Broncos Roundtable: With Russell Wilson on board, what’s the No. 1 position Denver should address in free agency?

For the first time since 2015, when Peyton Manning was on the team, the Denver Broncos don’t have to worry, or think, about how to improve the quarterback position.

That’s the luxury of having Russell Wilson in Orange & Blue.

Now with Russ on board, it’s time for George Paton to build a contending team around him. With over $26 million in cap space to work with, Paton and Denver can dish out money in free agency.

What position should be the Broncos’ No. 1 priority when the legal tampering window opens on Monday?

The DNVR Broncos Crew breaks it down.

What’s the No. 1 position Denver should address in free agency?

Zac: Right tackle — Protect Russ. It’s as simple as that. Do not overthink this.

Pass rush, defensive line and linebacker are all spots you would like to see Denver address and upgrade in free agency, but protecting your franchise quarterback is an absolutely must.

Investing in the offensive line is investing in Russell Wilson, not just for this year, but for the future.

Additionally, it will show Denver’s commitment to Wilson, something that he didn’t always necessarily feel in Seattle. Protecting Russ by bringing in a stud right tackle in free agency will prove to him right away the Broncos won’t just give him the weapons he wants, but will give him the protection he needs too.

Don’t mess around. Protect the team’s most valuable asset.

Mase: Edge rusher – Right tackle is important, but the Broncos should be able to get what they need for the year through a free-agent signee who won’t break the budget. George Paton wants a long-term solution at the position, and it would come as no surprise if the Broncos take a right tackle at pick No. 64 or with one of their two third-round choices. That rookie might not be ready to start immediately, but they still will have a plan.

Edge, on the other hand? Of the core four positions — quarterback, blindside protecting tackle (left tackle for Denver), edge rusher and CB1, this is where the most pressing need resides. Bradley Chubb has missed nearly half — 24 — of the Broncos’ 49 games since 2019 and failed to register a sack last season. Immediate help will not come from the draft. And with their leading sacker last year — defensive end Shelby Harris — now headed for Seattle in the Wilson trade, the Broncos are in desperate need of pass-rush punch. Jonathon Cooper and Malik Reed are best served as rotational pieces at this point, and while Chubb’s injury history likely means one or both will be called upon to start sometime this season, the Broncos need more.

Free agency could provide it, with Chandler Jones, Haason Reddick and Von Miller among the names available. None will be cheap; expect this to be — by far — the Broncos’ biggest free-agency expenditure this month. But quality at a premium position often demands a premium price.

RK: Right tackle — Invest in your investment.

Mercifully, the Broncos have finally made a serious investment in the quarterback position. Now it’s time to double down. Whenever we talk about Russell Wilson’s tenure in Denver we say things like “the Broncos have solved their QB problem for the next five to 10 years, it’s now up to George Paton and company to do everything

they can to get this closer to the 10-year mark.

Adding a stud tackle to an average line could be enough to not only increase the longevity of Wilson’s tenure, but get the most out of him while you do it.

Oh, and it’s been a while since you heard this, but any right tackle should want to come to Denver to play with Wilson.