Mile High Sports

4 free agents that can make the Denver Broncos better today

JT Matthews

Oct 18, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) is tackled by Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) in the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency frenzy is a real thing, but when the most coveted guys are picked up, the buzz always dies.

Free agency is not a two-week process, it is a season-long, methodical undertaking and, even when the top names are gone, there can still be great value left.

The Denver Broncos had a fantastic first free agency volley, but as injuries and cuts occur, more names will be added to the active roster to fill the gaps.

Here are some names that can come in and elevate Denver’s already successful off-season.

Kwon Alexander, Inside Linebacker

As it stands today, Denver has not made many moves to bolster their linebacker corps, excluding the draft.

Baron Browning was an exciting draft selection but there are still questions as to whether Denver likes him as an inside or outside linebacker.

On top of that, Alexander Johnson is on a one-year deal with no guarantee that he will be back, so bringing in another impactful, young playmaker would not be a mistake.

Kwon Alexander is a young linebacker who plays the middle of the field with heart and elite athleticism. Only 26 years old, Alexander has made an impact when he is on the field with 332 solo tackles and 36 tackles for loss in 6 NFL seasons, some of those cut short.

Alexander has shown a natural instinct for the ball and is extremely patient. He has an uncanny ability to see the ball through traffic and is physical at the point of contact.

He is able to keep up with the most athletic quarterbacks and shows discipline in his assignments when he is designated to contain the pocket which, in the AFC, is a valuable skill.

The knock on Alexander is his injury history and it is an extensive list for a young guy, including an ACL tear, and most recently, an Achilles tear, as well as biceps and pectoral surgeries.

If he can come back from his rehab and show teams that he is ready to gear up and play, there is no reason the Denver Broncos shouldn’t kick the tires on this young player and see if he can win a starting job.

Plus, he is colorful and can add some fun to a locker room that has experienced far too many losing seasons lately.

Honestly, who else announces they went to “Hot Boyz University”?

Geno Atkins, Defensive Tackle

Following Shelby Harris, Mike Purcell, and Dre’Mont Jones, the names on Denver’s defensive line depth chart leave something to be desired.

Denver made a Day 2 selection of McTelvin Agim in 2020, but after a lackluster rookie campaign, the Broncos might do well to add some experience.

Geno Atkins is most assuredly on the downside of his career at 32 years old and suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last season, but that should not scare Denver away from bringing him in.

First and foremost, he is an eight-time pro-bowler who has historically terrorized quarterbacks and running backs alike. In his 10-year career, he has a recorded 75.5 sacks and 100 tackles for loss.

Atkins has reached a level of dominance many others could only dream to achieve and the level of experience he could bring to the young talent on this roster could be invaluable.

In a rotation role, he would be great in obvious passing downs and it would allow him to come onto the football field and do what he does best: create pressure.

The price tag might be slightly higher on a player of his ilk but on a short-term deal, he could bring another dynamic to this defensive line and help the young guys flourish simultaneously.

Mitchell Schwartz, Offensive Tackle

After the season-ending injury to Ja’Wuan James, the Broncos are in need of bodies at the right tackle position.

Having played against Mitchell Schwartz twice a year for several years, Denver should have him squarely on their radar. Especially, with the way he has played against and shut down Von Miller.

Inking Schwartz could be somewhat costly but doing so would allow Denver to acquire a talented tackle that they could expect to be their starting right tackle for a handful of years.

Allowing no more than 2.5 sacks per season over the last four seasons, he has shown that he can be a top-10 right tackle in the NFL.

Injury should be the only factor keeping Denver from calling up Schwartz’s agent. Missing the majority of the 2020 season with a back injury, he eventually ended up having surgery to correct the issue.

Back injuries can be a recurring nightmare, especially on your bigger-bodied athletes. Denver would need to get the all-clear from their team doctors before making any commitment, long or short term.

Duke Johnson, Running back

The running back position is another area where Denver could afford to collect some more talent. Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams will undoubtedly be the one-two punch of the Broncos running attack, but between Mike Boone and Royce Freeman, there is not a clear third back.

Duke Johnson could bring a completely different dynamic with his ability to catch the ball down the field. His ability to run routes and find soft spots in the defense is unparalleled at his position and his hands are sticky.

Johnson is the ultimate safety valve as a check-down back for any quarterback, and has enough wiggle to make a play in the open field. The epitome of a quarterback’s best friend.

Additionally, he is a skilled pass-blocking back who has a nice combination of size, physicality, and hutzpah.

Bringing in a third running back may not seem like a priority but Johnson is the perfect jack-of-all-trades back who allows you to be creative with his usage on offense and can simply make your team better.

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