The Denver Broncos going into the off-season were said to be one of the more aggressive teams in the league. So far, they’ve been the biggest spenders.
The Broncos have addressed the big needs along the offensive line, as well as the defensive line. Reported signings as of today are RT Mike McGlinchey, OG Ben Powers, QB Jarrett Stidham, DE Zach Allen, and re-signing LB Alex Singleton.
I love what Denver has done so far, they’ve been aggressive and really are finding the perfect players who will contribute in a big way next season.
Grading each signing
Ben Powers, A+
Powers was the best guard available on the market and is a huge addition to Denver’s offensive line. Last season Powers played 1,094 snaps, allowing only 1 penalty, and no sacks. He has stayed healthy, and consistently good in the pass block.
Mike McGlinchey, B-
The Broncos have finally found their franchise RT, as they signed McGlinchey to a 5-year deal worth $87.5M with over $50M guaranteed. The reason why this deal isn’t an A for me is because I feel the Broncos overpaid for McGlinchey. It was rumored that they entered a bidding war with the Chicago Bears. While Denver may have overpaid, they still managed to secure their franchise RT, and help Russell Wilson.
Jarrett Stidham, C
It was clear that Denver needed to move on from Brett Rypien, and Stidham is an interesting choice. He is a young option, with the potential to be a good quarterback. I trust Sean Payton to find the right guys for his offense, but the inexperience Stidham has is a concern.
Zach Allen, A-
With Dre’Mont Jones’s departure, there was a hole that needed to be filled along the defensive line. Zach Allen is the perfect replacement and will have a bigger impact than Dre’Mont Jones. Allen had a breakout season under Vance Joseph last season and will look to continue it this upcoming season.
Broncos looking into star safety?
The Broncos are in the market for a safety, as it is unknown if Kareem Jackson will re-sign with the team. CJ Gardner-Johnson made some noise late last night, as many pointed out he started following the Broncos along with other players on social media.
While a deal isn’t imminent at the moment, he would fit perfectly in orange and blue. Gardner Johnson was tied with Justin Simmons for the most interceptions next season, and if he did sign with the Broncos, would reunite with Sean Payton.
Denver would have to spend big to land him, but this move would bolster the secondary. Having Patrick Surtain Jr., Justin Simmons, AND C.J. Gardner-Johnson to me is the No-Fly Zone 2.0.
I would love for the Broncos to continue to be aggressive and sign Gardner-Johnson, as it would help the already elite defense.
Overall, I like what the Broncos have done so far. All the signings have checked off the needs from last season and will be a big step into improving Russell Wilson’s play in 2023.
