quarterback as Trey Lance, Brock Purdy return from injuries
With Brock Purdy and Trey Lance coming off injuries, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch didn't rule out adding a veteran signal-caller this offseason.

How a disputed $55M loan now plays into federal probe of Commanders
A $55 million loan has become a primary focus of federal prosecutors in Virginia who are investigating allegations of financial misconduct by Dan Snyder and the Washington Commanders, multiple sources with firsthand knowledge of the inquiry told ESPN.

Buccaneers to release RB Leonard Fournette
The Buccaneers will release running back Leonard Fournette before the new league year begins March 15.

Seahawks consider drafting QB amid 'positive' Geno Smith talks
Seahawks GM John Schneider said talks with Geno Smith thus far have been "positive," but the team still might draft a quarterback with the No. 5 pick.

Aaron Rodgers’s uncertain Packers future leaves Green Bay in limbo - Sports Illustrated
Green Bay will want a decision from its star QB sooner rather than later. Plus, more on the Eagles’ new coordinators and Tee Higgins’s contract situation.