The 2024 offseason is going to be a big one for the Denver Broncos. They have already shown their hand when it comes to the quarterback position, as the team is going to be moving on from Russell Wilson.
At some point, Wilson will be off the roster, likely via release. That will put Denver in the market for a new signal caller, whether it is a rookie in the 2024 NFL Draft or a veteran addition in free agency. Payton has very specific traits he is looking for in a quarterback and will search high and low to address the need.
While quarterback is the biggest need, it isn’t the only need that the Broncos have. They could use an upgrade at several other positions on the roster, which has led to Lou Scataglia of Predominantly Orange making a bold prediction for an offseason move.
NFL News & Rumors: Chris Jones, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos Updates
Scataglia believes the Broncos will make a splash in free agency, poaching All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones from the Kansas City Chiefs. That would be a huge and much-needed upgrade for Denver in the trenches after ranking 27th in points allowed and 29th in yardage surrendered.
“Frankly, I think Jones is going to price his way off the [Chiefs]. And Jones is at the point of his career where he may prefer to chase the money. He’s won two rings with the team and can’t really accomplish any more in the NFL. Trying to make as much money as possible is something that I think many players have in mind, and the Broncos could certainly use the help up front. Yes, Denver doesn’t have a lot of cap space, but they have avenues to create a good bit,” Scataglia wrote.
The Broncos have spent eight seasons trying to figure out how to slow down Jones after he was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft at No. 37 overall. It would be nice to have him on their side moving forward instead of having to game plan against him.
One of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL, Jones has made the Pro Bowl team five straight seasons. He has two All-Pro First Team nominations on his resume along with three All-Pro Second Team spots. He also finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year award voting in 2022.
NFL News & Rumors: Chris Jones, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos Updates
The Mississippi State product is a true game-wrecker at defensive tackle. Not only would he be a huge boost for the Broncos’ defense, but they would weaken their biggest AFC West rival in the process.
If Denver wants any chance to catch Kansas City in the standings any time soon, landing a player of Jones’ caliber would go a long way in accomplishing that. It certainly won’t be cheap, but Payton-led teams have never shied away from moving around money to bring in players they like.
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