Breaking down the Broncos' numerous starters set to hit free agency and how Denver can replace them

On Mar. 14, at 10:00 a.m. MST, the Denver Broncos will unofficially lose nearly a third of their starters from last season when the NFL’s legal tampering period begins.

Two days later, on Mar. 16, at 2:00 p.m. MST, Denver will officially say goodbye to those starters when free agency officially begins.

George Paton can avoid these players hitting the open market by signing them before the new league year begins. However, if Paton lets the Broncos’ unrestricted free agents test free agency, how will he go about replacing them?

Here’s a look at Denver’s unrestricted free agents and how Paton will look to fill their voids.

Melvin Gordon

Possibility of re-signing?

Absolutely. Publicly and privately, the Pro-Bowl back has made it abundantly clear he wants to be back in Denver next season. Sources tell DNVR that as long as Gordon isn’t insulted by an offer from the Broncos, he would like to sign a new deal with the team and pair up with Javonte Williams to create one of the best two-man backfields in the NFL for a second-straight year.

If not, how will Denver replace him?

If Denver doesn’t re-sign Gordon, Denver will replace the veteran back by adding more to Williams’ plate. Instead of adding another high-end running back to replace Melvin, the Broncos will turn Javonte into a workhorse true No. 1 back.

Denver would likely then add a complimentary No. 3 back on the third day of the draft with Mike Boone stepping up as the team’s No. 2 back.

Kareem Jackson

Possibility of re-signing?

With Russell Wilson now onboard, bringing Jackson back to a win-now team makes a lot more sense than it did on Monday before the blockbuster trade.

Last year, Denver cut Jackson before bringing him back at half the price. If the stud safety is willing to take another team-friendly deal, it would make a lot of sense to bring the soon-to-be 34-year old back for another year or two.

If not, how will Denver replace him?

Easy, Caden Sterns. Paton used two draft picks in 2021 to find Jackson’s replacement. As a rookie, Sterns proved he deserves a shot at starting after taking full advantage of the limited opportunities he received.

If Jackson’s not back, Justin Simmons and Sterns will very likely be Denver’s starting safety duo in 2022 and, if all goes to plan, for many years beyond that too.

Kyle Fuller & Bryce Callahan

Possibility of re-signing?

If it weren’t for Vic Fangio, it’s quite possible neither Fuller nor Callahan would have ended up in Denver in the first place. With Fangio’s time in Denver over, it could be the end of Fuller and Callahan’s time as well. It’s almost a guarantee Fuller won’t be back next year, while Callahan could be back if the price is right.

When healthy, Callahan is one of the best slot corners in the NFL. This issue, however, is Callahan has only played in a total of 21 of a possible 49 games since signing with Denver in 2019. If Callahan takes a team-friendly deal, it would be worth it to bring him back. But he could likely find more money on the open market.

If not, how will Denver replace them?

With Pat Surtain and Ronald Darby locked in as the starting cornerbacks, Denver isn’t desperate for top-line corners. However, they are desperate for depth.

Regardless of if Denver re-signs Callahan, expect Paton to add a depth corner or two in free agency and then again in the draft. As the Broncos did multiple times during John Elway’s tenure, Denver could look to Day 2 of the draft to add another corner.

Alexander Johnson, Josey Jewell & Kenny Young

Possibility of re-signing?

There’s a very, very high chance of Denver re-signing some of their inside linebackers. The question is who?

A difficult task for Paton this offseason will be deciding which inside linebackers to keep and at what price. A factor that makes this even more complicated will be deciding how these three will fit into Ejiro Evero’s defense compared to Fangio’s defense.

Which of the group will regress the most without Fangio leading the defense? Who will be best paired next to Baron Browning?

If not, how will Denver replace them?

There was buzz swirling that Denver could use the No. 9-overall pick on an inside linebacker. Fortunately for the Broncos, they have a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback now instead of the top-10 pick.

Now, look for Denver to address the position from within. Last year, Denver started upwards of nearly 10 players at inside linebacker, yet continued to find passable, and even above-average, play from a wide range of players. Don’t expect Denver to drop big money in free agency to upgrade the position. Instead look for them to keep a player or two who has already been in the building.

Bobby Massie

Possibility of re-signing?

Last year, Massie wasn’t just the best right tackle the Broncos have had in years, he was arguably their best offense lineman. However, he’ll be 33 years old once the season starts. If Denver is looking for a short-term answer at right tackle, it will be hard to find a better value than Massie.

The reason the Broncos would move on from Massie would be to find a long-term solution—something Denver hasn’t had at the position for far too long.

It wouldn’t be a surprise for the Broncos to look for other options and then come back to Massie later in the offseason if they aren’t able to find one.

If not, how will Denver replace him?

There are three potential options to replace Massie at right tackle. The first is with a Day 2 draft pick. Denver hasn’t picked an offensive tackle in the draft since Garett Bolles in 2017, let alone drafted one with a premium pick.

That could change this year if they don’t make a massive splash in free agency on a tackle — say Terron Armstead or Duane Brown.

If they don’t invest in right tackle in the draft or free agency, Denver could turn the job over to fan-favorite Calvin Anderson. In his two years with the Broncos, Anderson has started five games and showed flashes that he’s capable of being a quality starter in the NFL.

Teddy Bridgewater

Possibility of re-signing?

There’s a chance… as a backup, obviously.

But Bridgewater will likely receive a better opportunity to start and get more money from another team on the market. However, if he doesn’t, he would be a great backup to Wilson in Denver.

If not, how will Denver replace him?

Two words — Russell Wilson.

Other unrestricted free agents: FB Andrew Beck, TE Eric Saubert, OLB Stephen Weatherly, DL Shamar Stephen, CB Mike Ford, OT Cameron Fleming, CB Nate Hairston and C Brett Jones