The top priority for the Denver Broncos this offseason is improving the offense and adding more weapons for Bo Nix. That might not happen early on in free agency, though.
On March 4, Mike Klis of 9News joined 104.3 The Fan and mentioned that the inside linebacker position might be the top priority in free agency for the orange and blue.
"Inside linebacker is, I think the No. 1 priority they (Broncos) have to address in free agency." Klis added, "The draft is not strong and even if it was, rookie inside linebackers take a year before they're ready to contribute and this team is ready to go."
Since the Broncos played in the Super Bowl in 2016 with inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall, Denver has failed to go all in and address the position.
The Broncos have started players like Josey Jewell, Todd Davis, Alexander Johnson, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, and Cody Barton. None of those linebackers made an All-Pro list or even a Pro Bowl nod.
In recent years, the Broncos have failed to cover tight ends, and with Travis Kelce and Brock Bowers in their division, they'll need to upgrade the position.
Singleton is coming off a torn ACL, and the Broncos are planning to use soon-to-be third-year veteran Drew Sanders as an inside linebacker.
Klis named Dre Greenlaw, Jamien Sherwood, Robert Spillane, and Nick Bolton as options for the Broncos.
On Feb 18, Matt Bowen of ESPN.com explained why Bolton's best fit would be with the Broncos.
"Bolton would be a big upgrade for Vance Joseph's defense in Denver. Bolton fits with the Broncos as a downhill thumper against the run...he had 11 tackles for loss last season. In coverage, Bolton lacks elite second-level range, but he has four career interceptions."
Heading into next week's free agency period, the Broncos have just over $40 million in cap space, per Spotrac.com.
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This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM.