The Denver Broncos have a lot of decisions to make in the offseason. We are getting closer to the true picture of Denver’s cap situation and how that will impact decisions.
Among the decisions are what to do with the Broncos’ 14 unrestricted and three restricted free agents. With 58 players already under contract and the Broncos projected to be $30 million over the cap, now that carryover and earned incentives are accounted for, it’s clear the team won’t be able to keep everybody.
Mile High Huddle’s 2024 offseason preview starts with a look at the Broncos’ pending free agents and whether or not it makes sense to keep any of them. Let’s look at whose deals have expired and which way the Broncos should go with them.
Lloyd Cushenberry ||| C | Unrestricted
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After struggling in his first three seasons, with his third season cut short because of injuries, Cushenberry had his best season as a pro in 2023. It came just as his rookie deal expired.
He’ll be one of the top free agent centers and might be priced out of the Broncos’ range. And with the Broncos having a lot of money tied up elsewhere on the offensive line, they may not have a choice but to allow Cushenberry to depart.
Verdict: Let him walk.
Josey Jewell | LB | UFA
Jewell has been a dependable player throughout his time with the Broncos. He emerged in 2019, his second season with the team, and has been productive since.
The Broncos gave him a two-year deal in 2022 after he tested the market. He’ll turn 30 in 2024, though, but it might be worth bringing him back on a short-term deal. However, as with 2022, he should be allowed to test the market first.
Verdict: Leave the door open.
PJ Locke | S | UFA
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Locke spent his first three seasons with the Broncos as a depth and special teams player, but in 2023, he came into his own. After missing five games because of a hamstring injury, Locke eventually started and produced well.
Among the Broncos’ unrestricted free agents, Locke is the lone priority to re-sign. He shouldn’t be given a top-dollar contract, but he should see a fair raise over his $1.1M salary in 2023.
Verdict: Bring him back.
Fabian Moreau | CB | UFA
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Moreau was signed during training camp when the Broncos were thin at cornerback depth, particularly after some players had minor injuries. He eventually took over as the team’s No. 2 cornerback.
Moreau had his moments, but at this point in his career, he’s not starter material. The Broncos would be better off with a younger player to pair with Patrick Surtain II.
Verdict: Let him walk.
Cameron Fleming | OT | UFA
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Fleming has spent the past three seasons with the Broncos as the swing tackle, though he’s been called upon to start multiple games. He has fared better at left tackle than at right tackle.
The Broncos seem to like Alex Palczewski, who is several years younger than Fleming. This past offseason, the Broncos didn’t bring back Fleming until after the draft. That’s probably the approach to take again with him.
Verdict: Leave the door open.
Mike Purcell | DL | UFA
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Purcell has been a solid player on the defensive line ever since he joined the Broncos in 2019. He’ll be 33 years old in 2024, though, and it’s fair to ask if his time with the team is over.
He’s a Colorado native, though, and clearly enjoys playing here. Perhaps the Broncos can take the same approach as with Fleming — wait until after the draft, then decide whether or not to bring Purcell back.
Verdict: Leave the door open.
Adam Trautman | TE | UFA
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Trautman was one of several former Saints players who joined the Broncos, likely because of his familiarity with Sean Payton. He was inconsistent but did have three touchdown receptions.
He’s not a priority to re-sign, though, given that Lucas Krull emerged and there’s still hope that Greg Dulcich can get healthy. This may be another instance in which it’s best to make a decision after the draft about whether the player should return.
Verdict: Leave the door open.
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K’Waun Williams | CB | IFA
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Williams joined the Broncos in 2022 and was a quality player, though he did miss a couple of games. In 2023, though, a foot injury sidelined him for the season.
The emergence of Ja’Quan McMillian in 2023 means there’s no reason for Williams to be retained. Williams wasn’t a bad signing by any means, but the Broncos can move on.
Verdict: Let him walk.
Wil Lutz | K | UFA
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The Broncos acquired Lutz in a trade with the Saints. After a shaky start, Lutz settled down, making 88.2 percent of his attempts, 13th among all kickers.
It would be fine to bring Lutz back, so long as the Broncos don’t overpay for him. They could try to sign him to a low-cost deal without a lot of guaranteed money, then add a rookie kicker for competition.
Verdict: Bring him back.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey | WR | UFA
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Humphrey, a former Saints player, started the season on the practice squad but eventually cemented his spot on the 53-man roster. He was solid, with 13 receptions and three touchdowns.
While not a priority to re-sign, Humphrey could be brought back on a low-cost deal. It shouldn’t be a problem to let him explore the market, then bring him back after the first wave of free agency.
Verdict: Leave the door open.
Michael Burton | FB | UFA
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Burton is another player who was previously with the Saints and added because of his familiarity with Payton’s system. He was solid in his role, though he had just seven rushing attempts.
This is another case of waiting until after the first wave of free agency to bring a player back. It’s likely the Broncos will want a fullback, but it may be possible to find one who is younger than Burton.
Verdict: Leave the door open.
Justin Strnad | LB | UFA
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Strnad missed his rookie season in 2020 because of injuries, then made the 53-man roster in 2021. He’s spent most of his time with the Broncos as a special teams player, though he did start five games on defense in 2021.
Strnad never turned into a starter, but his special teams play has been good. While certainly not a priority to retain, the Broncos shouldn’t rule out bringing him back. Perhaps he’s another player who can be re-signed after the draft.
Verdict: Leave the door open.
Ben Niemann | LB | UFA
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Added to the practice squad during the 2023 season, Niemann was active for seven games. He played in 69 percent of the snaps in those games, all on special teams.
There’s not much reason to keep Niemann around. He was by no means a bad player on special teams, but if the Broncos want to bring back one of the linebackers for that role, Strnad is a better option.
Verdict: Let him walk.
Dwayne Washington | RB | UFA
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Another practice squad addition during the 2023 season, Washington was active for 13 games. He played just one snap on offense, while playing 68 percent of the snaps on special teams.
Washington is another former Saint who played for Payton, but it’s probably not necessary to keep him. The Broncos shouldn’t have a problem finding a younger running back who can handle special teams.
Verdict: Let him walk.
Jonathan Harris | DL | RFA
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Harris was active all 17 games and started five. He did register a sack and four quarterback hits, but he wasn’t good with run defense.
Harris isn’t worth tendering but it would be okay to bring him back on a one-year deal for the minimum. There’s little risk to such a deal, in which it’s clear he’ll be competing for a roster spot, but nothing is guaranteed.
Verdict: Leave the door open.
Quinn Bailey | OT | RFA
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Bailey has spent five seasons with the Broncos, mostly on the practice squad. But this past season, he was active for all 17 games and was utilized as a sixth lineman in several instances.
He’s not worth a restricted free agent tender, but he has shown his value as a depth player. A one-year deal for the minimum should be fine for Bailey.
Verdict: Bring him back.
Jonas Griffith | LB | RFA
Jonas Griffith started four games as a rookie in 2021, then started eight in 2022. There were high hopes for him going into 2023, but a torn ACL in training camp ended his season.
Griffith isn’t likely to get tendered, but there’s a chance he could be retained on a one-year deal. It’s fine to let him test the market, then bring him back once things settle down.
