Had it not been for the availability of a certain four-time MVP quarterback, the Broncos’ primary need in free agency would have been an experienced safety who can hit.
While Peyton Manning, the prized quarterback, puts the Broncos nervously on hold, the team is conducting other business by bringing in Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather for a visit today. Meriweather, 28, is a safety of immense talent, but his career graph plunged precipitously in 2011.
A first-round draft choice of New England in 2007 and a two-time Pro Bowler in 2009-10, Meriweather was surprisingly among coach Bill Belichick’s final cuts after the 2011 preseason. He signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Bears, but after starting four consecutive games, he was benched in Week 5 and never started again.
Meriweather could become a better fit with the Broncos, who have second-year safeties Rahim Moore and Quinton Carter, along with backup David Bruton. Tackling was an issue for Moore early in the season and for Carter late in the season, which is where Meriweather comes in. He was fined $50,000 for a vicious hit on defenseless Baltimore tight end Todd Heap in Week 6 of the 2010 season.
The Broncos have reached out to Brian Dawkins about his intentions for the 2012 season, but the 16-year NFL safety and nine-time Pro Bowler has said while he’s close to a decision on whether he will retire, he’s “not 100 percent sure.” Dawkins, 38, is a free agent.
The Broncos also tried to re-sign defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley before the free-agent market opened at 2 p.m. Tuesday. If they can’t get Bunkley under contract soon, the Broncos may join the long list of teams courting former Miami defensive tackle Paul Soliai.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com
