The Denver Broncos have officially entered the NFL’s legal negotiating period that leads up to the official start of Free Agency on March 15. This tracker will keep you informed on the latest moves happening with the team all throughout free agency.
Denver Broncos Free Agency Tracker
Heading into NFL Free Agency, the Denver Broncos have a variety of needs they need to address including rebuilding the offensive line by adding depth to positions like cornerback, safety, linebacker, defensive line, and others.
Keep in mind; any deal agreed upon from March 13 will not be official until the start of NFL Free Agency on March 15 at 2:00 p.m. MT.
Broncos add punter for competition – 3/21/2023
The Denver Broncos brought back one of their former draft selections to compete with Corliss Waitman this upcoming off-season.
Riley Dixon returns to Denver after spending 2022 with the Los Angeles Rams. Drafted by Denver in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Dixon will get the opportunity to earn the starting job this upcoming season.
After Denver tendered Waitman at the start of NFL Free Agency, it’s expected that both players will compete for the job in training camp.
Essang Bassey re-signs with Denver – 3/18/2023
The Broncos special teams and defensive secondary depth received a boost over the weekend with the return of Essang Bassey.
Bassey was a crucial part of Denver’s special teams unit last season and was one of the several players who earned the status as a core four player. Not only did he have a positive impact on special teams, he stepped up in the nickel and dime for Denver last season while K’Waun Williams dealt with several injuries.
The former undrafted standout from Wake Forest initially made the Broncos 53-man roster in 2020 under former head coach Vic Fangio. He played a prominent role on defense inside of the nickel prior to tearing his ACL.
After going through the rehabilitation process, Bassey landed on the Los Angeles Chargers before being signed back to the Broncos last season.
P.J. Locke returns on the backend of the secondary – 3/16/2023
One of the Broncos best special teams players last season returns in 2023.
P.J. Locke initially wasn’t tendered by the team as a restricted free agent, but now he returns with a new deal.
As a member of the Broncos for the past three seasons, he’s appeared and played in 47 games. Last season, registered 22 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and one pass defensed. He led Denver in special teams tackles.
In 2023 he’ll likely be in line to become a special teams captain and see more of an increased role on defense under Vance Joseph.
Denver adds cornerback depth option and return option – 3/15/2023
After releasing veteran cornerback Ronald Darby officially this past week, the Broncos are adding another corner to the roster behind Patrick Surtain II and Damarri Mathis.
Entering his sixth NFL season, Tremon Smith is signing with the Broncos on a two-year deal as first reported by KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Smith spent the past two seasons as a member of the Houston Texans — appearing in 17 games in both 2021 and 2022. Last season Smith hauled in two interceptions and had four passes defensed and three forced fumbles.
Not only will Smith contribute as depth for Denver defensively, he’ll also compete for the starting kick and punt return job in Denver.
In 2022, Smith averaged 13.3 yards per punt return on four attempts — but he saw more action in the kick return game, bringing up 19 returns for 417 yards for an average of 21.9 yards per return. He has one career return touchdown.
Fullbacks are people too, Broncos snag Michael Burton – 3/14/2023
Sean Payton believes in the fullback position and has secured a familiar option for the Broncos offense this upcoming season.
As first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Michael Burton reunites with Payton in Denver after spending 2020 with him as a member of the New Orleans Saints.
Burton spent the past two seasons in the AFC West as the Kansas City Chiefs starting fullback. With Andrew Beck’s departure to the Houston Texans, Burton is a great fit for what Denver is designing their offense around.
In his two seasons with Kansas City, he helped spring their rushers free in the run game. He also played over 50% of the team’s snaps on special teams — indicating he’ll play a pivotal role for new special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica.
Broncos add Samaje Perine to the RB room – 3/14/2023
Running back was a position of need for the Denver Broncos in NFL Free Agency with Javonte Williams coming off of an ACL injury.
On Tuesday, the Broncos added former Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine to their list of free-agent acquisitions.
As first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Perine is joining Denver on a two-year deal worth up to $7.5M with an additional $1M in incentives.
Perine made the most of each opportunity he received behind Joe Mixon in Cincinnati — playing a pivotal role in each of the last seasons, he appeared in 16 games in each of the past three seasons.
He accounted for 11 total touchdowns in the last three years, including five receiving touchdowns. He’ll add an explosive rushing element to Denver’s offense and will be a major contributor out of the backfield as a receiving option.
Broncos sign Zach Allen to replace Dre’Mont Jones – 3/13/2023
Dre’Mont Jones was the biggest in-house free agent option for the Broncos heading into the new league year. They’ll now move in a different direction after the team signed defensive end Zach Allen.
