The Mile High Report staff debates whether or not the team should be measured or aggressive in free agency.
The Denver Broncos enter this year’s free agency period with ample cap space for the 2025 season. Additionally, they have plenty of space down the road. But will they make big splashes in free agency like they did in Head Coach Sean Payton’s first year with the team or will they be more measured like last offseason?
General Manager George Paton spoke about the importance of being measured in their free agency decisions at this year’s NFL Combine. Additionally, he reflected on some of the whiffs the team has endured in free agency. However, after a wildcard playoff berth and having quarterback Bo Nix on his rookie deal for the next few seasons, there are some who may believe the Broncos’ window to be aggressive begins now.
With that in mind, I asked the staff at Mile High Report if the Broncos should be aggressive or measured in free agency.
Most of us at Mile High Report advocate for a measured approach
Ross Allen
I’ll stick to a more measured approach. They have a decent amount of cap space but I’d rather that money be spent on a couple of extensions for players already here. But there is enough for one big signing and maybe a couple smaller ones. I’m talking about a Zack Baun or a Nick Bolton and then a vet receiver or a vet center.
Taylor Kothe
My thoughts are similar to what Ross said. At this point, of the arguable top 10 wide receivers available in free agency only 2 aren’t in their 30s. Both of those guys will be 29 before the season begins. The tight end and wide receiver free agent classes aren’t much better, especially considering the rich draft class in the pipeline.
So, if we make one big FA signing, I’d prefer to see it be for a defender and then see it followed up with several good value signings similar to last offseason. Use free agency primarily to reinforce our defense and then go offense-heavy in the draft to build for the long term around Nix.
Tim Lynch
We are not quite ready for the aggressive approach. I feel like you save that for a season you expect to be one of the best teams in the league. I think the Broncos are on the ascent, but still a young and inexperienced team. They are going to get better.
Mike DeCicco
Measured. Find scheme fits like Brandon Jones that can be had for a reasonable contract. We’re not one player away where a splashy move gets us over the top. Depth is the priority.
John Holmes
Extremely measured. I’d rather see money spent on extensions for Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen than big starter salary on free agents. The Broncos have, especially last year, needed to push a lot of salary into future cap years. Taking a year without aggression and trusting the young core to develop sets the team up for success both in 2025 and beyond.
Joe Mahoney
Fill the holes that you don’t think you can fill in the draft with mid-level FAs. Look for value more than the names.
Some advocated for being aggressive, but in varying degrees
Ian St. Clair
How about measured aggressiveness? What everyone else said I’m in agreement but be aggressive in the players the Broncos have identified as targets. Namely the in-house guys and then middle linebacker and safety, maybe receiver or tight end after that. On defense, guys like Nick Bolton and Jevon Holland. Extend your current players and get the guys you want, so measured aggressiveness.
Christopher Hart
I’d prioritize in-house extensions before being aggressive in this year’s market. It’s not a great core of talent. In an ideal world, they’re aggressive retaining top-end players like Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto on the defensive side of the ball. As far as the market goes, do what you can to add a starter at linebacker which they desperately need, a stop-gap defensive lineman, and a safety to compete alongside P.J. Locke. I kind of like Ian’s idea of measured aggressiveness. That’s a good line of thought!
Scotty Payne
Aggressive. Life is short and I could die tomorrow so go big or go home. You have a short window with Nix on a rookie contract, wealthy owners and a raising cap each and every year. Go big and fill some weaknesses
Adam Malnati
Aggressive—with a plan. No point in just spending money for spending’s sake. But if there is a player that fits what the team is doing, go for it. There are positions of need that can be filled in free agency. George Paton has done a very good job working with Sean Payton finding players that can get the Broncos another step closer to the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl.
As always, feel free to give your thoughts in the comments section. Also, don’t forget to vote in the poll! I’m interested to hear what Broncos Country has to say about this.