The Broncos wasted no time and no money when they dove into the free agency market at the beginning of the new league year this week. The Broncos spent a lot of money to sign free agents and were very active. I know that winning free agency in March doesn't guarantee winning games in September, but at least the Broncos were aggressive and went out and improved the team. Here are the moves the Broncos made and some analysis for each one:
1) Broncos sign RT Mike McGlinchey (5 years $87.5 million -$50 million guaranteed): The Broncos needed to improve their offensive line and they did by adding McGlinchey. He is a road-grader and was a top offensive tackle for the 49ers the last few years. The Broncos have needed solid stability at the Right Tackle spot, and they think they have found one in McGlinchey.
2) Broncos sign G Ben Powers ( 4 years $51.5 million- $28.5 million guaranteed): The Broncos also needed to improve on the interior of their offensive line, and Powers was one of the top-rated Guards available. He was really good in Baltimore last year, and this is another move that improves the Broncos offensive line.
3) Broncos sign DE Zach Allen (3 years $45.75 million- $32.5 million guaranteed): Instead of trying to sign Dremont Jones, the Broncos opted to sign Allen away from Arizona. He had similar production to Jones last year, and he is run-stuffer and can get after the QB. We will see if this turns out to be an upgrade over Jones.
4) Broncos sign QB Jarrett Stidham (2 years $10 million- $5 million guaranteed): I had a feeling that Brett Rypien's days in Denver as the backup QB were going to be over, and Stidham comes over from the Raiders to back up Russell Wilson. If Stidham has to play due to a Wilson injury, there is some optimism that he can play well for a start or two.
5) Broncos sign TE Chris Manhertz (2 years $6 million-$3.3 million guaranteed): Not only did the Broncos need to improve their offensive line, but they needed to add another blocker to the TE position. Manhertz is a blocking TE, and it will be fun to see him join Greg Dulcich and Albert O.
6) Broncos sign RB Samaje Perine (2 years $7.5 million-$3 million guaranteed): This was a really good signing by Denver. They get a physical back in Perine, who can also help out in pass protection. Perine could be a real key in the Broncos offense under Sean Payton.
7) Broncos sign FB Michael Burton (1 year $1.3 million guaranteed): The Broncos didn't have a Fullback on the roster last season, and now they add Burton from the Chiefs. It will be fun to see Denver line up in some formations with a fullback leading the way for their tailbacks.
8) Broncos sign CB/RET Tremon Smith (2 years $5.5 million): Montrell Washington did not have a good rookie season as a returner in Denver, so it was a position that they had to look to help and/or upgrade. They sign Smith from the Texans and this could be a big upgrade to get the special teams going.
9) Broncos re-sign LB Alex Singleton (3 years $18 million- $9 million guaranteed): This was a move that every Broncos fan wanted to see the team make. Getting Singleton back was huge. He had a great season in Denver last year, and is a tackling machine. It will be nice to see him comeback and pair up with Josey Jewell in the middle again.
10) Broncos re-sign S P.J. Locke (Terms Undisclosed): Locke was re-signed as a restricted free agent, and he brings some depth and value to the secondary.
