Denver Broncos 2023 Season: 8 wins, 9 losses, missed the playoffs
overview: Sean Payton's first season in Denver was anything but quiet. The Broncos conceded 70 points in September, but bounced back and made the playoffs, finishing with an 8-9 record and narrowly missing out on making the postseason. But they also had a dispute with solid starting quarterback Russell Wilson, benching him before Week 17 and paving the way for the two to split this offseason.
The only problem? The Broncos aren't in a great position with their current cap space, and releasing Wilson would likely come at a cost. All signs point to a major demolition in Denver as Payton and a new ownership group shape the future of this franchise.
key free agent
LB Josie Jewell
K. Will Lutz
Who is in and out: The Broncos don't have many free agents leaving, but they may want to bring back kicker Will Lutz, who showed impressive bounce back in his first year with the Broncos. Lutz completed 88.2% of his kicks, compared to just 74.2% the previous year.
Main needs of free agents
quarterback
corner
corner back
Why are there holes? If (or when) they find a way to move on from Wilson, the Broncos will have a big hole to fill at quarterback. Even if the team brings back Jarrett Stidham, they need to add someone reliable at that spot. There is also room to upgrade the secondary around star cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
do they have money?
still! The Broncos have a difficult decision to make regarding what to do with Russell Wilson, as he is $13 million over his projected 2024 cap space, according to Spotrac.
Remarkable savings potential
QB Russell Wilson
OT Garrett Bolles
S Justin Simmons
Reason for their disappearance: Wilson's relationship with the Broncos has probably gone too far, and given his play in recent years, they might just have to designate him for cuts after June 1st and take a dead cap hit over the next few seasons. unknown. Garrett Bolles ($20 million cap hit if he was on the roster) and Justin Simmons ($18.25 million) were quality players for the team, but they're worthless for a team that's going to be bad in 2024. You may end up paying the victim's cap.
draft pick
1st round: No.15
3rd round: No.76
4th round (vs. Dolphins)
Game 5 (Jets)
Game 7 (vs. Rams)
good draft fit
JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan State
why him? Unless the Broncos are willing to trade all the way to the top of the draft and spend future draft assets in a hurry, they'll likely have to wait for a second-tier quarterback prospect. JJ McCarthy doesn't have an exciting game, but he might be talented enough to be a steady starting quarterback in the NFL.
What will move the fantasy football needle this offseason?
Denver is closer to a clean slate offensively than many realize. The receiver room still lacks a quality starter beyond Courtland Sutton. Greg Dulcich played little at tight end in his second year. Javonte Williams should be better a year after suffering a serious knee injury, but it's unclear how committed this coaching staff is to him as an obvious workhorse. It remains to be seen exactly where Sean Payton's vision for this offense lies as he prepares for his second season. Unless there's a home run quarterback behind center, I probably won't spend much time on a voyage of discovery. — Matt Harmon
