Denver Broncos free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

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Nov 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) pass rushes in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

DeMarcus Ware

OLB, Denver Broncos

If there is one thing the Broncos need to accomplish this offseason, it is signing DeMarcus Ware. Ware is the poster-child for the Broncos defense, and has really been a phenomenal player for the team over the years. If the Broncos want to stay an elite defense in the NFL, they need to keep players like Ware, and John Elway is certain to make that a priority this offseason.

The main issue with Ware is his age, and when you couple that with the fact he has only played in 21 games over the past two seasons, it can be cause for concern. Still, he is an intimidating presence on the Broncos defense, and if the team can get him to take a pay-cut like they did last year, they have to feel he will be able to produce at a high level in 2017.

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The Broncos will be one of the more interesting teams to follow next season, as Joseph takes over for Gary Kubiak as head coach. They have some very good players on the roster, but the uncertainty at quarterback, and the weakness on the offensive line has to be alarming. The one area they cannot afford to worry about is on defense, so bringing back a team leader like DeMarcus Ware has to be a no-brainer for the Broncos front office at this point.