3 Broncos Free-Agent Targets to Fit Sean Payton's Offense
The sun shines brightly over Dove Valley as fans anxiously await the opening press conference of the Denver Broncos' new head coach Sean Payton. The prolonged nightmare of last season’s horrific offensive performances may finally be over with the arrival of a coach renowned for getting his squad to light up the scoreboard.
Payton’s task to breathe life into the Broncos' offense won’t be easy. Many well-intentioned past offensive gurus have come through the door proclaiming they have the answer to resuscitating mediocre quarterback play and a languishing run game but ultimately failed miserably. But Payton has a track record of success.
If anyone can fix Russell Wilson and the Bronco’s 28th-ranked offense, it’s the veteran coach. As the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, since 2010, Payton’s offense graded in the top tier of the league in 10 out of 12 seasons. He is the real deal.
Payton recently commented that getting the run game going and improving pass protection is the best way to reduce Wilson’s burden. Consequently, priority No. 1 for Broncos GM George Paton is to overhaul the offensive line through free agency and the NFL draft.
There are three free agents the Broncos should target to improve the offense's ability to gain yards on the ground and lighten the load on Wilson’s shoulders.
Kaleb McGary | OT | Atlanta Falcons
The Broncos have been on an easter egg hunt for a reliable right tackle since the 2015 Super Bowl. McGary could be the answer to the prayers and solve a stubborn problem.
The 6-foot-6, 306-pounder was drafted 31st in the 2019 draft by the Falcons. McGary is an accomplished run blocker and is rock-solid in pass protection. His Pro Football Focus grade for the 2022 season was 91.6 in run blocking and 66.9 in pass blocking.
Paired with Garett Bolles, who is returning from a season-ending injury, McGary could provide the perfect recipe to give coach Payton the confidence to reach deep into his Rolodex and call plays that they take advantage of the Broncos matchups.
Isaac Seumalo | OG | Philadelphia Eagles
Step one for the Broncos organization is to determine the fate of Colorado native and fan-favorite guard Dalton Risner. Now a free agent, the new coaching staff will decide whether Risner's skill set and his potential price tag align with their vision of the offensive line.
If the decision is made to move on from Risner, the Broncos should put Seumalo's phone number on speed dial. At 6-foot-4 and 303 pounds, the veteran interior lineman is the model of balanced performance in both run and pass blocking. He earned an overall PFF grade last season of 75.2 and would be vital in preventing interior defensive pressure from interfering with Wilson’s passing lanes.
Mecole Hardman | WR | Kansas City Chiefs
Injuries to Broncos speedster wide receiver KJ Hamler have impaired his availability over the last two years. Based on Hamler's injury history, he can’t be counted on as a reliable option in the upcoming season. It’s time to give Coach Payton a new weapon to unleash against his AFC West opponents.
Hardman’s speed brings a high level of lethality in both the run and pass game. Hardman ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the Combine the year he came out. Like Kansas City head coach Andy Reid, Payton would put Hardman in the best position to maximize his talents.
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