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Denver Broncos free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

By Rucker Haringey

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 19: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos looks for an open teammate during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field At Mile High on December 19, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 19: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos looks for an open teammate during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field At Mile High on December 19, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Dec 13, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) reacts after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) reacts after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

The Broncos want to go from last place in the AFC West to a playoff team in 2021. That will require heavy lifting in free agency. 

Denver faces the unenviable task of trying to unseat the Kansas City Chiefs for supremacy in the AFC West next season. Of course, the Broncos need to find a way to overcome the Raiders and Chargers before they truly become concerned with knocking off Patrick Mahomes and company.

Questions about Drew Lock continue to swirl with real force in Denver. At the very least, the Broncos need to acquire someone to put pressure on him in 2021. That could happen through April’s draft, but it’s more likely to be a priority for the team in free agency.

Vic Fangio’s roster also needs reinforcements on the defensive line if it wants to take a meaningful step forward. Adding a starting cornerback could also help stabilize things on that side of the ball. Their target list begins with a massive defensive lineman who can eat up valuable space for Denver.

5. Dalvin Tomlinson

Sylvester Williams was borderline awful at nose tackle for the Broncos last season. His final PFF grade of 49.3 on the campaign illustrates just how ineffective he was at the point of attack.

Tomlinson could come in and immediately supplant him as a starter. He’s not much of a pass-rushing threat, but that’s not really what Denver looks for at the nose tackle position. They want a guy who can command double teams with his size and strength. That’s Tomlinson’s best skill by a wide margin.

The Broncos might prefer to try to find a true nose tackle in the draft, but landing Tomlinson in free agency would give them a more reliable upgrade. Giving him a multi-year deal with an average annual value between $10 and $12 million would provide Denver good value.

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