The 2023 season has just ended, and on February 20, the 2024 campaign will open its doors. Touchdown Actu therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Denver Broncos.
Roller coasters. This is what we could name the title of the Denver Broncos 2023 season. The Colorado franchise then made headlines for off-field performances, particularly in relation to Russell Wilson. Sean Payton and front office made it clear to the quarterback that he was no longer counting on him in 2024.
This offseason is going to be momentous for Sean Payton and George Paton. The Broncos are preparing to take a new direction, but which one? And above all, with whom at quarterback?
The captains
- Justin Simmons (S)
- Patrick Surtain II (CB)
- Courtland Sutton (WR)
The first two players on this list have been less impressive in 2023. Nevertheless, they remain the executives of this team. Justin Simmons and Pat Surtain II embody defensive leadership. Their importance is crucial, even if the second showed its limits during the second part of the season.
Leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns scored (some even sometimes spectacular), Courtland Sutton finally justifies his 4-year contract. The receiver had his best career season in terms of touchdowns, and established himself as an essential element for the future quarterback of the franchise.
The undesirables
- Russell Wilson (QB)
- Jerry Jeudy (WR)
- Tim Patrick (WR)
We are not going to repeat the history of the reasons which pushed Denver to send Russell Wilson to the bench. Sean Payton knows the stories of negative payroll well having experienced it with the Saints. Since he didn’t choose it, he decides to stop the fees. However, despite a 2nd season more encouraging than the first, the former Seahawks star is far from justifying the big contract the Broncos gave him after his exchange.
Whose fault is it ? If not himself, we could look to Sean Payton who has not been able to use him well. We could also cite the offensive line incapable of protecting him, or the receivers incapable of making decisive receptions.
Precisely, in terms of receivers, two players complete the table in this section for different reasons. With the end of his rookie contract arriving at the end of the 2024 season, Jerry Jeudy, too irregular, could be the first sacrificed to save money.
Injured over the last 2 seasons and still under contract in 2023, Tim Patrick is another obvious candidate for a potential cut. This will save Denver $9 million. Not insignificant for a team that needs salary margin (-$25 million in 2024).
Man of the Summer: Sean Payton (HC)
This will be Sean Payton’s first full offseason at the helm of Denver. The coach believed he was on the right track to qualify for the playoffs. Eventually, the catastrophic home stretch brought the Broncos to the first questions of the 2023 season. The main one being: is he the right coach to revive this franchise?
During this offseason, his main mission is to rebuild the offense, especially on the line. Obviously, finding a new quarterback and making him shine will also be his goal.
In any case, the coach is already laying the foundations with a reunion with his former offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. While waiting to find his new Drew Brees, Sean Payton will play very big during the 2024 season. It starts with a successful offseason.
Main free agents
1. Josey Jewell (LB)
2. Lloyd Cushenberry (OL)
3. PJ Locke (S)
4. Adam Trautman (TE)
5. Mike Purcell (DT)
Autres free agents : Fabian Moreau (CB), Jonathan Harris (DT), Lil’Jordan Humphrey (WR), Will Lutz (K), Cameron Fleming (OT), Michael Burton (FB), Quinn Bailey (OL), Ben Niemann (LB)
Players at the end of their contract are not captains. With a payroll in the red, it is difficult to see Denver offering big contracts to these players.
Among those who deserve a new contract are defenders Josey Jewell and PJ Locke. Regular, the first has a good chance of leaving with a big contract which would be deserved. Revelation of the 2023 season, being in his prime (26 years old), safety Locke could be rewarded by another team.
The case of Lloyd Cushenberry can be divisive. Sometimes good, sometimes bad during his first seasons, the center had one of his best seasons in 2023. Denver could therefore use the franchise tag on him. But, the chances of the Broncos giving him a big contract are slim.
Needs
1. Defensive Tackle
2. Quarterback
3. Cornerback
4. Edge Rusher
5. Catcher
The need for a quarterback is obviously one of the priorities to replace Russell WilsonBut it is not the only one.
The Broncos are the 30th ranked run defense. It is therefore essential that a defensive tackle comes to replace (or even support) a DJ Jones in great difficulty in 2023. Still on the defensive line, a more experienced pass rusher could support Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper.
The second curtain may have two pillars, the rest is limited. A second talented cornerback could be wise to support them. Finally, on offense, the receiver position is filled in quantity, but not in quality. Sean Payton needs to find his Marques Colston or his Michael Thomas, under penalty of disappointing Denver supporters. With the uncertain situation around Jerry Jeudy, and despite the recent draft of Marvin Mims Jr., Denver still seems limited at this position.
The target: Jameis Winston (QB, Saints)
The quarterback market in 2024 is tempting. Unfortunately, with unstable finances, the Broncos cannot afford to attract quarterbacks who had a big contract or who have just shined in 2023.
We must therefore find a transition quarterback, with the idea that he plays his last chance if he wants to continue to have a career in the NFL. This quarterback must have an affinity with the coach’s offensive system.
A quarterback ticks his criteria: it’s Jameis Winston. The former number 1 of the 2015 Draft is only 30 years old, and has already been in the shoes of a number 1 quarterback. Having become a replacement for the Saints, the former number 3 of the Buccanneers could replace another number 3. Which would be a real nod to history.
New blood: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
Captain, appointed to all possible first team types at his position, Jer’Zhan Newton is a versatile player, capable of putting pressure on like being a formidable tackler. He became more effective in 2023, especially in terms of sacks (7.5 in 2023).
His potential selection would boost a Denver front line in great difficulty in 2023. With 29 tackles for loss in his college career, he could single-handedly solve the defensive problems against the run.
2024-02-12 16:00:08
#Intersaison #Denver #Broncos #Sean #Payton #hand
