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5 NFL teams that improved more than the rest so far in 2023

By Sayre Bedinger

NFL Mock Draft 2023 - Frank Reich speaks with the media during the Carolina Panthers head coach introduction at Bank of America Stadium on January 31, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
NFL Mock Draft 2023 - Frank Reich speaks with the media during the Carolina Panthers head coach introduction at Bank of America Stadium on January 31, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2023
Feb 28, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton during the NFL combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos got much better almost right away in the 2023 offseason, although the process of hiring a head coach took a little longer than the fan base wanted it to.

The Broncos fired Nathaniel Hackett after a Christmas Day debacle in Los Angeles last year which left the new ownership group in Denver more than furious — they were embarrassed. After Hackett’s dismissal, the search for a new coach was on, and the Broncos jumped through the necessary hoops to land Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints. Although Payton was “retired”, he was still under contract with the Saints and the Broncos had to pay a hefty price to get him.

Payton cost the Broncos a first-round pick in 2023 and a second-round pick in 2024 for his services. Not to mention, his contract (however big that is).

Adding Sean Payton — regardless of the cost draft capital-wise — makes the Denver Broncos instantly better. Then you have NFL Free Agency.

The Broncos went on a massive spending spree in NFL free agency to improve a roster that was ailing in several areas:

Denver Broncos free agency haul

  • OT Mike McGlinchey
  • OG Ben Powers
  • DL Zach Allen
  • LB Alex Singleton
  • RB Samaje Perine
  • QB Jarrett Stidham
  • TE Chris Manhertz

The Broncos have upgraded their offensive line, they replaced Dre’Mont Jones (Seahawks) very capably on the defensive front with Zach Allen, and they were able to upgrade the running back position behind Javonte Williams with Samaje Perine.

Ultimately, though, it’s the addition of Sean Payton that lands the Broncos on this list. Of course, we need to see things play out on the field, but if anyone is going to maximize the roster in Denver — led by QB Russell Wilson — it’s got to be Payton, right?

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