The Denver Broncos had an active and productive start to free agency. Some fans loved it, but some also voiced their concerns.
While we may not agree on what they’ve done thus far, I think it’s fair to state most of the Broncos’ pertinent needs have been addressed outside a few exceptions. That provides them with a lot of flexibility with respect to how they want to approach the 2025 NFL Draft.
I’ll preface this by saying I don’t expect the Broncos to be very active at all with who is available on the market. In fact, I’d wager they will turn their attention to coming up with extensions for in-house players in pursuit of lucrative contracts. Though there are a few positions that might see a cheap addition or two prior to April’s festivities.
So, what are those positions and who could the options be? Let’s take a look at some of the best remaining free agents that could help round out the Broncos’ roster.
Kick it to the moon! Who is the best punter available?
Riley Dixon headed to the Sunshine State to punt for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That currently leaves the Broncos without anyone on their roster at the position. And there isn’t really anyone left on the market to write home about.
An exception would be Ryan Stonehouse. Stonehouse was a second-team All-Pro as a rookie in 2022 but took a step back in 2024. He averaged slightly under 51 yards per punt, a paltry net of 38.3 yards, and had two of his punts blocked.
Though if Denver had any interest, you would think a deal would have been done by now. Just remember, they have three selections in the sixth round of this year’s draft, so perhaps the Broncos will go that route to address the situation or sign someone as an undrafted free agent.
What about a veteran running back on a one-year deal?
With Javonte Williams taking his talents to Dallas, the Denver Broncos’ running back room consists of just Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Blake Watson, and Tyler Badie. It’s undoubtedly the team’s biggest need moving forward.
The Broncos will add at least one back into the mix via the draft. However, perhaps a more established veteran presence could be brought into the fold beforehand. After glossing over the remaining free agents available, the only one I feel could help make a difference is J.K. Dobbins.
He performed admirably returning from an Achilles injury and was the Los Angeles Chargers’ leading rusher last season. He had 195 carries for 905 yards and 9 touchdowns. He added 32 receptions for 153 yards as well. The major issue, just like with some of the other Broncos’ free agent additions, is his ability to stay healthy. He has had multiple catastrophic injuries over the course of his career.
With that in mind, the only way this seems palpable for Denver is on a one-year deal.
Perhaps another veteran wide receiver would make sense.
The Cooper Kupp sweepstakes are officially over with the longtime veteran coming to terms with the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year deal worth $45 million dollars.
Various reports have signaled the Broncos are high on their young group of receivers consisting of Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Devaughn Vele. Courtland Sutton is the elder statesman of the group and looking for a contract extension, whilst the team did add special teams ace Trent Sherfield. That’s five deep for the Broncos, but I’d expect them to add another player into the mix via free agency or the draft.
If they were to consider the veteran route, one name that could make sense given his connection with Head Coach Sean Payton is veteran Brandin Cooks. Cooks was taken by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. In his 11th season in the National Football League, Cooks posted the lowest production of his career with just 26 catches for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns. He only played in 10 games due to a nagging injury that kept him sidelined for a good portion of the season.
Cooks clearly isn’t the player he once was and at the age of 31, I’m not too sure how much tread is left on the tires. But as a backend roster option and veteran presence who could help mentor some of the younger receivers on the team, it’s something to consider.
I’ve got two others names I’d float out there. Amari Cooper is the first. He split time between two teams last year and dealt with some injuries, but if the price is right, he could help upgrade Denver’s aerial attack. Elijah Moore is the other. He is only 25 years old and posted decent numbers with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns in the first four years of his career. He would likely be more expensive than the other two, but he’s got wheels and is a consistent separator against man coverage. I’m just not confident the Broncos would spend what he might command on the market being one of the top players left.
What do you think, Broncos Country? Would you like to see the Broncos take a swing at any of these guys? Or would you rather they stand pat and just focus their efforts on in-house extensions and crafting their draft plans? Sound off in the comments!