The Denver Broncos managed to break out of finishing last in the AFC West in Year 1 of the Sean Payton era, going 8-9 last season. But to take the next step, plus end their eight-season streak of missing the playoffs, it starts with their approach to free agency.
Denver, though, is currently limited with approximately $16 million in cap space at the moment. Of course, that could change through cuts, restructures, and trades. Here are our predictions of how the 2024 free agency period will shake out for the Broncos.
Denver Broncos Free Agency Predictions 2024
It all begins with addressing the elephant in the room: Russell Wilson and his pending Broncos future. The quarterback is due to make $17 million in 2024 base salary. Despite posting two 3,000-yard seasons, Wilson was met with intense criticism about his fit in Payton’s offense and overall production. He’s the first domino here.
Broncos Will Trade Russell Wilson on Draft Night
Denver doesn’t appear to intend on cutting the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback right away. This presents a scenario where the Broncos can listen to potential trade offers.
We’ve mapped out one from this PFN mock draft: Wilson gets dealt away to the Atlanta Falcons in a trade package that includes acquiring Atlanta’s No. 8 pick.
And with that pick in Denver’s possession, they select Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy to become the Broncos’ QB of the future. McCarthy has drawn significant praise during his pre-draft process, and many feel he’ll be worth a top-10 selection.
This scenario clears up significant cap room for Denver, as the Falcons can now either take on Wilson’s massive salary or restructure his deal. But outside of Atlanta, other QB-needy teams like the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants may entertain trade offers for the 2013 season Super Bowl-winning passer.
If there’s no trade, it’s highly anticipated that Denver will attempt to free up room financially by cutting Wilson.
Patrick Surtain II Gets CB Help
In tracing back to the proposed Atlanta-Denver trade involving Wilson, cornerback help gets addressed as well.
Pro Bowler Patrick Surtain II becomes Bronco teammates with A.J. Terrell through this same trade proposal.
While Falcons fans can’t fathom seeing their top CB get dealt away, Terrell still has a year left on his current Atlanta deal but is due to make more than $12 million in 2024 for his base salary. That makes him expensive to keep around. And at 25, he’s likely not going to accept a restructured deal. This gives him leverage to become a potential trade asset.
MORE: 2024 Free Agents by Position
With Denver ranking 22nd in passing yards allowed and 28th in touchdowns surrendered, getting CB help is a no-brainer. While Denver seems to like Ja’Quan McMillian, he’s better suited for nickelback duties at the moment. Surtain needs a fellow clamping CB opposite of him. Terrell presents as a strong trade candidate and a younger option.
If not Terrell, look for Denver to try to pursue Stephon Gilmore or fellow playoff veteran Steven Nelson. But their age could be concerning for a defense that already deals with the Kansas City Chiefs’ plethora of targets, the Los Angeles Chargers’ Keenan Allen, and the Las Vegas Raiders’ Davante Adams twice a year.
Make a Run at Tackle Help, Sign Tyron Smith
When your offensive line allowed 52 sacks last season, blocking help is needed.
The tackle market has officially changed, with multiple Pro Bowler Tyron Smith soon to become available — since the Dallas Cowboys are parting ways with their eight-time Pro Bowl selection.
Meanwhile, signs point to the Broncos severing ties with their own left tackle mainstay Garett Bolles, with fans believing he could end up as a trade or release candidate (Bolles is in the last year of his contract and set to make a base salary of $16 million) this offseason.
KEEP READING: Broncos 2024 Free Agents
Smith may be up in years at 33. But he’s a highly regarded pass protector and powerful road grader as a run blocker. Payton and Denver have to upgrade the blocking up front. Smith is a perfect veteran to make those subtle changes.
Of course, it’s dependent on what becomes of Bolles. But to free up space, the Broncos are better off trying to find a trade partner for the 31-year-old blindside protector before considering a release.
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OMG! Do you know anything about the Denver Broncos?? I say not. Wilson has 37M guaranteed money locked in on March 17th. No way is he with the team come the draft in late April. There is plenty of other garbage in your article to prove you know nothing about the Broncos and maybe football in general.