Pro Bowler headlines potential free-agent targets for Broncos

Free agency begins March 15 at 4 p.m. ET. 

Positional needs for Denver Broncos: OT, DE, RB

One word describes the 2022 Broncos: disaster. Denver went 5-12, and the Russell Wilson trade looked like an utter failure after he completed a career-low 60.5 percent of his passes in 15 regular-season games. Denver has $9.4 million in cap space, per OverTheCap.com, but must get creative with salaries to sign any of these big names.

Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Chiefs 

Wilson was sacked 55 times in 2022, a career-high, and tied for most in the league. Brown Jr. is a four-time Pro Bowler who specializes in pass protection. Per Pro Football Focus, his 88.7 pass-block grade ranked third among LTs. 

Denver LT Garett Bolles is a former second-team All-Pro, so Brown Jr. could play on the right side. He played right tackle from 2018-20. 

Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Colts

Denver's pass rush diminished after it traded Bradley Chubb to Miami. The Broncos recorded 36 sacks, tied for 25th in the league. Defensive end Randy Gregory's health is a concern after he missed 11 games, and free-agent DE Dre'mont Jones might cash in elsewhere after recording career highs in sacks (6.5) and tackles (47). 

Ngakoue, a former Pro Bowler, had 9.5 sacks in 15 games, more than any player on Denver's roster. At 27, he's not a young rising star, but he's a solid option who could fortify Denver's D-line. Per Spotrac, his market value is a four-year, $59,244,263 deal with an average salary of $14,811,066.

David Montgomery, RB, Chicago Bears 

Javonte Williams suffered a season-ending ACL/LCL tear in Week 4 and may not return until later in the 2023 season. Backup RB Latavius Murray replaced Williams, rushing for a team-high 703 yards. But he's 33, ancient for a running back.

Having a versatile back such as Montgomery wouldn't hurt. He rushed for 800 yards or more in his first four seasons and caught 79.9 percent of his passes. Montgomery isn't a future feature back, but he's a third-down RB who can provide juice. 

The offense needs a punch. Denver scored 287 points in 17 games, last in the league.