Denver Broncos: 5 Dream targets in 2021 NFL free agency
By Lucas Schuh
It’s a big offseason for the Denver Broncos to take a big step forward and it would be a dream to land any of these five players in 2021 NFL free agency.
The Denver Broncos made some flashy moves in NFL free agency and on the trade market last offseason, adding Jurrell Casey and A.J. Bouye. But both players have no been cut early in 2021, meaning there is plenty of work left ahead for a franchise that is facing a crucial buildup to a new season.
Last year’s draft class was designed to help out young quarterback Drew Lock but, after he struggled a bit, they could be looking to move on from Lock. Moreover, the Broncos head into this offseason with a new general manager as John Elway has been relieved of that power, which has since been handed off to George Paton.
Denver already made one smart free agency move by not allowing safety Justin Simmons to hit the market, franchise tagging him for the second straight year. The team hopes, however, that they can work out a long-term deal. Even still, they could also lose defensive tackle Shelby Harris in free agency.
With that in mind, there are holes the Broncos need to fill. And to do so, they would love to land any of these five dream targets in 2021 NFL free agency.
Denver Broncos dream free agency target No. 5: Lavonte David, LB
While Devin White stole headlines during the Buccaneers run to the Super Bowl, he wasn’t the best linebacker on Tampa Bay’s vaunted defense. That title would belong to veteran Lavonte David.
Since David entered the league out of Nebraska in 2012, he has not only been the Buccaneers’ best linebacker but one of the best at the position in the NFL. David has thrived at defending the run throughout his career but what makes him special is that he is equally as adept when dropping into coverage.
David’s ability to play perfectly as a modern-day NFl linebacker would address a need for the Broncos defense. Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell have flashed solid play but neither player is particularly good in coverage.
While Denver and any team would love to add a player of Davids’s caliber, he will likely command a big contract. His last deal was for five years and was worth $50 million. Now, David is projected to get a three-year contract worth $40 million, according to PFF. Even with that likely big contract, he still would be an absolute great signing for the Broncos.