One year after winning the Super Bowl, the Denver Broncos are looking to improve their roster in some very key areas. Entering free agency, general manager John Elway had money to spend and plenty to spend it on.
The Broncos offense was ranked among the worst in the NFL, as they averaged just 20.8 points, and only 323 yards per game. Most of those issues stemmed from a completely outmatched offensive line. The Denver front allowed 40 quarterback sacks, and the running game could only muster 92.8 yards per game.
On the other side of the ball, the Broncos defense was still very good, but they have to get better against the run. There was no better defense in the NFL against the pass, as the Orange Crush allowed just 185 yards per game through the air. Their pass rush may have taken a slight step back, but they still sacked opposing quarterbacks 40 times. However, it was the run defense that has to be improved. The Denver defense allowed over 130 yards per game on the ground, and has to get tougher up front.
With those needs in mind, the Broncos front office began to try to acquire some talent to try to shore up their weaknesses. So far, there hasn’t been a whole lot to talk about. Denver’s front office has signed five unrestricted free agents that they are hoping can help them get back into Super Bowl contention. So how is this free agent class looking so far?
Ron Leary (G)
Denver gave Leary, a five-year veteran, a four-year deal worth $36 million. That makes him the fourth-highest paid guard in the league.
Leary went undrafted out of Memphis in the 2012 NFL Draft, primarily because he has been diagnosed with a degenerative knee condition, that could shorten his career. He was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, and worked his way into the starting lineup by 2013.
He has been a solid blocker on a unit that is arguably among the best in the league. Sure, the Broncos would have liked to get a tackle instead, but a quality guard doesn’t hurt.
Grade: B+
Menelik Watson (T)
The Broncos definitely needed to obtain an offensive tackle, so they gave Menelik Watson a three-year contract worth a little over $18 million. Selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, by the Oakland Raiders, Watson has struggled to consistently stay on the field.
Watson started three games in his rookie season, nine in his second season, missed the entire 2015 season with a torn Achilles, and started just five games last year. When healthy, the 28-year-old Watson could be a very capable starter. The Raiders offensive line has been one of the league’s best over the past few seasons. The problem is that he has rarely been healthy.
Watson has the potential to be an upgrade to the Denver offensive line, if he can stay healthy. That’s a pretty big “if”.
Grade: C
Domata Peko (DT)
If this were 2011 or 2012 the Broncos signing Peko would be considered a very positive move. He was a stout defender, that was capable of clogging up the middle, and collapsing the pocket.
Unfortunately, this is 2017, and Peko is no longer the player that he once was. An 11-year veteran, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2006. He has made over 500 tackles, and logged 18.5 sacks from the interior of the defensive line.
Yet last season, Peko managed just 37 tackles, and didn’t have a single sack. The Broncos are hoping that playing alongside Von Miller and Derek Wolfe could give Peko a bit of a revival. He may be able to provide some depth in a backup role, but expecting any more than that might just be wishful thinking.
Grade: D+
Zach Kerr (DE)
Signing Peko might be a bit of a reach, but Zach Kerr is a legitimate prospect that could provide a significant boost to the Broncos defensive front. The 26-year-old Kerr played his first three years in Indianapolis, after he went undrafted in 2014, and was signed as a free agent.
The Broncos gave Kerr a two-year deal worth over $3 million to join the Orange Crush. Playing in primarily a backup role, Kerr has logged 64 tackles with 5.5 sacks. Playing in the Colts 3-4 defense should make for an easy transition, and getting to play with a more talented unit could allow Kerr to shine.
Grade: A-
Kasim Edebali (LB)
The Broncos aren’t exactly sure what they will get from Edebali, but he does provide versatility, and an abundance of energy. Another player that went undrafted, Edebali was signed by the New Orleans Saints in 2014, and has earned playing time with his non-stop motor.
Edebali will most likely provide depth as a situational pass rusher, but he can also contribute on special teams, and he has proven to be a solid presence in the locker room. In his three seasons with New Orleans, Edebali has accounted for 54 tackles, and eight sacks. Signed by the Broncos to a one year deal, Edebali could be out to prove that he deserves even more.
Grade: B+