The Denver Broncos failed to capitalize on a strong start to the season, ultimately missing out on the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year. The 7-10 campaign was a significant letdown, especially considering the Broncos started 3-0, and culminated in the firing of Vic Fangio. The team will be looking to bounce back with a new head coach in 2022, but that won't be all that's changed for the Broncos next season. The Broncos will have money to spend this offseason, with a reported $48 million to spend in order to buff up the team between now and the start of 2022. Quarterback will likely be a position the team chooses to address, but that's far from the only area the team will want to improve upon. With that in mind, here are a few players the Broncos should be targeting in free agency in 2022.
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Broncos Free Agent Targets for 2022 NFL Offseason
3. Marcus Mariota, Quarterback
Marcus Mariota didn't get a particularly long leash in Tennessee at the start of his career and has since settled in as a capable backup for the Las Vegas Raiders. Given some of the quarterback play we've seen across the league this year, it's not out of the picture to envision Mariota getting a starting opportunity in 2022. Denver may be the perfect place for Mariota to attempt to resurrect his career, as he likely provides an improvement over Drew Lock. With Bridgewater set to hit free agency, the Broncos may elect to look elsewhere and could be enticed to bring Mariota aboard in order to bridge the gap between the present and their quarterback of the future. Even if Mariota doesn't end up as the Broncos' starter, having him as a safety net could prove invaluable for a team that struggled with injuries at the position throughout the season.
2. Ryan Jensen, Center
While there's a good chance Ryan Jensen would prefer to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Broncos could potentially lure him away on the open market. With a bunch of money to work with, Denver can address one of their key area of need by bringing in the proven Jensen to replace Lloyd Cushberry, who has consistently ranked among the worst centers in football. Jensen is coming off a terrific season with the Buccaneers during which he served as one of the key protectors for Tom Brady. Adding that type of experience and veteran leadership to a young Broncos team could be a very underrated move, and one which makes life easier for the entire offense in Denver. With the future of the quarterback position still uncertain, adding a key pass protector will make the job easier for whoever does step in as QB1 in Denver.
1. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE
Jadeveon Clowney has had an up-and-down NFL career, but could be a solid target for the Broncos in free agency. After a solid year with the Browns in 2021, Clowney will once again enter free agency for the third time in as many seasons. The Broncos have Bradley Chubb who looks like a promising playmaker on defense, but pairing him with a veteran such as Clowney could take the Broncos' defense to new heights. Clowney is coming off a strong season with the Browns during which he recorded 9.0 sacks, 37 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 19 QB hits across 14 games. He wouldn't be an overly expensive signing for the Broncos, which could make him a preferred target over the likes of fellow EDGE rushers set to hit the market such as Dante Fowler Jr. Clowney has struggled to find an NFL home since leaving the Texans in 2018, having endured one-year stints with the Seahawks, Titans, and Browns. Perhaps reaching an agreement with the Broncos could provide some stability for the 28-year-old while also improving the Broncos' defensive unit.
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