Broncos Sign Emmanuel Sanders

The Broncos made another big move in free agency over the weekend when they signed Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders. The deal is a three-year deal worth $15M. The guaranteed portion of the deal is $6M. Essentially, the Broncos got a replacement for the departed Eric Decker for about $9M cheaper. Decker's deal with the Jets is worth $15M guaranteed. Sanders was high on the Broncos wish list for free agent receivers. There was a bit of controversy with this move because Sanders apparently had a verbal agreement with the Chiefs, but his agent supposedly then shopped him to other teams including the Broncos and the Bucs. Sanders said that Denver was the place he always wanted to end up with because of the Peyton Manning factor. That certainly makes a lot of sense. Sanders a nice year last year for the Steelers posting career highs with 67 catches 740 yards and 6 touchdowns. Anyone who has seen Sanders play knows that he can expand those numbers tremendously playing in Denver with Manning and that offense next year. This was a solid move for the Broncos because they replace Decker with a real threat, and it still gives them the chance to draft a wideout in May's NFL Draft. Good signing and good move by John Elway and the Broncos front office to swoop in and snag him away from going to KC.

In other free agency news, the Broncos lost LB Wesley Woodyard to Tennessee. Woodyards signed a four-year deal worth $16M. It sounds like he will step in and start for the Titans at MLB. It is sad to see Woodyard go because he goes back to the Mike Shanahan days in Denver. At times he was the heart and soul of the defense, but he fell out of favor with the coaching staff right around the time he got hurt against Dallas in Week 5. He was a captain for most of his term, but the writing was on the wall that he was on his way out of town because the Broncos replaced him at MLB with Paris Lenon around the middle of the season, and Danny Trevathan was solidly entrenched as the starting weakside linebacker.

Denver also saw both Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Trindon Holliday head off to the New York Giants. DRC turned down the Broncos offer that they essentially gave to Aqib Talib. He was in New Jersey meeting with the Jets on Saturday, but the two sides couldn't come to an agreement on a deal. DRC went over to meet with the Giants on Sunday and agreed to terms on a five-year $35M contract. Rodgers-Cromartie was an essential part of the Broncos defense last season. In his only season in Denver, he played really well in coverage all year long.

Trindon Holliday's story is a little interesting. We all remember the kind of impact that Holliday had once he came to Denver after Week 6 of the 2012 season. He scored six touchdowns on punt and kickoff returns in Denver and had that memorable game against Baltimore in which he scored on a punt return and a kickoff return. Holliday started 2013 in the same fashion with a punt return TD against the Giants in Week 2 and kickoff return against the Eagles in Week 4. After that his play seemed to fall off. Ball security issues were a concern, and his judgment on punts really seemed to take a turn for the worse. Many times this year the Broncos replaced him with Wes Welker on crucial punt returns. In the playoffs, Eric Decker even filled in for him on punt returns. Holliday was a lightning rod and a dynamic returner, and the Broncos need to address that aspect of their special teams next year. I know he came with many risks, but the rewards he provided were pretty high too. The return game will be an interesting subplot heading into the 2014 season.

Broncos Sign Ward, Talib, and Ware to Start Free Agency

The Broncos certainly know how to make a splash during the free agency signing period. Two years ago, they made the biggest move when they signed Peyton Manning. It is safe to say that move has certainly paid off. Last year, the Broncos shocked the NFL world by stealing Wes Welker away from the Patriots. Welker helped Denver become the NFL's most prolific offense ever on the way to over 600 points scored in 2013. What did John Elway do for an encore in 2014? Elway and the Broncos went after some of the biggest fish in free agency. Denver signed safety T.J. Ward in the opening moments of free agency on Tuesday, and then they made one of the most surprising moves by nailing down Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib late Tuesday night. Denver then swooped in grabbed the newly released DeMarcus Ware from Dallas on Wednesday. The focus for Denver going into the offseason was to upgrade their defense, and they did just that. Here is a breakdown of the three big signings Denver made:

1) T.J. Ward-The deal is a four-year $23M agreement, but the key numbers are that the Broncos guaranteed only $14M. It averages out to about $5.5M dollars per year. This is an extremely good deal because Ward is only 27, and he was one of the best safeties available in free agency. The Broncos get a guy in his prime, and they add him to the back end of their secondary, a spot they really needed help in. This might be my favorite move the Broncos made so far. He is a very physical player, and that is something that the Broncos need at this point. By the way, it was famous last year as the guy who literally blew up Rob Gronkowski's knee in the game up in Foxboro. I think this was a great move by the Broncos.

