7 Bargain Bin Free Agents Who Could Fill Big Holes for Denver Broncos
As we draw closer to the free-agent signing period in the NFL, everyone is becoming familiar with the big names that are available.
Ndamukong Suh, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Greg Hardy, Jason Pierre-Paul, Brian Orakpo and Darrelle Revis are just some of the big names that could be available.
But who are some of the lesser-known free agents that could be had?
After the first couple days of the signing period blow over, there are often some gems that can be grabbed by the teams that were patient.
The Broncos could benefit from being patient this offseason. While those names mentioned above will all command top dollar, there are plenty of good players who can be signed for much, much less.
In some cases, these players will have better value due to the rate of production they will bring compared to the contract that they sign.
Here, we will examine seven players whom the Broncos could bring in at a bargain.
Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle
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Stephen Paea is coming off a very strong 2014 season, as he was one of the few bright spots on a dismal Chicago Bears squad.
Even if the Broncos are able to re-sign unrestricted free agent Terrance Knighton, they might still need to address the defensive tackle position. Former first-round pick Sylvester Williams has struggled, to say the least.
While other teams other teams are out trying to win the Ndamukong Suh sweepstakes, the Broncos could find significant value in the much cheaper Paea.
Paea exploded for six sacks from the defensive tackle position last season, matching his career total from his first three seasons in the league.
Pro Football Focus ranked Paea No. 11 out of 81 defensive tackles in the league, and he could be a force if he is given the chance to play with Knighton.
At the very least, he'd be a player the Broncos could bring in to do some damage control in the case that Knighton gets away.
Owen Daniels, Tight End
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After spending eight seasons as a member of the Houston Texans, Owen Daniels went to the Baltimore Ravens in 2014.
The Ravens were just looking for someone to back up starting tight end Dennis Pitta, and they didn't know what they'd be getting in Daniels, who played in just five games in 2013.
Pitta was lost for the season very early on, forcing Daniels into a bigger role. He responded with a very productive season.
He caught 48 passes for 527 yards and four touchdowns. He was also instrumental in the Ravens' playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, catching eight passes for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Daniels showed he can still be a very good tight end in the NFL, and the common denominator in each of his nine seasons in the league has been Gary Kubiak, who happens to be Denver's new head coach.
The Broncos have Julius Thomas, Virgil Green and Jacob Tamme all set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. There will certainly be some new names on the depth chart next season.
Daniels coming to Denver should almost be expected.
Joe Barksdale, Offensive Tackle
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Joe Barksdale may have had the best season of any player on the St. Louis Rams offensive line in 2014, and he is set to hit the open market.
There is little question that Denver needs to revamp its offensive line, and Barksdale would be a very good player to look at. He could come in and play the right tackle position, allowing the Broncos to move Louis Vasquez back to guard, where he belongs.
Orlando Franklin will be an unrestricted free agent, and even if the Broncos address the offensive line early in the draft, finding an experienced player at a decent rate through free agency is something the team must consider.
"Watched Joseph Barksdale, Rams RT, vs. Seattle in first game. Did a nice job. Underrated player in FA at a bad position in league. Young
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) February 9, 2015"
Barksdale made just $645,000 in 2014, so he could be obtained for much less than a player like Doug Free, Bryan Bulaga or Michael Oher, who was by recently released by the Tennessee Titans.
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Charles Clay, Tight End
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If for some reason the Broncos opt not to bring Owen Daniels aboard, or if he re-signs with Baltimore, Charles Clay is an intriguing option.
Clay has really come on strong over the course of the last two seasons for the Miami Dolphins, becoming one of Ryan Tannehill's most trusted targets in the passing game.
Clay actually came into the league as a fullback, so he is a very good blocker. But he has great hands and knows how to get open as well.
The Broncos need to do whatever they can to bring Virgil Green back, but Clay would be a great replacement for Julius Thomas, particularly in the red zone.
Doug Legursky, Offensive Lineman
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After starting his career in Pittsburgh, Doug Legursky has spent the last two seasons in Buffalo and San Diego. He played in just two games last season for the Chargers.
In Legursky, the Broncos would be getting a tough, gritty offensive lineman. While he likely wouldn't be a starter, he would add good depth to the bench for one reason—his versatility.
Legursky could play guard or center, giving the Broncos an additional option that they have sorely needed along the offensive line.
On top of that, Legursky is still just 28 years of age.
Ron Parker, Safety
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With Rahim Moore an unrestricted free agent who will likely draw interest from multiple teams, the Broncos need to develop a backup plan at the safety position.
That plan could include a player from a division rival.
Ron Parker has spent his last two seasons in the league as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. He had a breakout campaign in 2014, totaling 94 tackles with one sack and one interception. He also had 12 passes defensed.
In looking at the safety rankings at Pro Football Focus, Parker came in at No. 29 amongst safeties in the coverage department. By comparison, Moore was ranked at No. 33.
"Ron Parker is another young player who could get play on the market. Former corner turned safety.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) February 9, 2015"
Parker would be a much cheaper option as well. His 2014 salary was just $645,000, compared to $1.4 million for Moore.
Dwayne Harris, Wide Receiver
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The Dallas Cowboys have several high-profile offensive players, making Dwayne Harris a bit of an unknown. But he has the skills to be a huge part of an NFL offense.
The Broncos have plenty of playmakers of their own and wide receiver is not necessarily a position of need. However, Harris can do one thing that makes him a very attractive free-agent target—his ability as a kick returner.
Harris has career averages of 26.9 yards as a kick returner and 11.1 yards returning punts. He has also returned two punts for touchdowns.
Though Omar Bolden provided a spark late in the year as a return man, Harris would be a better option—one who could also contribute at the wide receiver position.
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