Report: Broncos to target edge-rushers in free agency, draft

Although the Broncos and Rams executed a mutually beneficial trade, with Von Miller going to Los Angeles and two Day 2 picks going to Denver, Miller’s old team is now in need at outside linebacker.

The Broncos are planning to upgrade that area either through free agency or the draft, according to James Palmer of NFL.com. Denver’s $38M-plus in cap space sits sixth presently, but this is without a notable quarterback salary on the team’s payroll. Quarterback continues to serve as the team’s top need, as it has for most of the past seven offseasons. But without Miller on the roster, the Broncos are needier at their highest-profile defensive position.

Coming off an injury-marred season that featured zero sacks in seven games, Bradley Chubb is in need of a big contract year. The former top-five pick is Denver’s top edge defender. However, former UDFA Malik Reed has played well; seventh-round rookie Jonathon Cooper also showed flashes off the bench. Midseason trade acquisition Stephen Weatherly is on track for free agency. Denver has its top D-linemen — Shelby Harris and Dre’Mont Jones — under contract for 2022.

The Broncos have not spent much on edge-rushers in free agency since signing DeMarcus Ware in 2014. Players at similar points in their careers are expected to be available next month. Chandler Jones, Jason Pierre-Paul and Jadeveon Clowney are among the top free agents-to-be. The Titans should be expected to retain Harold Landry, likely via the franchise tag, while Haason Reddick and Uchenna Nwosu are younger rushers headed to the market. Georgia’s Travon Walker and Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson loom as edges potentially available at No. 9 overall, in the likely event Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux are off the board.

Miller is the most interesting potential target. The future Hall of Famer has spoken glowingly of his former franchise in recent weeks and is now familiar with Denver’s new DC, ex-Rams secondary coach Ejiro Evero. The Broncos and Miller seemed a mismatch at the deadline, with Denver headed toward its sixth straight playoff absence. However, if the Broncos were to fill their years-long quarterback need and raise their contender profile, a veteran like Miller would make more sense on a reunion deal.

Miller, 33 in March, will not come cheap after his late-season Rams run (nine sacks in his final eight games) helped the team to a Super Bowl title. Miller said a Rams return is preferred, but he plans to explore the market as a first-time UFA.