Three offseason moves the Broncos must make
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
The Denver Broncos have already filled some of their needs, but they still face a difficult rebuild after missing the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season.
With that in mind, here are three more moves the Broncos should make this offseason to avoid another disappointing season.
Extend wide receiver Courtland Sutton
Sutton skipped the beginning of the Broncos’ offseason program as he’s seeking a new contract. The 28-year-old wideout has two years remaining on a four-year, $60M deal, but only $2M is guaranteed. Spotrac estimates Denver has $11.96M in cap space, 20th in the NFL. Sutton’s market value is a three-year deal worth $18.7M annually.
Despite the limited cap room, the Broncos should find a way to pay the one-time Pro Bowler. In 16 games last season, he tied for the league’s fourth-most touchdown catches (10) and logged 59 receptions for 772 yards.
Plus, quarterback Bo Nix — the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft — needs reliable targets to succeed in Denver. Outside of Sutton, no Broncos pass-catcher finished with five or more TD catches last season. Not solidifying their future with the WR seems unwise, especially after trading former first-rounder Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns in March.
Trade running back Javonte Williams
24-year-old Williams — who is entering the final year of his rookie contract — may need a change of scenery. In 16 games last season, he averaged a career-low 3.6 yards per carry and only rushed for three TDs.
To be fair to Williams, he suffered a season-ending ACL/LCL tear in 2022, possibly contributing to his struggles. However, he may not suit head coach Sean Payton’s system. Undrafted rookie RB Jaleel McLaughlin led the team in yards per carry (5.4) in 17 games last season.
The Broncos drafted Notre Dame RB Audric Estime (pick No. 147), who tied for the FBS’ third-most rushing TDs (18 in 12 games) in 2023. This could signal they’re losing confidence in Williams.
Trading Williams would save $1.87M in cap room and help the Broncos acquire some draft capital. The former second-rounder may pique the interest of some RB-needy teams, perhaps the Dallas Cowboys.
Sign safety Quandre Diggs
Denver released two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons in March to clear cap space. In 15 games last season, 30-year-old Simmons recorded 70 tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defended.
In free agency, the Broncos signed safety Brandon Jones to a three-year, $20M deal to replace Simmons, but he’s not of the same caliber. Jones never had three or more picks in four seasons with the Miami Dolphins and has yet to make a Pro Bowl.
Three-time Pro Bowler Diggs would provide the depth Denver needs. In 17 games with the Seattle Seahawks last season, he tallied 95 tackles, one interception and five passes defended.
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