2) Aqib Talib- The deal is reportedly worth six years and $57M , but it includes $26M in guarantees. Plus, the Broncos can cut Talib after three years, and they don't owe him another penny. Talib is 28 years old, and he was considered one of the top five corners available in free agency. As of late Tuesday night, it looked like Denver was going to re-sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but when those negotiations hit a snag, the Broncos turned their attention to Talib. He immediately becomes Denver's #1 corner, and his physical play should help the Broncos in the run game, and he will be the guy who matches up against the top receiver on opposite teams. Talib is definitely an upgrade for the Broncos and they essentially got him for about $8.5M dollars per year. That is lower than some of the other CB deals that were doled out to Sam Shields and Brent Grimes. The one thing that scares me about him is that he is injury prone. Don't forget he also was injured in both of the AFC Championship Games he played in with the Pats the last two years. The one thing I like is that the Broncos again steal another key piece away from the Patriots like they did with Welker a year ago. I think this was a good move by Denver, but I'm worried about the injury bug with him.

3) DeMarcus Ware- The deal is worth $30M over three years. $20M is guaranteed and it is reported that Ware will make about $13M this year. As soon as the Cowboys released Ware, Denver jumped all over him. They were considered the favorites and they got their man. Ware is 31, and last year he was bothered by injuries and he only had six sacks for the Cowboys, which was an all-time low in his career. When healthy, Ware is one of the premier pass rushers in the entire NFL, and it sounds like he will be healthy heading into the 2014 season. Don't underestimate a guy who has a chip on his shoulder, and Ware certainly has that going into next year. Players like Ware want to get a Super Bowl ring, and they want to go to a winner, so going to Denver was a no-brainer. You pair him with Von Miller, and the Broncos have that bookend, pass-rushing combination that they so badly want. I think the Ware signing was a really good one, and he will also bring a very solid presence to the locker room. That part can't be underestimated. It is a really good move for both Ware and the Broncos.

-Denver also re-signed WR Andre Caldwell. The deal is for two years and $3.45M dollars. Look for Caldwell to fill in for the departed Eric Decker. Caldwell is not the same caliber of player as Decker, but he provides some stability considering he has been in the offense with Manning for the past two years.

-Denver did lose some free agents from their team. Guard Zane Beadles to Jacksonville in a deal that will pay him $30M over five seasons with $13M guaranteed. This was a total business decision by Beadles. Denver wasn't going to pay him that money, and he deserved to cash in on the open market. Although Beadles has been a mainstay on the offensive line since 2011, he was always considered the weak link in their group. Denver might move Orlando Franklin inside to guard and move Chris Clark over to RT. I am sure they will look to add another interior lineman in the draft.

-The Broncos also lost WR Eric Decker to the Jets. It was apparent at the outset that Denver didn't have any intention of re-signing Decker, and as a result he is headed to the Jets. It will be interesting to see the final contract numbers for Decker, but the Broncos focus in free agency was going to be on the defensive side of the ball. This year's draft is supposedly very deep at WR, so look for Denver to draft a receiver in the first three rounds. The bottom line with Decker is that he is a solid #2 receiver, and the Broncos have to think about re-signing Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas next offseason. You can't afford to sink huge numbers into three or four receivers. It just doesn't work that way. Was Decker a benefit of having Manning as his QB? Of course he was, but he is still a really solid player, and it is a shame that the Broncos couldn't have found a way to lock him up. Decker won't put up the numbers with Geno Smith in NY, but he will be a good addition for the Jets and their putrid offense.

-The bottom line is that the Broncos still have Peyton Manning as their QB. If you can take the pressure off him just a little bit, and give him some help on the other side of the ball, then they might be an even better team in 2014. Adding Ward, Talib, and Ware has certainly done that. You think John Elway was a little scarred after watching his team get crushed by Seattle in the Super Bowl? I think so, and these moves can get Denver right back there next year in Arizona.

Free Agency Preview 2014-Part 2:Defensive Players

We previewed the top offensive players in our first part of our free agency preview, and now we turn our attention to the defensive side of the ball. Here are the top defensive free agents available this year.

