The Denver Broncos had the season from hell last year. With the addition of quarterback Russell Wilson came enormous hope of not only a playoff spot but potentially more. The complete opposite wound up playing out during the regular season.
The team finished last in the AFC West at 5-12. Wilson was comically bad, with a season-long competition to see if he could throw more touchdown passes than the number of bathrooms in his home. So, making changes this offseason was a must.
There have been a few signings already that bear to make an impact on the Broncos for 2023, so if you bet on NFL in Colorado, you might be excited for the season to come.
Mike McGlinchey, RT (5 years, $87.5 million)
The offensive line was atrocious in 2022 and new head coach Sean Payton will have none of it. Part of the change involved bringing in the veteran McGlinchey, a long-time staple of a 49ers offensive line that has routinely been one of the best.
Wilson was awful in 2022 but part of that had to do with one of the worst offensive lines in the league. McGlinchey will be an integral part of shoring up that problem as one of the best right tackles in the game.
Perhaps best of all, McGlinchey is still on the right side of 30 years old for 2 more years, so he should maintain his value moving forward. The line needs a lot more work but this addition is perhaps the biggest of the offseason for the Broncos.
OFFICIAL: We've signed RT Mike McGlinchey.
Welcome to #BroncosCountry, @mmcglinch68! pic.twitter.com/dFEtMmUx7u
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 16, 2023
Ben Powers, G (4 years, $51.5 million)
Another great addition to a dismal offensive line. While there are other factors to consider in the failure of the offense, the offensive line play is a major reason. The overhaul continues with the addition of Powers for the next four years.
Powers, who is just 26, is entering into the prime of his career and will stay under 30 for the duration of the deal. He was excellent as a pass protector during his time in Baltimore and brings his skill set to a Denver offense that really needs a boost in that area.
Wilson will need to be better, but it starts with a line that can give him time. The additions of McGlinchey and Powers is certainly a step in the right direction.
Broncos signing guard Ben Powers to four-year deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/2eRAyb3sVa
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2023
Zach Allen, DE (3 years, $47.75 million)
Fellow defensive end Dre’Mont Jones departed for Seattle earlier in the offseason. His deal was a bit more than anyone expected, and the Broncos felt that they had no recourse but to let him walk and pick up someone else to fill in that role.
Enter Allen, who can play either end or defensive tackle. He is also coming off of a career season, recording 5.5 sacks and showing that he can be a force against the run. He got the payday he deserves and goes to a Denver team where he won’t have to be the guy.
If anything, the Broncos got better on the defensive line. Allen is also a great fit for the defense, and he has a history with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, having success under him in Arizona. The Broncos defense was very good in 2022 and should be once again in 2023. Allen will play a key role in returning to a top 10 rating.
Broncos, DE Zach Allen agree to 3-year, $45.75M deal with $32.5M guaranteed. (via @Rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/wpgWvnjObx
— NFL (@NFL) March 14, 2023
Samaje Perine, RB (2 years, $7.5 million)
Part of getting Wilson back on track involves fixing the offensive line but another part is getting him more weapons. Payton traditionally likes to use running backs out of the backfield and Perine fits that bill to a tee.
He comes in on a team-friendly deal, partially due to the fact that there is a plethora of solid backs available with nowhere near enough demand to match it. Perine was challenging starter Joe Mixon for snaps over the second half of the season in Cincinnati.
Javonte Williams is the only meaningful back left on the roster and he tore his ACL last year. Perine, at worst, will become a capable receiver on third downs, giving Wilson more checkdown options to limit potential turnovers and other issues.
Broncos signing RB Samaje Perine to 2-year, $7.5 million deal. (via @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/JGfbl8Ez9J
— NFL (@NFL) March 14, 2023
Jared Stidham, QB (2 years, $10 million)
Though it may not be the sexiest signing, it is a smart one. Wilson didn’t just have a bad 2022 season he had a disastrous one. While there are plenty of signs that he could bounce back, there is the possibility that he may just be done.
If that turns out to be the case, the plug will likely be pulled at some point during the 2023 season. Should that happen, Stidham will be a serviceable backup. He was good late in the year after replacing Derek Carr and is a young quarterback with potential.
Getting Wilson back on track is going to be crucial to the success of the Broncos going forward. Stidham is the insurance policy they hope to never exercise.
QB Jarrett Stidham signing a 2-year, $10M deal with the Broncos. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/YtCJqsNBCG
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2023
Credits on Featured Image: Jkinsocal, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
