Denver Broncos News & Rumors: 5 NFL Free Agents the Broncos Should Consider Signing This Offseason
The Denver Broncos have been one of the best teams in the NFL in recent years.
With Peyton Manning on the squad, the Broncos have made it the playoffs all three seasons, won the AFC West every year, made it to the Super Bowl, and they have a 38-10 regular season record in that time period.
Still, there is work to be done. The New England Patriots are the defending Super Bowl champions, and the rest of the AFC is improving. The Broncos have lost their best tight end and best defensive tackle this offseason. Improving the ground game is also a concern in Denver.
Here are five free agents the Broncos could consider signing:
1. Terence Newman
The Broncos have a good pass rushing defense, led by Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, but their secondary could use some upgrades. Last season, the Broncos allowed the third fewest yards against, but they allowed the 7th most passing touchdowns. Terence Newman obviously isn't a shutdown cornerback, but he's an experienced veteran who can help the Broncos secondary. The Minnesota Vikings and Patriots have both had meetings with Newman in the past week, so the Broncos may want to make a move sooner rather than later.
2. B.J. Raji
The Broncos lost their star defensive tackle Terrance Knighton in free agency to the Washington Redskins on a one year contract. With Knighton on the team, the Broncos had an elite front four that allowed the second fewest rushing yards in the league last season. Many thought Vince Wilfork could be an option, but he recently chose to sign with the Houston Texans. Former Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji is still a free agent, and he could be a good fit for the Broncos. Unfortunately, he did miss all of last season, but signing the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion to a short term deal could be beneficial.
3. Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis isn't going to run the Broncos to a Super Bowl, but he's a tough player who won't cost a lot. His best attribute is pass blocking. Hillis is a large 240-pound back who can make a difference at the goal line, and give Manning more time to throw in the pocket. Hillis played for the New York Giants last season helping Eli Manning; maybe he can help older brother Peyton next season. Other than blocking and size, the Broncos don't have an elite rushing attack. CJ Anderson and Hillis could be a good combination next season if given the opportunity.
4. John Abraham
John Abraham has been one of the most underrated players of the 21st century. With the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons, he racked up 133.5 sacks. Only Jared Allen, who has 134, has more quarterbacks sacks for an active player than Abraham does. Abraham is a versatile player who can play both linebacker and defensive end. Injuries have been an issue, so the Broncos would have to stay away from any type of long contract deal here.
5. Reggie Wayne
Wouldn't this be something special to watch?
Same faces, just in different places. Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning have been arguably the best quarterback-wide receiver duo in NFL history, and Wayne is still unsigned. Manning isn't in desperate need of another wide out, but it doesn't look like Wes Welker will be back next season on the Broncos, and Julius Thomas is now on the Jacksonville Jaguars. It would be great to watch Wayne and Manning renew their all-time great connection, and face their former team. With two of their top four targets (as far as yards and catches) from last season no longer on the roster, Wayne could be a great signing.
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