While most of the attention falls on the NFL Scouting Combine during this time of the NFL offseason, the biggest headline of the offseason is right around the corner:
Free agency.
The dreams of NFL teams filling their roster holes with superstar acquisitions always dominates headlines while players aren’t on the field.
The Denver Broncos’ biggest need is undoubtedly along the offensive line. Football games are won and lost in the trenches, and they didn’t win those battles nearly often enough last season. Denver’s unit was one of the most inconsistent last season and the whole offense struggled because of it. In a draft lacking premiere talent at the offensive line position, a couple of options have appeared through free agency.
NFL Insider Benjamin Albright reports that Denver has interest in former Dallas Cowboys guard Ronald Leary.
Another report from Mile High Report states that the Broncos are among the favorites for the services of former Green Bay Packers’ guard T.J. Lang.
If signed, either player would be immediate upgrades at the guard position for Denver.
Filling in for Cowboys’ starter La’el Collins, Leary was a key contributor to the success of rookie sensations Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott. With money and high draft picks already tied up in the offensive line, Dallas will isn’t likely to re-sign Leary as Collins returns from injury.
As a productive, lesser-known starter, Leary may be the perfect signing for a Broncos team, who may even be able to land him at a bargain price.
A Leary signing would certainly add fuel to the fire that is Denver’s reported interest in Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Then there’s Lang.
Lang, coming off of his first Pro Bowl season, is a more well-known name protecting Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers. The Broncos would assuredly love to add a Pro Bowl player at the guard position, but would also cost much more money.
The market for Lang’s services would also likely be much more competitive, as the Broncos certainly aren’t the only team in the mix to sign Lang (the Minnesota Vikings also reportedly have interest). However, the fact that Lang is coming off of hip surgery could possibly scare off some suitors.
The interior of Denver’s line is led by star center Matt Paradis. Paradis, coming off of double hip surgery of his own, will need better support around him if the Broncos’ offense is to take a step forward. After choosing not to pick up left tackle Russell Okung‘s team option, Denver’s offensive line appears incredibly thin.
Signing either Leary or Lang, perhaps even both, would immediately the Broncos in the trenches, and would mark two important steps to giving the offense the “swagger” it’s looking for.
