The free NFL agency starts for real in just a few days, but around the league, teams including the Denver Broncos are slashing players to create money and capitalization space, and with news of the basic limit being set at $ 182.5 million. , more veterans are likely to fall prey to the limit.
It is of fundamental importance for the Broncos to have a sensible approach to the free agency – one that fulfills the main escalation needs before entering the draft, without breaking the bank. In fact, the substance, not the glow or the splash, should be on the agenda for GM George Paton.
It would be surprising if the Broncos were important players in the first wave of free agency because of the supposed cash flow problems of the team, especially with the need to give security recently identified as the Justin Simmons franchise the extension it deserves. This would create a competitive cash flow for Denver and cause Simmons to be extended before other security guards such as Marcus Williams, Anthony Harris, Jamal Adams and Derwin James were paid.
Part of the free agency equation is the compensatory formula. Essentially, to qualify for a compensatory draft choice in 2022, the Broncos must have a ‘net loss’ of talent. Although Paton had to do his own thing, he was part of the Minnesota Vikings trust group under GM Rick Spielman, who valued the accumulation of choices.
There are some important considerations, however. If the Broncos refuse an option or eliminate a player, that player will not count towards the compensatory formula as a lost player if hired. On the other hand, hiring a player who has been cut or denied his option makes sense for the Broncos, as that player will not count towards the compensatory formula as a contracted player.
Another consideration is that, after the draft, acquisitions by free agent will not count towards the compensatory formula. There is the rush, followed by the second wave, but the post-recruitment period represents the third wave of free agency, where more veterans are likely to be available.
Teams need to strike a careful balance between gaining veteran experience, meeting needs before recruiting, and making the most of inexpensive starter contracts.
So, who are the ‘bargain box’ signings that might make sense for the Broncos?
10. Ben Garland | IOL | San Francisco 49ers
Lloyd Cushenberry had a difficult debut season in the center, but he showed flashes and will have the opportunity to turn the tide. Garland is able to play in the center and in both guard positions, he is smart and would bring a veteran presence to the O-line room.
Garland didn’t have much of a chance on his first stint with the Broncos, serving in the military in the Air Force before making the transition from defensive attack, but as an internal attack aide, he is a name to watch. Although this is his 33-year season, and he’s coming from a calf injury at the end of the season, he played well with a 71.1 Focus on professional football note above a sample size of five games starting in place of Weston Richburg.
9. James Hurst | OL | New Orleans Saints
It will be interesting to see what happens in the swing tackle position. The Broncos could roll with Calvin Anderson, rehearse Elijah Wilkinson for a low price and get a rookie boost, but if the team follows the veterans’ path, Hurst is the name that most intrigues.
Hurst has experience playing across the O line and is a capable pass blocker, which should help the Broncos to place the top five line players. Your 2020 Over The Cap the valuation was $ 4.23 million, and his biggest career success was $ 5.7 million, so he probably won’t break the bank.
8. Duke Johnson | RB | Houston Texans
Johnson is a free street agent because he was cut in February after losing his final three games in 2020 with a neck injury, and is coming out of the worst season of his career with just 235 running yards and 249 receiving. The longer it stays on the free market, the lower its price will end up being, and it may even be one of those who only sign after the withdrawal.
The goal here is to protect yourself against an exchange or injury from Phillip Lindsay, while giving the Broncos a competent pass-through option as part of their running back committee. Best of all, Johnson would not count for the compensatory formula.
7. Kevin Pierre-Louis | LB | Washington Football Team
While there are high hopes for Justin Strnad, the Broncos need to continue to increase their position in the free agency and in recruiting, although it is not necessarily a first-day need. Pierre-Louis has been one of the best linebackers on the cover, but has not really played as a starter.
He will be 30 this season and needs to improve his running defense. Pierre-Louis could be the linebacker to be targeted, with a 2020 Over The Cap valuation of $ 2,251M.
6. Roy Robertson-Harris | IDL | Chicago Bears
What the Broncos will do on the inside defensive line will depend on what happens to Shelby Harris. If the team rehires Harris, they may prefer to roll with depth and draft a prospectus to fill it out. If the Broncos leave Harris, they may want an IDL with more upfront advantage than Robertson-Harris.
However, Robertson-Harris has experience with Vic Fangio, is a competent racing keeper and has played his best seasons with Fangio. In four seasons, Robertson-Harris totaled 75 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 30 QB strikes and six defended passes. With a 2020 OTC valuation of $ 1.179 million, it is likely to be reasonably priced.
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5. Ahkello Witherspoon | CB | San Francisco 49ers
As a Colorado prospect, Witherspoon was one of those rare unicorns with length, size, fluidity and speed. His career in San Francisco was one of ups and downs, ending last year with a PFF degree of 80.2, but he improved as a defender and became more physical.
Witherspoon is not the most suitable for Fangio’s predominantly Cover 2 zone scheme, but he can press and has recovery speed. It is predominantly played on the outside, but the intention is to compete and allow the Broncos to play Bryce Callahan on the inside.
Witherspoon has a 2020 OTC valuation of $ 2.637 million, but it will be interesting to see how your market develops. 2021 would be his 26-year season, but for the Broncos, there are many experienced corners approaching free agency, which could bring the price down.
4. Sheldon Rankins | IDL | New Orleans Saints
If the Broncos decide to leave Harris, Rankins must be near the top of the list to replace him with a cheaper cost. He is one of those redemption candidates in the first ‘buy low’ round, mainly because he has lost 10 games in the past two seasons.
Approaching his 27-year season, Rankins is just three seasons out of a season in which he produced 40 tackles, 14 TFLs and 8.0 sacks. He has the ability, when healthy, to stimulate a team’s quick pass, but he will probably have to settle for a short-term deal to prove it.
3. Tyus Bowser | Edge | Baltimore Ravens
Although names like Malik Reed and Jeremiah Attaochu have stood out in the past two years, the Broncos would be better served to protect their bet on the edge rusher with a rookie (or two) and a veteran, regardless of what the team decides to do with Von Miller next week.
While your low sack totals may decrease your value somewhat, there is more to a good edge game than rushing through. Bowser is approaching his 26-year season and has excellent athleticism. While he is a little bit light and can get stuck in his blocks, Bowser had a 76.0 PFF degree in race defense for 2020, with a good engine. He really got the most out of last season and is getting closer to the free agency on the rise.
2. Tyrod Taylor | QB | Los Angeles Chargers
If the Broncos is looking to recruit Trey Lance from the state of North Dakota, the team could use a veteran hedge that at least mirrors their style of play. There is an abundance of free agent QBs, and teams can also look at the draft, so if Taylor fails to garner initial interest from other teams, he may be playing the waiting game at a free agency.
Taylor turns 32 this summer and has 47 NFL games (24-21-1). Like a newsboy’s slap-hole, he has accumulated 9,770 passing yards and 54 touchdowns for just 20 interceptions since he arrived in the NFL as the Baltimore sixth round pick in 2011. He protects the ball and knows how to coach a young QB starting the future (see Mayfield, Baker and Herbert, Justin).
1. Janoris Jenkins | CB | New Orleans Saints
A late addition to the list, Jenkins jumps to the top for a reason. Despite having some injuries and doubts of character, in the right environment, he proved to be a very capable corner, especially in the coverage area.
However, Jenkins will be 33 this fall. He signed a two-year contract worth $ 16.75 million last year with Saints, so a contract that would pay him $ 7 million APY with incentives would be a good idea.
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