Allen reunites with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph who he spent the past four seasons with under the Arizona Cardinals.
As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Allen and the Broncos agreed to terms on a three-year $45.75M deal with $32.5M guaranteed.
During his four seasons with the Cardinals, Allen accounted for 11.5 total sacks — coming off of a career year in 2022 after registering 5.5 sacks in 13 games. In comparison to Dre’Mont Jones, Allen had one less sack in the same amount of games.
However, the newest Broncos defensive end accounted for 25 quarterback pressures and 12 QB knockdowns in the 13 games he played last season.
Alex Singleton returns to Denver – 3/13/2023
The Denver Broncos defense will return one of their key pieces in 2023 with Alex Singleton signing a three-year deal.
As first reported by 9News Mike Klis, Singleton is returning on a three-year $18M deal which features $9M in guaranteed money.
Last season, the fiery Broncos linebacker emerged in a starting role, appearing in all 17 games for Denver and starting 12 of them.
He also led the team in tackles last season, racking up 163 tackles on special teams and defense.
Singleton told Mile High Sports early in February that he wanted to return to Denver this upcoming season. Now his wish comes true as he returns alongside Josey Jewell and Jonas Griffith at inside linebacker under new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Broncos secure their right tackle of the future with Mike McGlinchey – 3/13/2023
For the better part of the last decade, the Broncos have placed band-aid solutions at right tackle hoping things would stick.
Now the Broncos have secured their right tackle of the future after coming to terms on a contract with former San Francisco 49ers veteran offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
McGlinchey has played and started in 69 games for the 49ers and will be the starter next to right guard Quinn Meinerz.
He’ll enter his sixth season in the NFL as a member of the Broncos where they aspire to protect quarterback Russell Wilson — who was sacked a league-leading 55 times last season.
According to reports, his deal will be a five-year deal worth $87.5M with over $50M guaranteed. Payton, Paton, and the Broncos are going all in on rebuilding the offensive line.
Broncos agree to terms with Ben Powers as their next left guard – 3/13/2023
Once the clock struck 10:00 a.m. MT on Monday, head coach Sean Payton wasted no time getting to work alongside General Manager George Paton on rebuilding the offensive line.
They agreed to terms on Monday with former Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Ben Powers as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Peliserro.
Powers, a former fourth-round draft selection by the Ravens in 2019 is set to replace Dalton Risner on the offensive line. He is entering his fifth season in the NFL and is the first domino to fall as Denver looks to revamp their offensive line — a unit that surrendered 63 total sacks last season.
In his four seasons with the Ravens, he appeared in 47 games and started in 36 games — also starting all 17 games for the Ravens offense last season.
It’s expected that Payton will implement a power running zone blocking scheme with new offensive line coach Zach Strief — who played for Payton for the entirety of his NFL career.
Broncos agree to terms with Jarrett Stidham to back up Russell Wilson – 3/13/2023
Russell Wilson will have a new backup quarterback behind him this season as Jarrett Stidham and the Broncos agreed to terms on a two-year deal as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Stidham a former fourth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots, spent 2022 as a member of Denver’s AFC West division rival Las Vegas Raiders. After the Raiders benched Carr, Stidham started the final two games of the season under Josh McDaniels.
The Raiders went 0-2 in both games Stidham started and finished the season with four touchdowns, three interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 89.2.
Stidham reunites with somebody he is familiar with Davis Webb — where the two have known each other since they were teenagers. Webb will now coach Stidham behind Wilson this season.
Broncos tender exclusive rights free agent Corliss Waitman – 3/13/2023
The Broncos tendered exclusive rights free agent punter Corliss Waitman on Monday as first reported by Doug Kyed.
This is an underrated move for Denver as they revamp their special teams unit under new coordinator Ben Kotwica and the direction and advisement of legendary coach Mike Westhoff.
Waitman had some highs and lows in 2022 but has flashed enough promise to garner the chance to return this season. He averaged 46.6 yards per punt last season, pinning 30 attempts inside the 20-yard line and six touchbacks.
The biggest area Waitman needs to work on is finding consistency as a punter, balancing his strong hang time with touch accuracy and leg power.
The team also tendered inside linebacker Jonas Griffith, offensive guard Quinn Bailey as well as first reported by Mike Klis
The Broncos could still look to bring in a punter to compete with him during training camp, but general manager George Paton has previously shared his acknowledgment of the talent Waitman possesses.
