We’re here, we’ve made it to NFL Free Agency.
It’s one of the most exciting times of the football year, although for Broncos Country, it could be somewhat anticlimactic.
That’s because the Broncos already made a massive move, the blockbuster trade for Russell Wilson. Wilson is the answer, at long last, at quarterback in Denver. Six years after Peyton Manning retired, Wilson is expected to revolutionize the offense and he may just be the best QB in the AFC West now.
Also, the Broncos signed Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick to massive deals during the season, which was smart and kept them with the Broncos for years to come.
James Palmer said that was what to expect, too, a quiet start to free agency as they work on their options at DL, CB and edge.
As for free agency, the Broncos have yet to make any moves as of 2 p.m. MT, Monday. Teams cannot sign new free agents until Wednesday, but they can re-sign their existing free agents. And, even though the deals aren’t final yet, the news of players jumping ship is breaking all across the Twitterverse.
So, let’s take a look at the Broncos free agency news to this point:
Free Agency Tracker
Before signings, the Broncos had about $23.5 million to spend thanks to rolling over $11.2 million from 2021. All contract details have not been updated yet, meaning we’re not sure exactly how much more money they have to spend.
Signings
- The Denver Broncos signed safety J.R. Reed on Monday, Mar. 21. Reed is a two-year professional who has been a backup for the LA Rams and New York Giants.
- Denver signed Alex Singleton on Friday night. Singleton is a special teams star formerly with the Eagles.
- The Broncos now have a backup quarterback behind Russell Wilson in Josh Johnson. Johnson is a longtime NFL veteran and played well in his one start in 2021.
- Denver re-signed defensive lineman Deshawn Williams to a one-year deal.
- The Broncos signed blocking tight end Eric Tomlinson to a 1-year deal. It means they’re likely looking at Albert Okwuegbunam as the receiving tight end going into 2022.
- Denver signed defensive tackle DJ Jones to a 3-year, $30 million deal. Jones has played 5 years with the San Francisco 49ers and racked up two career-highs with 46 total tackles as well as 10 tackles for a loss last year.
- On Tuesday, Denver made a surprise move, stealing Randy Gregory away from the Dallas Cowboys. Gregory agreed to a 5-year deal worth $70 million dollars, with $28 million (likely the first two years of the deal) guaranteed.
- The Broncos made their first free-agent signing in former Packers guard Ben Braden. It’s interesting news considering Graham Glasgow and Dalton Risner were penciled in as starters at guard. Braden is expected to replace Netane Muti as a rotational piece.
- Denver re-signed Josey Jewell to a 2-year deal per Mike Klis.
- Denver re-signed tackle Calvin Anderson to a 1-year, $2.5 million deal. He isn’t expected to be the starter, but will compete as a backup.
- The team also extended fullback/tight end Andrew Beck for one year.
News and rumors for Broncos possible signings
EDGE
- The Broncos also extended a right of first refusal on Malik Reed. That means, if any other team offers him a deal, the Broncos have a right to match. They will likely end up bringing him back.
- At edge rusher, the Broncos have been reported to be chasing after Chandler Jones.
- Denver is also looking at Randy Gregory on the edge, but he could end up costing too much. As of Tuesday morning, it sounds like Dallas will re-sign Gregory for $13M.
- OR not, as the Broncos have signed Gregory in an alarming, splash move as mentioned above.
- What about Von Miller? He changed his header and description to say “Denver Bronco” on twitter today, but it doesn’t sound like Denver is interested in bringing him back.
- Von Miller eventually signed with the Buffalo Bills for 6 years and $120M.
Other positions
- Offensive tackle La’El Collins was released by the Cowboys. One rumor has the Broncos and Bengals as possible landing spots. Collins left Cincy last week without a contract, but he ended up signing a 3-year deal with them Monday morning (3/21).
- Kareem Jackson says he’d love to come back to Denver to continue playing. The Broncos need a strong safety and he and Justin Simmons have played well together the last three years.
- Russell Wilson is reportedly recruiting Bobby Wagner to play linebacker for the Broncos. Denver’s inside linebackers, Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson, are free agents and the Broncos are reportedly interested in bringing Jewell back, but no news on that becoming official, yet.
- DT Sebastian Joseph-Day signed with the Rams. He was a target of the Broncos.
- Ian Rappoport told KOA Radio he expects the Broncos to be in the mix for La’El Collins, the starting tackle formerly with the Cowboys.
News with former Broncos
- Broncos aren’t expected to bring back Melvin Gordon per Benjamin Allbright. That means Javonte Williams will be the No. 1 running back next year, though Denver will probably bring in another back as well.
- Teddy Bridgewater signed with the Dolphins for one year and $6.5M.
We’ll continue updating this throughout free agency so be sure to check back in!