3 free agents the Denver Broncos should avoid in 2021 offseason

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 13: Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates his interception with Taron Johnson #24 during the first half against the New York Jets at Bills Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 13: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos prepares to snap the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

The Denver Broncos are hopefully going to make the leap in the AFC West, but they need to avoid these free agents.

The finger will always point at Drew Lock because he’s the quarterback. However, he was just one of the problems found in the Denver Broncos’ locker room during the 2020 season.

The hopeful plan is there’s a new era here in the Mile High City long-term. George Paton has taken over as the next general manager and plans to build a contender within the next two seasons. Could the Broncos move off of Lock? It’s too soon to say.

They could though make some quality moves this offseason to jump in the AFC West.

Denver’s defense will need a quick tune-up at multiple levels. Should they be able to sign Justin Simmons to a long-term deal, that will eat up a chunk of the salary cap. Still, with $47.5 million in cap space, they could make a few extra signings as well.

Paton’s job will be to dissect good contracts from bad ones. These three players and the price wouldn’t be good at all.

3 free agents the Broncos should avoid in 2021 offseason

Pick Analysis. Buffalo Bills. Matt Milano . player. Scouting Report. LB. 3. 16

Alexander Johnson had another stellar year as the leading tackler for the Broncos’ defense. Grading out on Pro Football Focus with a 65.4 overall, there’s room for improvement, but he’s good.

Johnson is the thumper of the Broncos front seven. His job is to control the run and make sure that he commands the team, putting them in the right gaps. With the NFL turning into a more pass-happy league, it’s best to have a cover linebacker, specifically in 3-4 sets.

Is Milano the guy for Denver?

When looking at his tools, Milano is the ideal linebacker in today’s game. A willing tackler, and good coverage against tight ends and running backs, there’s very little that cannot be asked of the Bills’ defender.

Milano, though, can miss in the open field as a tackler. He has his moments of weakness against slot receivers with speed. However, the production has earned him a decent payday by some team. Will Denver be willing to offer an average salary of $12 million a season?

Denver has options in the draft to add a linebacker. At the price Milano is looking for, someone else should be the one to pay him.

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