Free agency is where John Elway has flourished in his most recent role with the Denver Broncos. From Peyton Manning to Aqib Talib to DeMarcus Ware and so on, the Broncos would not be raising a banner on opening night next season if it wasn’t for Elway’s FA magic. Whether it was the addition of Manning making the Broncos an instant contender or Elway’s ability to sell Denver, the ever-persistent narrative that is told throughout the rest of Denver pro sports, “It’s hard to convince free agents to come to Denver,” has been put to bed — with Old No. 7 to thank.

If they could, I’m sure Elway and the Broncos would copy and paste the ring-wearing roster to next season with a few minor tweaks but that’s not how it works in this business. If the Broncos are going to make a run at back-to-back titles, some Elway magic is once again going to be needed.

Here’s our look at five pieces the Broncos could realistically add this offseason:

5) Brandon Brooks (Houston Texans)

It’s no secret that the Broncos need help on the offensive line. In fact, when you look at this year’s line it’s slightly shocking that they won a Super Bowl championship.

Denver will likely be looking to bolster the inside and outside of their line and Brooks could be a good option if the team wants to spend a little bit of money (6 mil-ish). A very large guard at 6-foot-5, 346 pounds, Brooks is especially intriguing because he was drafted by Gary Kubiak in Houston, certainly with his mobility at his size being one of the reasons Kubiak liked him.

A third-round pick out of Miami (OH) in 2012, Brooks will be coming off of his rookie contract with some really solid years under his belt, including 2014 when he was ranked as a top-eight guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. No doubt Brooks would be a great addition for the Broncos and their offensive line.

4) Mitchell Schwartz (Cleveland Browns)

Staying on the offensive line here before we move to the more exciting players, Schwartz is the other tackle opposite Joe Thomas on the Cleveland Browns very sound offensive line. At 26-years old, Schwartz was a second-round pick in 2012 who has since established himself as one of the top right tackles in the game.

Like Brooks, Schwartz has worked in a zone-blocking scheme, working one year in Kyle Shannahan’s system in Cleveland.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound tackle would boost the offensive line corps instantly.

3) Jaye Howard (Kansas City Chiefs)

With Malik Jackson likely seeking more than the three years, 36.7 million that Derek Wolfe hauled in from the Broncos, Howard could be an option with a slightly smaller price tag.

The 27-year old defensive tackle had 5.5 sacks and 31 hurries this season which definitely spikes his price considerably, but he likely won’t command the dollars that Jackson will (seven sacks, 56 hurries).

At six-foot-three, 301 pounds, Howard would be a nice replacement at the same position if Jackson does go chasing dollar signs which is looking more and more likely.

2) Alfred Morris (Washington Redskins)

With the chance of the Broncos letting Ronnie Hillman hit the open market looking more and more likely, the chance that they will pursue a running back in some capacity this offseason raises as well. The 27-year old back from the Redskins could be a good candidate if the Broncos decide to use the free agency route to fill that gap.

One of the biggest knocks on Morris in Washington is that he was a product of the zone-blocking scheme that was in place his rookie year when he rushed for over 1,600 yards. Well, why not bring him right back into that same scheme in Denver?

The knock on Morris would be injuries and a workload that has seen him carry the ball over 1,000 times already in his career, but it could be worth it for the Broncos to take a chance on a guy who really thrived in their scheme and they should be able to get him at the right price due to those knocks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg4-KZI5aIY

1) Eric Weddle (San Diego Chargers)

Eric Weddle is in the midst of an ugly breakup with the San Diego Chargers. It’s to the point where he has said he may never speak with the organization ever again. He’s also said he wants to play for a team that gives him a chance to win a title.

What if there was a team that, at the right price, could give him a chance to win a title while simultaneously giving him a chance to stick it to his ex two times a year?

Denver could be the perfect fit for Weddle and with his focus seemingly on winning more than anything, they might be able to negotiate a very fair price. On top of getting the chance to play for Wade Phillips on an extremely powerful defense, the fact that the Broncos already have a very able stable of safeties means they wouldn’t be asking too much of Weddle’s 31-year old body.

Don’t doubt Phillips’ ability to make use of more weapons, adding Weddle could take the Broncos secondary another step up.

Obviously, the Broncos won’t be able to add all of these guys, already juggling cap-space issues, they will look to fill some of their holes in the draft, but don’t be surprised if you see one or two of them in the Orange & Blue next season. You wouldn’t doubt Elway’s magic on the field and we’ve reached the point where you can’t doubt it in the front office, either.