Are Broncos' free-agency splurges misguided?

Per Spotrac, the Denver Broncos have spent over $241.5 million on free agents this offseason, second-most in the NFL. 

But before buying into the Broncos, understand their blueprint is a gamble.

It's possible that Denver overpaid multiple free agents, placing them among the highest-paid players at their position. According to The Athletic's Mike Sando, Denver made Mike McGlinchey the fifth-highest-paid RT, Ben Powers the 10th-highest-paid guard and Zach Allen the 10th-highest-paid DE.

The Allen deal (a three-year, $45.8 million contract) flabbergasted one league executive. 

"We liked Zach and would've been interested in the $10 million range," the exec told Sando. "Then we heard he had something north of $13 million, and then he signed for $15 million, and it is, 'OK, that is crazy.' He has durability issues too."

In four seasons, Allen has never recorded more than 5.5 sacks, has never played an entire season and holds no Pro Bowl selections. 

Powers and McGlinchey are less injury-prone and both played 17 games in 2022, but neither has made a Pro Bowl.

Denver could be making head-scratching moves, or it might be taking a page from the Jaguars, who spent the most money in free agency in 2022 and made the playoffs after going 3-14 in 2021.

The philosophy hinges on players breaking out and having a career year. For example, Jacksonville WR Christian Kirk had a career-high 1,108 receiving yards, good for 14th in the NFL. New Denver HC Sean Payton, a Super Bowl champion, can elevate the new roster pieces and produce similar results.

However, being skeptical about the Broncos is reasonable because their recent blockbuster moves, such as the Russell Wilson trade, have not panned out. Additionally, these moves aren't a guarantee. 

It will be on the new leadership to create positive outcomes.