We are nearly July, which means we are getting closer to the NFL Training camp, and football. Let’s look back at the offseason moves by a third AFC West team in this mini-series, the Denver Broncos.
A lot of change this offseason for the Broncos, but what’s new? This offseason featured the sale of the franchise for (Oh-Em-Gee!!) $4.65 Billion. The 2nd year general manager fired Vic Fangio, and replaced him with rookie NFL head coach, Nathaniel Hackett who proceeded to bring in his own staff. They also made a big addition at the most important position in sports, adding Russell Wilson at quarterback in exchange for a few early draft picks.
Let’s look at the rest of the moves up and down the roster.
Free Agents Lost:
QB Teddy Bridgewater, CB Kyle Fuller, CB Bryce Callahan, LB Kenny Young, LB Micah Kiser among others.
Free Agents Retained:
RB Melvin Gordon, S Kareem Jackson, TE Eric Saubert and DT DeShawn Williams
Free Agents Signed:
DE Randy Gregory, DT DJ Jones, CB K’Waun Williams, OL Billy Turner and OL Tom Compton.
Traded For:
QB Russell Wilson
Draft Selections Added:
OLB Nik Bonitto, TE Greg Dulcich, CB Damarri Mathis, DT Eyioma Uwazurike, S Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, WR Montrell Washington, C Luke Wattenberg, DT Matt Henningsen, CB Faion Hicks.
Notable Undrafted Free Agents Added:
OLB Christopher Allen, CB Ja’Quan McMillian, RB Tyreik McCallister
Broncos front office and rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett went to work rebuilding a defense that had been tailored to former head coach Vic Fangio. They moved on from players on all levels and brought in guys they felt were more suitable for DC Ejiro Evero.
The offensive side of the ball featured the addition of pro bowl quarterback Russell Wilson, and fortifying the offensive line to better protect the QB than Denver has done in recent years.
It is a very interesting time in Denver for the Broncos, a lot of change, a new era, and a lot of new shiny players/coaches. Ultimately, I believe there are simply too many moving parts to expect the Broncos to take the crown in a loaded AFC West, but if they can find a way to gel early and the coaching staff is as good as some believe they are I would not rule them out. There is a fair amount of talent on this roster in nearly every unit.
Fuck the Broncos.