Denver Broncos 2024 NFL offseason primer: After resolving Russell Wilson situation, what else needs fixing?
Denver Broncos' 2023 season: 8-9, missed playoffs
Overview: Sean Payton’s first season in Denver was anything but quiet. The Broncos gave up 70 points in a September game, then got it together and made a playoff push, then ultimately finished 8-9 and barely missed out on the postseason. And once they decided to bench Russell Wilson late in the season, the groundwork was laid for his exit. He's reportedly planning to sign with the Steelers after the Broncos release him.
The only problem: The Broncos weren't exactly in a great place with their salary-cap space as is, and getting rid of Wilson is going to cost them even after designating him as a post-June 1 cut to spread his cap hit. All signs are pointing toward a massive teardown in Denver as Payton and the new ownership group get to shape the franchise's future.
Key free agents
None
Who's in/out: The Broncos didn't have many free agents walking out the door. Linebacker Josey Jewell was the biggest loss on that front as he's signing with the Panthers. Denver managed to keep kicker Wil Lutz, who appeared to be signing with the Jaguars before changing his mind and returning to Denver. Lutz completed 88.2% of his kicks after making only 74.2% the year before.
Key free agent needs
Quarterback
Edge
Cornerback
Why the holes? Now that they're moving on from Wilson, the Broncos are going to have a huge hole to fill at quarterback. Even if the team brings back Jarrett Stidham, they need to add someone else credible to that spot. There's also room to upgrade the secondary around star cornerback Pat Surtain II.
Do they have the money?
After spreading out Wilson's cap hit and trading away WR Jerry Jeudy to the Browns, Denver has dug itself out of trouble to get $43 million under the cap, according to Spotrac. But it required a major exodus of talent to get there.
Notable cuts
QB Russell Wilson
S Justin Simmons
Why they might be gone: Wilson is gone, or will be after the new league year. All-Pro safety Justin Simmons is gone, saving the team $14.5 against the cap. Could offensive tackle Garett Bolles ($20 million cap hit if on roster) be next? The roster overhaul is fully underway in Denver.
2023 NFLPA report card
Draft picks
1st round: No. 12
3rd round: No. 76
4th round: No. 120 (from Dolphins)
5th round: No. 135 (from Browns via Panthers)
5th round: No. 144 (from Jets)
5th round: No. 146
6th round: No. 202 (from Browns via Texans)
6th round: No. 206 (from 49ers)
Good draft fit
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Why him? Unless the Broncos are going to trade up to the very top of the draft and hastily spend future draft assets, they’ll likely have to wait for the second tier of quarterback prospects. J.J. McCarthy doesn’t play an exciting game, but he might have enough talent to become a stable NFL starter.
What can move the fantasy football needle this offseason?
Denver is much closer to a blank slate on offense than many realize. The receiver room still doesn’t have a quality starter beyond Courtland Sutton. Greg Dulcich barely played in Year 2 at tight end. Javonte Williams should be better one year removed from a serious knee injury, but it’s unclear how committed this coaching staff is committed to him as a clear workhorse. We still don’t know exactly where Sean Payton’s vision for this offense lies as he prepares for his second season. I probably won’t spend much time investing in the discovery journey unless there is a home-run quarterback behind center. — Matt Harmon
