The NFL’s 2019 league year began at 2 p.m. Wednesday and the Broncos officially announced their new acquisitions in quarterback Joe Flacco, offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James and cornerback Kareem Jackson.
Denver Post Broncos reporter Ryan O’Halloran broke down the moves in his analysis piece.
On the national scene, how do various media outlets see Denver’s moves? We looked at their reactions to Flacco last month (it’s not good). Here’s what they think of James and Jackson:
Ja’Wuan James, offensive tackle
: “It’s great money for a good player,” however, “the Broncos are desperate to improve their line, and he will help, but this looks like a panic move in terms of the dollars spent.
: “Did they really need to make him the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL? Four years and $52 million is steeeeeeeep.”
: “James is just 26 (27 in June), so he still has plenty of time to improve his overall game. James has been stellar at times for the Dolphins, though not so much last year because of a strained patellar tendon. He should be 100 percent by training camp, so he figures to perform on a high level once again for his new team. ”
Cornerback Kareem Jackson
: “The Broncos needed secondary help and Jackson is still a good player. He’s also almost 31, which makes for a slightly long-in-the-tooth (in football terms at least) cornerback duo with Chris Harris Jr.”
: “There’s a good chance he once again plays on a high level in 2019, but age is beginning to become an issue with him, as he turns 31 in April. That said, Jackson should at least come close to living up to his contract for the majority of this term, making this a fine signing.”
: “Jackson’s versatility makes this a really safe signing for the Broncos. The best case scenario is that the veteran’s legs allow him to move back to corner full-time. Safety is becoming a more important position for teams around the NFL, but corners are still more valuable.”
— , The Denver Post
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Must-Read
Joe Flacco and the Denver Broncos make it official. “He’s got the veteran moxie and the determination of losing his job.”
Flacco, 34, becomes the third projected Week 1 starter in as many years for the Broncos. He will make $18.5 million in 2019 but has no guaranteed money on a contract that runs through 2021. Read more…
Kiszla: Why John Elway believes Joe Flacco is the right QB for the Broncos
“Maybe every gunslinger eventually grows gun shy. But in the reboot of the Broncos, when a struggling football team cries out for bold moves, has John Elway lost the nerve to pull the trigger?” Read more…
O’Halloran: Do Joe Flacco, Ju’Wuan James and Kareem Jackson make the Broncos better?
Did the Broncos get better with their three new acquisitions? Easy question. Tough answer. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Broncos look to end quarterback drought with Joe Flacco.
+ Broncos announce contract agreements with Kareem Jackson, Ja’Wuan James.
+ Denver Broncos to play Atlanta Falcons in Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
+ Broncos free agency tracker: Elway’s acquisitions since 2011.
+ Contract tender will boost Broncos DT Shelby Harris’ salary to more than $3 million.
+ Broncos free agency: Position by position outlook.
+ Case Keenum trade shows any quarterback with experience has value.
+ Broncos podcast: Why Denver signed DB Kareem Jackson and OT Ja’Wuan James in free agency.
+ NFL free agency winners and losers.
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+Want to chat about the Broncos?
By The Numbers
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Parting Shot
The Raiders hold the keys to the NFL’s offseason, and it might be a wild ride
The NFL offseason is headed in the direction of “who-the-heck-knows,” because the Oakland Raiders hold the steering wheel. They’ve got it in a white-knuckle grip and the gas pedal pinned. Read more…
Get in Touch
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