NFL Free Agent Signings: Holes Broncos Must Fill After Signing Peyton Manning

The Denver Broncos accelerated their timetable by landing four-time MVP QB Peyton Manning. While it is still important to build through the draft, there is now greater motivation for this team to add proven commodities in free agency. After all, the future is now in Denver. 

They are certainly not without needs. The majority of their attention needs to be paid to the defensive side of the ball. Manning is going to make every player on this offense better.

So while they could use another receiving threat for Manning to throw to, they need to spend the majority of their free agency attention on adding players that can stop other teams from scoring. 

Here are their biggest areas of need. 

Defensive Tackle

Denver received better defensive tackle play than expected last season. However, both of their starters, Marcus Thomas and Brodrick Bunkley, are free agents. They are both in line for a pay raise as well.

Even if Denver does bring both of these guys back, they need some depth behind them. Denver would be wise to draft a defensive tackle and also explore the free-agent market.

It will take a decent-sized contract to bring back Bunkley. If they go that route, they could find decent value/production out of free agents like Tommie Harris or Rocky Benard.

Safety

Brian Dawkins is a free agent and nearing the end of his career. The Broncos will likely go in another direction, and he can't be count on to play a full season anyway. 

Unfortunately for the Broncos, the free-agent market for strong safeties is terrible. They will be best served to address this in the draft, but they must find some veteran as an insurance policy. 

Gibril Wilson could be an option. It's not a good option, mind you, but it is about as good as they can do. 

Corner

Safety isn't the only secondary spot the Broncos must address. They received solid corner play last year, but both starters—Champ Bailey and Andre' Goodman—will be 34 years old next season. 

They need to add some youth here through the draft, but they must also find a veteran they know can play in the league. It is highly unlikely that both Bailey and Goodman can play an entire season. 

There are plenty of options on the free-agent market at corner. Marcus Trufant would be a nice fit and wouldn't command a huge payday.