Notable Denver Broncos Free Agents Who Could Help Minnesota
As most of you know by now, the Vikings’ new DC is the former DC over in Denver. Ed Donatell will be installing his 3-4 scheme, one that will rely far more on Cover-1. As a result, some of the personnel will need to change, so we ought to be keeping an eye on players from the Broncos.
The fine folks at Spotrac have a full list of Broncos free agents who are looking for work. Some may end up re-signing in Denver, but most will hit the open market. None appear to be franchise tag candidates.
Previously, I’ve suggested that Teddy Bridgewater ought to be under consideration for the Vikings QB2 job. I still hold that opinion. He’s a strong leader and an average-to-above-average player. No one should be hoping he’s the long-term QB1. That said, if something were to happen to Cousins, Bridgewater could go in and win. There’s a lot of value in that, folks.
The names that will be the most intriguing will be the ones from Denver’s secondary. Allow me to suggest that Bryce Callahan is the one who ought to be the most intriguing.
The 30-year-old veteran is entering free agency following a tough year in Denver. Nevertheless, he could have a valuable role in the Ed Donatell defensive scheme. PFF lists him as their 66th-best corner while suggesting that he ought to be a slot corner:
STARTING SLOT CORNERBACK: Callahan stepped up and played some outside cornerback for Denver in 2020 when he was called on, but that’s not where he’s at his best. Callahan has been one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the NFL, boasting a 96th percentile slot coverage grade since 2017. Brandon Staley’s defense in Los Angeles stands out as a scheme fit for him if the Chargers aren’t planning on re-signing Chris Harris Jr. this offseason.
According to PFF, Callaghan will command a 2-year, $5 million per year deal. It’s a low-risk, high-upside pick. If he stays healthy and is used in the proper manner, Callahan could be an excellent addition. In 2020, he finished as PFF‘s 3rd-best corner.
Some other potential scheme fits who may join Ed Donatell in Minnesota are the linebackers. A.J. Johnson, Micah Kiser, Josey Jewell, and Kenny Young are names that may be connected to the Vikings. Jewell is the main name to keep an eye on. Like Callaghan, he has had some injury concerns recently. However, he has performed well when healthy.
If you’re interested, you can find the other names over on Spotrac. Kyle Fuller, Kareem Jackson, and others have been rumored to head toward Minnesota.
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