Insider Hints at Broncos' Plan For the Center Position
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The Denver Broncos have been as active to start free agency as any team in the NFL. Signing a starting right tackle, left guard, defensive lineman, and linebacker on top of depth at quarterback, tight end, and running back, the Broncos are signing players like a team with limited draft capital that also has the wealthiest owners in the league.
Speaking of spending money, the Broncos might not be done adding free agents. In a recent segment on Good Morning Football, NFL insider James Palmer discussed a multitude of positions the Broncos are still probing the market to add talent through free agency.
According to Palmer, all the moves center around improving the Broncos’ rushing offense:
“Look at who they’ve signed," Palmer said. "Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey, what are they great at? Run blocking. It’s going to be focused on the run around Russell Wilson… Pete Carroll was kind of right, focusing on the run when you have Russell Wilson. That’s what they are going to do in Denver. You saw the two moves they made, that shows you what they are going to do moving forward.”
Palmer reveals the Broncos' desire to add running back talent to the room in the segment that was recorded and aired prior to the team signing Samaje Perine to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. Palmer did state that Denver could sign and draft a back, so perhaps the team isn't done adding to their backfield.
More interestingly, though, Palmer stated that Denver was not yet done evaluating offensive line options on the market.
“They are not done yet," Palmer said of the Broncos. "They are still looking at center. They are still looking at the other guard spot a little bit.”
After the recent announcement of Denver signing Powers and McGlinchey, much of Broncos Country’s reaction went from celebrating to “Okay, now go get a center.” The Broncos have already spent massive money along the offensive line, and the center options in free agency are not as robust as the other spots, but it wouldn’t be too hard to add competition if not an outright upgrade to the position.
With Lloyd Cushenberry III struggling to the point that Denver kept him as a healthy scratch last year, a center is likely very high on the team’s list. What centers remain, though?
After Ethan Pocic, Garrett Bradbury, Jake Brendel, Jason Kelce, and Bradley Bozeman all signed contracts to return to their previous teams, the options are rather sparse. Perhaps veteran options such as Rodney Hudson (who may retire) or Ben Jones could add a seasoned veteran and round out the room.
Former Bronco Connor McGovern is also on the market and could be considered. Stay tuned.
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