*I only listed Unrestricted Free Agents on these lists*

DEs
1)    Greg Hardy-Carolina (Franchise Tag Applied)
2)    Brian Orakpo-Washington (Franchise Tag Applied)
3)    Michael Bennett-Seattle
4)    Lamarr Houston-Oakland
5)Michael Johnson-Cincy
6)    Jared Allen-Minnesota
7)    Justin Tuck-NY Giants
8)    Jason Worlids-Pittsburgh (Transition Tag Applied)
9)    Shaun Phillips-Denver
10) Antonio Smith-Houston
11) Tyson Jackson-Kansas City
12) Willie Young- Detroit
13) Anthony Spencer-Dallas
14) Everson Griffen-Minnesota
15) Robert Ayers-Denver

DTs
1)    Arthur Jones-Baltimore
2)    Linval Joseph- NY Giants
3)    Randy Starks-Miami
4)    Jason Hatcher-Dallas
5)    Paul Soliai-Miami
6)    Henry Melton-Chicago
7)    B.J. Raji-Green Bay
8)    Red Bryant-Seattle
9)    Tony McDaniel-Seattle
10) Kevin Williams-Minnesota

OLBs
1)    Wesley Woodyard-Denver
2)    Calvin Pace- NY Jets
3)    James Anderson-Chicago
4)    O’Brien Schofield-Seattle
5)    Parys Haralson-New Orleans
6)    Ron Jackson-Washington

ILBs
1)    Daryl Smith-Baltimore
2)    Karlos Dansby-Arizona
3)    Brandon Spikes-New England
4)    Perry Riley-Washington
5)    Jon Beason-NY Giants
6)    Pat Angerer-Indy
7)    Erin Henderson-Minnesota

CBs
1)    Alterraun Verner-Tennessee
2)    Vontae Davis-Indy
3)    Sam Shields-Green Bay
4)    Captain Munnerlyn-Carolina
5)    Aqib Talib-New England
6)    Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-Denver
7)    Charles Tillman-Chicago
8)    Tarell Brown-San Francisco
9)    Walter Thurmond- Seattle
10) Brandon Browner-Seattle
11) Champ Bailey-Denver
12) Corey Graham-Baltimore
13) Cortland Finnegan-St. Louis

Safety
1)    Jairus Byrd-Buffalo
2)    T.J. Ward-Cleveland
3)    Donte Whitner-Buffalo
4)    Chris Clemons-Miami
5)    Major Wright-Chicago
6)    Stevie Brown-NY Giants
7)    Louis Delmas-Detroit
8)    Antoine Bethea-Indy
9)    Brandon Meriweather-Washington
10) Husain Abdullah-Kansas City

Free Agency Preview 2014-Part 1: Offensive Players

As the NFL is about to kick off free agency, here is a look at the top players available at each position. The rankings reflect age, productivity, and potential. Some players are slotted above others based on where I think those players project in the next few years. Free agency can be a high-risk and high-reward scenario for many teams. Sometimes a pick free agent pick up can turn a team into a playoff contender, and sometimes a big free agent move can backfire and send the team into a precarious cap situation. For our preview, we will start on the offensive side of the ball. Here is a look at the top free agents available on offense for the 2014 season.

*NOTE: I am only listing Unrestricted Free Agents on these lists*

QBs
1)    Josh McCown-Chicago
2)    Mike Vick-Philly
3)    Chad Henne-Jacksonville
4)    Josh Freeman-Minnesota
5)    Matt Flynn-Green Bay
6)    Shaun Hill-Detroit
7)    Kellen Clemens-St.Louis
8)    Tarvaris Jackson-Seattle

RBs
1)    Ben Tate-Houston
2)    Knowshon Moreno-Denver
3)    LeGarrette Blount- New England
4)    Andre Brown- NY Giants
5)    Darren McFadden- Oakland
6)    Maurice Jones-Drew- Jacksonville
7)    Donald Brown- Indianapolis
8)    James Starks- Green Bay
9)    Toby Gerhart-Minnesota
10) La’Rod Stephens-Howling- Pittsburgh

WRs

1)    Eric Decker-Denver
2)    Hakeem Nicks- NY Giants
3)    James Jones-Green Bay
4)    Julian Edelman-New England
5)    Emmanuel Sanders-Pittsburgh
6)    Golden Tate-Seattle
7)    Jacoby Jones-Baltimore
8)    Kenny Britt-Tennessee
9)    Ted Ginn-Carolina
10) Andre Roberts-Arizona
11) Jason Avant-Philly
12) Sidney Rice-Seattle
13) Brandon LaFell-Carolina
14) Jerricho Cotchery-Pittsburgh
15) Santana Moss-Washington

