Broncos free agency winners and losers: Fallout from losing John Franklin-Myers and running it back

The Denver Broncos have always been a team that is not afraid to make big moves in free agency, and this year is no exception. As the legal tampering period kicked off, the Broncos wasted no time in making some significant signings that have already started to shape the team for the upcoming season. As with any free agency period, there are winners and losers, and in this article, we will break down the top winners and losers of the Denver Broncos free agency moves so far.

Starting with the winners, one of the biggest moves the Broncos made during the legal tampering period was signing cornerback Ronald Darby to a three-year, $30 million deal. Darby, who previously played for the Washington Football Team, brings a much-needed boost to the Broncos secondary. With his speed and coverage skills, Darby is expected to make an immediate impact on the defense and help solidify the Broncos’ pass defense.

Another big winner for the Broncos in free agency was the signing of defensive lineman Shelby Harris to a three-year, $27 million deal. Harris, who has been a key contributor on the Broncos defense for the past few seasons, was a top priority for the team to re-sign. By keeping Harris in Denver, the Broncos are able to maintain a strong defensive line that will help them compete in a tough AFC West division.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Broncos made a splash by signing running back Mike Boone to a two-year, $4.5 million deal. Boone, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, adds depth and versatility to the Broncos’ backfield. With his speed and agility, Boone is expected to be a valuable weapon for the Broncos’ offense and provide a much-needed change of pace at the running back position.

In addition to these key signings, the Broncos also made some smaller moves that have the potential to pay off big in the long run. The re-signing of safety Justin Simmons to a four-year, $61 million deal was a huge win for the Broncos, as Simmons is one of the top safeties in the league and a leader on the defense. The Broncos also added depth to their offensive line by signing offensive tackle Cameron Fleming to a one-year, $3.5 million deal.

While the Broncos have made some significant moves in free agency that have the potential to make them a competitive team in the upcoming season, there are also some moves that have left fans scratching their heads. One of the biggest losers of the Broncos free agency moves so far was the decision to release veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye. Bouye, who was acquired by the Broncos in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, was expected to be a key contributor on the defense. However, due to salary cap constraints, the Broncos were forced to release Bouye, leaving a hole in the secondary that will need to be filled before the start of the season.

Another questionable move by the Broncos was the decision to not re-sign wide receiver Tim Patrick. Patrick, who had a breakout season in 2020, was a key target for quarterback Drew Lock and provided a reliable option in the passing game. By letting Patrick walk in free agency, the Broncos are left with a void at the wide receiver position that will need to be addressed in the coming months.

Despite these questionable moves, the Broncos have also made some smaller signings that have the potential to pay off in a big way. The addition of linebacker Alexander Johnson on a one-year, $3.4 million deal was a smart move by the Broncos, as Johnson has been a key contributor on the defense and provides depth at the linebacker position. The Broncos also added depth to their secondary by signing cornerback Kyle Fuller to a one-year, $9.5 million deal.

Overall, the Denver Broncos have had a busy and eventful free agency period so far, with a mix of winners and losers. While the team has made some key signings that have the potential to make them a competitive team in the upcoming season, there are also some moves that have left fans questioning the team’s decision-making. As the offseason continues, it will be interesting to see how the Broncos continue to shape their roster and prepare for the upcoming season. With the NFL draft still to come, the Broncos will have the opportunity to address any remaining holes on the roster and build a team that can compete in a tough AFC West division.

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Source: Mile High Report