Acquire a cornerback to replace ? Check via Jacksonville’s A.J. Bouye.
Find an interior offensive lineman? Accomplished via right guard Graham Glasgow.
And kick-start a defensive line retooling? Done via the ’ Jurrell Casey.
Including the return of safety (franchise tag), the Broncos have checked several important boxes during the first three days of the league year.
Now itap time to probe along the margins of free agency to see if there are depth options at affordable prices available before the Broncos return to digging into the draft.
Best players left
These players may not be on the Broncos’ radar, but they have productive resumes that make it semi-surprising they’re still available.
1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Seattle: The former top overall pick has found the market tepid. Some team, maybe even the Seahawks, could benefit by being patient and getting him at a decent price.
2. , QB, Tampa Bay: Last season’s NFL leader in passes (626), yards (5,109) and interceptions (30) will likely have to settle for a backup job after getting supplanted by .
3. Robby Anderson, WR, N.Y. Jets: The receiver market has been peculiarly quiet, maybe because agents are asking for too much money or teams are just waiting for the draft. Anderson has averaged 15 yards per catch the last two years.
4. Everson Griffen, DL, Minnesota: A four-time er, the 32-year old Griffen has 74 1/2 career sacks. He opted out of his Vikings contract in order to hit market.
5. Germain Ifedi, RT, Seattle: Sixty starts in four years for Seahawks, who signed the ’ Brandon Shell to replace him. Ifedi had 12 penalties last year.
More cornerback help
The Broncos have added Bouye, but should remain focused on adding a cornerback. Even if they want to draft one in the opening three rounds, there are veterans available.
1. Prince Amukamara, Chicago: Released by the Bears in late February, Amukamara remains available. He would be affordable ($6 million per year?) for the Broncos to play opposite Bouye, but has experience in ’s scheme from their time in Chicago.
2. Logan Ryan, Tennessee: Ryan is reportedly looking for $10 million per year. Regardless of his price, he will be a good pick-up because of his versatility (can play inside and outside). He had four interceptions in 2019.
3. Nickell Robey-Coleman, L.A. Rams: The Rams didn’t pick up Robey-Coleman’s contract option. He played against the slot receiver the last three years and has 23 career starts.
4. Xavier Rhodes, Minnesota: Released by the Vikings three seasons into a five-year, $70 million contract, Rhodes is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, but turns 30 in June and struggled at times last year.
5. Trumaine Johnson, N.Y. Jets: A colossal disappointment — he signed a five-year, $72 million deal in March 2018 and had five interceptions in 17 games.
Running back help
A must for any Pat Shurmur running back is the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. They could be exploring veteran options.
1. , L.A. Rams: Released by the Rams on Thursday, Gurley’s knees are an issue. He has 218 catches in five seasons.
**Update (8:02 a.m.): Gurley was on the market less than 24 hours, reportedly agreeing to a contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
2. , Atlanta: The cap-strapped Falcons created $3.5 million by cutting Freeman, who has three years of at least 50 catches plus 32 rushing touchdowns.
3. , Tennessee: Released by the Titans after two seasons, Lewis has years of 36 and 32 catches with New England (2015 and ’17) and 59 catches for Tennessee (2018).
4. , L.A. Chargers: It sure seems like Gordon is headed toward a one-year, prove-it contract. He has 224 catches in 67 games.
**Update (12:04 p.m.): The Broncos and Gordon have agreed to a two-year contract.
5. , Houston: Out all of 2019 after tearing his ACL in a preseason game, Miller has six years of at least 26 catches. The Texans acquired from Arizona, allowing Miller to hit the market.
