Broncos Bring Kareem Jackson Back

 Kareem Jackson is coming back to Denver after all. After releasing Jackson last week, Denver re-signed Jackson on a 1 year deal worth $5 million. This is a paycut for Jackson, but ultimately he ends up back in Denver and paired in a secondary with Justin Simmons and newly signed members Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby. Jackson has been a very good player for the Broncos for two years, and this move makes a ton of sense for the Broncos. George Paton re-signs a starter in the secondary and the Broncos get him at an affordable price. 

Broncos Sign CB Kyle Fuller

 The Broncos made a big move in free agency when they signed former Bears CB Kyle Fuller to a 1-year deal for $9.5 million. This is a great move for the Broncos as they add a Pro Bowl level CB in Fuller, who had success with Vic Fangio in Chicago. Now, the Broncos have Fuller and newly signed Ronald Darby on the outside at CB and Bryce Callahan as the nickel and slot corner. It also gives them flexibility in the draft and they can look to add at other positions and don't have to fill a need at CB. This was a really good move for the Broncos and give credit to George Paton for jumping all over Fuller when he became available. 

Broncos Free Agency Moves

 Let's take a look and break down the moves the Broncos have made in free agency during the first week of the official signing period......

Acquisitions

-Re-signed DL Shelby Harris: The Broncos were able to sign Harris to a 3-year deal right at the start of free agency. This was a great move and the Broncos really needed to bring Harris back. He is a very good player on that defensive line, and he is a good team leader and locker room guy. This was a must move for new GM George Paton.

-Signed CB Ronald Darby: The Broncos needed a veteran CB after letting A.J. Bouye go this offseason. Getting Darby to come in and fill in as the #2 CB was an important move to make. He had a very good season last year in Washington and hopefully this move works out as the Broncos try to solidify their secondary. 

-Signed RB Mike Boone: Boone comes over from Minnesota and he will add depth at RB and he is a special teams contributor. Boone is a depth move at this point.

-Franchise Tag on S Justin Simmons: The Broncos placed the franchise tag on Simmons for the second straight year, and it looks like they will get a long-term deal done with him before next season. Simmons staying in Denver is a priority and it looks like both sides want to make it happen.

-Exercise Option on LB Von Miller: Denver picked up Von Miller's team option and he will be back in Denver in 2021. He is the face of the franchise and missed all of last season with a freak, ankle injury. It will be nice to see him back in Denver next year and see him back to the pass-rushing force he once was. 

-2nd Round Tender for WR Tim Patrick: Denver set a 2nd round tender for Patrick, which means he will be back helping the WR unit once again. Patrick has developed into a solid player and bringing him back will only help this offense grow.

-2nd Round Tender for LB Alexander Johnson: The Broncos set a 2nd round tender for Johnson, so he will be back next year as well. A leader and solid player on defense, Johnson will be a starter once again in the middle.

Departures

-S Kareem Jackson: The Broncos declined to pick up his option, so that makes Jackson a free agent. Jackson was a really good player in Denver the last two years. He teamed up with Justin Simmons to be a really good tandem at the safety spot. I understand the thought about paying Jackson and Simmons big deals, but Jackson was really good, and I don't like the gaping hole that now occupies the back end of the secondary. I think this is a mistake.

-RB Philip Lindsay: This one hurts the most. Lindsay was given the original round tender by Denver instead of the 2nd round tender. Then, Denver rescinded the tender to let Lindsay go free and become a free agent. I am really surprised the Broncos don't value Lindsay. I don't want to hear about his pass protection and if he fits in this offense. He is a really good football player, who provides a spark whenever he touches the football. You need good players on your team. You don't just let them go. This was a huge mistake by Denver. To let Lindsay go like this is really disheartening and it is a shame because he is a type of player you want in your backfield and on your roster.