|
Most significant signing: The Broncos went for the big splash in the opening days of free agency, reeling in four high-profile players -- DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward and Emmanuel Sanders. The most important addition, both on the field and in the locker room, may carry the biggest risk as well. Ware, 31, was the oldest player the Broncos signed last week, and he is coming off an injury-marred 2013 season. But Ware has 117 career sacks and has missed just three games in the previous nine years. The Broncos see him as still being an elite edge rusher worth a $30 million deal. Most significant loss: On the field, wide receiver Eric Decker was the biggest loss. But in the locker room, it was linebacker Wesley Woodyard. The Broncos believe Sanders, if he gets up to speed quickly in the playbook, can be a more versatile receiver in their scheme than Decker was. Decker, however, is taller and had 24 touchdowns the past two seasons combined thanks to his work in the red zone. In the locker room, Woodyard was the first player since Hall of Famer Floyd Little to be a captain each of his first six seasons with the team. Woodyard's outlook, work ethic and ability to relate to his teammates will be missed. Biggest surprise: Most in the league expected the Broncos to be active once the bidding opened last week. But they were able to reel in two players -- Talib and Sanders -- after they appeared to be heading elsewhere. The Broncos were negotiating with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie during the first hours of free agency before they zeroed in on Talib. Sanders took four team visits but signed his deal with the Broncos shortly after he arrived at the team's complex Sunday. What's next? The Broncos were able to address some of their most glaring needs on the depth chart at defensive end, wide receiver and cornerback. It will allow them the freedom to take the best player available in May's draft, no matter the position. The Broncos will still give a long look to a deep class of receivers in the draft and will likely take a cornerback as well. They are largely done in free agency unless they see an offensive lineman who piques their interest.
|
