Top 5 Free Agents on Denver Broncos' Wish List to Bolster Secondary

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Improvement to the Denver Broncos’ secondary is by far the greatest need for last year’s playoff contending team. Yes, Champ Bailey is still one of the best. He has the veteran leadership and still has some left in the tank to go a few more seasons, but for how long?

Andre Goodman had a better than average season this year, but was not spectacular. Rookies Quinton Carter, Chris Harris, and Rahim Moore were hit and miss all season, and appear to need at least another season or two to be considered starting defensive backs in the NFL.

Free agency is one area where the Broncos have to address these deficiencies. They could add another handful of backs in the NFL Draft, but getting young, talented and most importantly, proven specialists seem like the best bet going forward. The Broncos should do well to add some of these hot commodities during the offseason.

5. Cortland Finnegan, CB, Tennessee Titans, 28 Years Old

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Cortland Finnegan is one of the best cornerbacks in the league and he still has several years left to play. Last season, he had an interception and 11 passes defended. In 2010, he had two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), forced a fumble and defended nine passes.

Finnegan is also a sound tackler. In the past couple seasons he racked up a total of 175 tackles. In the 2008 season, Finnegan made the Pro Bowl after he amassed five interceptions. He has remained one of the premier cover cornerbacks in the league throughout his career. But like many of these guys, he will come with a hefty cost.

The Tennessee Titans website describes him as “an elite cornerback recognized for his blazing speed and a feisty attitude, Cortland Finnegan is one of the team’s defensive leaders.”

The Broncos should give him a look to bolster a young secondary in waiting, as the aging veterans continue to taper off.

4. Stanford Routt, CB, Oakland Raiders, 28 Years Old

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Stanford Routt hit the free agent market after being released by the Oakland Raiders this past week. While it appears likely that his numerous penalties and bloated contract were the keys to his demise, he is still regarded by many as an elite cornerback in this league. Another factor to his release was the salary cap squeeze that the Raiders face this offseason.

ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson projects that Routt landing in Denver would be the most likely scenario in the AFC West. However, Routt has already been busily scheduling meetings with other suitors outside of the division, namely the Buffalo Bills and the Tennessee Titans.

Routt would be a great fit in Denver because of Champ Bailey. Most believe that Routt is more of a number two cornerback, and fitting behind Bailey would be a great situation for Denver.

Statistically, Routt has been solid the past two seasons. Over that time he has had six interceptions, a forced fumble, and 28 passes defended. One downside, though, is that he hasn’t always proved to be a sound tackler—something the Broncos did exceptionally well this past season under head coach John Fox.

3. Dashon Goldson, S, San Francisco 49ers, 27 Years Old

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It has been reported by Eric Branch with the San Francisco Chronicle that Dashon Goldson would be “shocked” if the San Francisco 49ers do not re-sign him during the offseason, so that is why I am calling this list the Broncos' “wishlist.”

Goldson is a premier talent in the NFL who had a breakout season for the Niners, flourishing under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

He racked up six interceptions, nine passes defended and a forced fumble in a season that the Niners went to the NFC Championship game. His highly sought after talent would bring a major boost to the safety position for the Broncos, who appeared lost at times against precise passing offenses.

2. Tyvon Branch, S, Oakland Raiders, 26 Years Old

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One reason that the Raiders may have released Stanford Routt is because of their desire to keep their super-talented, veteran safety, Tyvon Branch. If talks fall through between the Raiders and Branch, or if they do not put a franchise tag on Branch, he will be hitting the markets as one of the best safeties available.

Branch will be pricey, but he has earned the reputation.

Not only does he statistically shine, but Branch has been one of the most reliable safeties in the NFL. Last season, as reported by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson, Branch was on the field for 99.13% of all defensive snaps. That’s a ton of work, in a great year for Branch. It would be a great change for the Broncos, who sorely missed Brian Dawkins, not on the field in the final two games of the regular season or the two playoff games.

Branch is a sound tackler, having a total of 109 tackles; he picked up a sack and an interception as well. He would be a key component for the Broncos defense to take it to a new level in 2012.

1. Brandon Carr, CB, Kansas City Chiefs, 26 Years Old

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Adding Brandon Carr to the secondary would immediately impact the rest of the Broncos defense immensely. Carr is a young and spectacular talent that would be a centerpiece of the Broncos defense for many years to come, similar to the young Champ Bailey, who came to Denver in 2004, in return for Clinton Portis.

Just like Bailey made a huge impact in 2004 and the years to come, Carr coming to Denver would provide a similar boost. He is a headache for offense coordinators to prepare for and he challenges passes and receivers on every play.

Last season, Carr had four interceptions and 15 passes defended. Like Oakland’s Tyvon Branch, Carr is a reliable asset who barely misses time. Last season he was on the field for 96.82 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.