Broncos sign former Jaguars TE – 3/13/
Adding depth to the tight end position was an area of need for the Broncos this upcoming season considering Greg Dulcich and Albert Okwuegbunam were the only two players at the position on the active roster.
As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos are signing former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Chris Manhertz.
Manhertz is a 6’6 255 lb who is expected to be primarily a blocking option in Sean Payton’s offense.
He only has 24 career receptions through seven seasons in the NFL including a brief stint with Payton and the New Orleans Saints in 2016.
Denver Broncos departing in NFL Free Agency
Which Denver Broncos unrestricted free agents are heading elsewhere in 2023? Our NFL Free Agency tracker also keeps tabs on players who are leaving Denver for new opportunities.
Dre’Mont Jones heads to the NFC
Former Broncos defensive end Dre’Mont Jones is departing the AFC West and is headed to the NFC West.
As first reported by The Score’s Jordan Schultz, the news broke shortly after Denver agreed to terms with Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Allen, indicating that the Broncos were moving forward without him.
Drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Jones emerged as a steal on the defensive interior — consistently generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks before emerging as a true starter this past season.
He’ll now torment opposing QBs in the NFC West as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
Former Broncos fullback Andrew Beck is heading to Houston
The Broncos fan favorite fullback Andrew Beck is departing Denver in free agency and is expected to sign with the Houston Texans as first reported by Peter Schrager.
Beck showcased his versatility last season not only as the team’s best offensive blocker but came up clutch with several big catches in the passing game last season.
Unfortunately for Beck, he missed some time last season due to a hamstring injury but finished the season on a strong note — landing with the Texans for his next chapter.
The bigger question remains as to whether or not the Broncos will pursue a fullback in free agency.
Former Broncos running back Mike Boone heads to Houston
Just two seasons ago the Broncos signed Mike Boone to a two-year deal. Now the former Broncos running back and special teams ace is heading to the Houston Texans.
As first reported by DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN, Boone will be a contributing member of the Texans backfield this upcoming season.
His tenure in Denver featured strong special teams play, but an unlucky string of injuries caused him to only see 17 games of action in two seasons. He demonstrated several instances last season where he had some explosive runs before suffering an ankle injury.
The Broncos will have to address the running back position in free agency.
Keep this Denver Broncos Free Agency Tracker bookmarked to stay up to date on what’s going on in Dove Valley.
Calvin Anderson departs Denver for the New England Patriots
One of the Broncos more underrated players over the course of the last four seasons is heading to the New England Patriots.
Calvin Anderson is signing a two-year deal with the Patriots and will return to the team he signed with initially after he went undrafted.
Anderson demonstrated reliability for the Broncos offense in moments he was asked to step in and start. A fan favorite, Anderson will return to Denver in 2023 as a member of the Patriots as they take on the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Eric Saubert lands in Miami
One of the Denver Broncos most reliable special teams aces, blocking tight ends is headed to the Miami Dolphins.
Eric Saubert is joining Mike McDaniel in South Beach after signing a one-year deal as first reported by NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe.
Saubert stepped up for Denver in a big way for the last two seasons, contributing as a consistent blocker in run support and serving as a reliable security blanket in the passing game.
He’ll contribute in a big way for the Dolphins in that very role and on special teams.
DeShawn Williams departs Denver for Carolina
After a career year in Denver this past season, DeShawn Williams is reuniting with Ejiro Evero as a member of the Carolina Panthers.
As announced on Wednesday by the Carolina Panthers, Williams is heading to contribute as a veteran option on the defensive line.
Under Evero this past season, Williams started 15 games for the Broncos and registered a career-high 4.5 sacks. He’ll be a strong addition to the Panthers already talented defense.
Former starting lineman heads back to Detroit
Former Broncos offensive lineman Graham Glasgow is headed back to the Detroit Lions on a one-year deal as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Glasgow initially came to Denver several years ago in Free Agency and signed on to play right guard. Several injuries derailed how things were going for him, but in 2022 he stepped up in a big way — stepping in at the center position and providing Russell Wilson with consistently good snaps.
He was released by the Broncos last week in order to clear up cap space.
Denver releases two depth players from roster – 3/20/2023
The Broncos made two roster personnel moves on Monday according to the wire, releasing outside linebacker Wyatt Ray and cornerback Lamar Jackson.
Ray appeared in three total games for the Broncos last season and registered one tackle. Jackson also appeared in three games for the Broncos last season and showcased some promise on special teams and on defense.
Jackson finished his three-game stint with Denver by allowing four catches on 10 targets according to Pro Football Reference. He also had three total tackles and two passes defensed.