TEs
1)    Jimmy Graham-New Orleans (Franchise Tag Applied)
2)    Brandon Pettigrew-Detroit
3)    Jermichael Finley-Green Bay
4)    Scott Chandler- Buffalo
5)    Brandon Myers- NY Giants
6)    Fred Davis-Washington
7)    Garrett Graham-Houston
8)    John Carlson-Minnesota
9)    Ed Dickson-Baltimore
10) Jeff Cumberland-NY Jets

Centers
1)    Alex Mack-Cleveland (Transition Tag Applied)
2)    Evan Dietrich-Smith-Green Bay
3)    Brian De La Puente-New Orleans
4)    Jonathan Goodwin- San Francisco
5)    Rich Ohrnberger- San Diego
6)    Ryan Wendell-New England

Guards
1)    Travelle Wharton-Carolina
2)    Geoff Schwartz- Kansas City
3)    Zane Beadles- Denver
4)    John Jerry-Miami
5)    Kevin Boothe-NY Giants
6)    Jon Asamoah- Kansas City

Tackles
1)    Eugene Monroe-Baltimore
2)    Brandon Albert- Kansas City
3)    Jared Veldheer-Oakland
4)    Austin Howard- NY Jets
5)    Rodger Saffold- St. Louis
6)    Michael Oher-Baltimore
7)    David Stewart-Tennessee
8)    Anthony Collins-Cincy

So Long Champ..

The first significant move of the Broncos offseason transpired today when the team released Champ Bailey. Bailey was due $10 million this upcoming year, and it was not a shocking move at all. In fact, many Broncos fans had anticipated this move from about the middle of the season. The Broncos will save $10 million in cap space with the transaction. It is a sad day because it marks the end of one of the greatest Broncos in franchise history. For younger Broncos fans, Champ was the main superstar and constant for this team over the last 10 years. When the Broncos dealt Clinton Portis for Bailey before the 2004 season, it was a move that was designed to transform an average defense into an elite one. I don't think it ever really made the Broncos an elite defense, but Champ Bailey certainly continued to play at an elite level in Denver. His highlight as a Bronco will always be his interception of Tom Brady in the 2005 AFC Divisional Playoff Game. Up 10-6, the Broncos were in trouble as the Pats were driving deep in Denver territory. Bailey jumped up and intercepted a Brady pass at the goal line and raced down the sideline. He ran out of gas and got knocked out of bounds at the one-yard line, but Denver scored the next play and extended the lead to 17-6. It was truly the turning point of the game, and it helped Denver go onto to win the game 27-13. Anytime you ask or think about that game the memory of Bailey's pick of Brady is the first thing that pops up. People forget how Bailey put together two of the best seasons a cornerback can have in 2005 and 2006. He should have won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in '06, but those two years featured Bailey at his best. Yes, he had some tough seasons where he had to fight through injury like in 2008, but he bounced back and had solid seasons in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. I never forget watching Champ completely shut down Dwayne Bowe late in the 2010 season. As Denver was going through a nightmare year, the Broncos were playing at KC with a 3-8 record against the then AFC West leading Chiefs. Champ still competed his butt off, and he completely frustrated and shut down Bowe. In the midst of an awful year, he continued to play his ass off, and Broncos fans appreciated it. I also appreciated how he re-signed with Denver after the nightmare 4-12 season of 2010. Instead of leaving and heading to a contender, Bailey put his faith in John Elway and John Fox, remained loyal, and stayed with Denver. He was rewarded by going back to the playoffs three straight years, and appearing in his first Super Bowl last year. The last couple of years you could see that Bailey was losing a step. After a solid 2012 season, Champ got torched by Torrey Smith in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against Baltimore. After dealing with a foot injury that sidelined him for the first five games of the 2013 season, Bailey came back against lowly Jacksonville and promptly got burnt by Justin Blackmon all game long. He hurt his foot again the next week, and basically came back for only the final few games. He played admirably as a nickel corner against the Chargers and the Patriots in the playoffs, but he got burnt multiple times by the Seahawks. It is sad that is last game as a Broncos will be that awful loss in the Super Bowl to Seattle, but it still can't take away the memories of watching #24 in orange and blue for 10 years. He was a great leader for the team, he was great in the community, and he was one of the real good guys to root for in Denver. Thanks for the memories Champ! It was a pleasure.