Expect the Denver Broncos To Be Active When the Free Agent Signing Period Begins

Just less than a week prior to the NFL's Free Agent signing period, the Denver Broncos have announced the hiring of Keith Kidd as Director of Professional Scouting. Prior to joining Denver's staff, Kidd has worked with the New England Patriots and ESPN.com's Scout's Inc. as a columnist. 

Aside from this hiring, the Broncos are widely expected to be huge players starting Friday, when the signing period begins. 

First and foremost, the Broncos are actively in talks with center Casey Wiegmann to reach a three-year extension on his current deal. Wiegmann made the Pro Bowl as an injury alternate in 2008 and hopes to play in 10,000 consecutive snaps. He currently stands at 8,046, so he will likely have to start the next two seasons to reach his goal. 

In that same regard, the Broncos are also active in contract extension talks with Kennard McGuire, the agent for Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall is scheduled to make $2.2 million in the final year of his contract, after which he is set to become a restricted free agent.

More than likely, the extensions of Marshall and Wiegmann will be the first two really major deals the Broncos make.

In addition to that, NFL sources are indicating that the Broncos have an interest in free agent cornerbacks Ronald Bartell, formerly of St. Louis, and Bryant McFadden, formerly of Pittsburgh.

Either player would be an excellent addition, and with the possibility of Karl Paymah leaving via free agency, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Denver wind up with both. 

Both are fast, ball-hawking corners who are young and have potential to shine if given the opportunity to start.

Along with the two young corners, the Broncos could look to a former bitter rival for some defensive line help. Former Chargers defensive end Igor Olshansky seems like he would be a great fit for the Denver Broncos as a free agent. 

Olshansky has experience in the 3-4 defense, and his former defensive line coach in San Diego, Wayne Nunnely, is now with the Broncos. The transition and change of scenery would be very easy for Olshansky.

Olshansky is not the only prospective free agent with former coach connections, however. Former New England Patriot James Sanders could be a likely candidate to start at safety for the Broncos. Sanders is a classic blue-collar player, and would bring a much needed intensity to the Broncos' defense.

Whomever the Broncos decide to court as free agents, expect them to be very active. Denver is nearly $41 million under the cap, and head coach Josh McDaniels has stated publicly that the team was going to be very aggressive in the free agent market.

The Broncos are in the market for potentially eight new starters on defense, so be on the lookout Denver fans.