The Denver Broncos ended the 2019 NFL season on a positive note after turning to rookie Drew Lock as their starting quarterback. John Elway and company finally feel comfortable that they have a long-term franchise quarterback, but there are other positions that the team has to focus on finding help for.
One of those positions is cornerback, especially with the departure of Chris Harris Jr. in free agency.
Without Harris on the roster, the Broncos truly do not have a legitimate No. 1 cornerback. They don't need a superstar, but they absolutely have to find a way to beef up their secondary. Playing in a division with Patrick Mahomes doesn't end well when the defense isn't prepared to match up with receivers like Tyreek Hill.
Thankfully, should the Broncos choose to sign a free agent or two to fill their cornerback need, there are a few available that would make sense. Denver won't have to break the bank to sign these guys, but they would be wise to spend some money to get them.
Let's take a look at two free agent cornerbacks the Broncos must target this offseason.
Desmond Trufant, Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta releasing Desmond Trufant was one of the biggest surprises of the NFL offseason so far. Trufant is a legitimate star. While he would cost a pretty penny to sign, the Broncos should be open to the idea. He would immediately replace the production the team is going to lose with Chris Harris Jr.
Article Continues BelowTrufant only played in nine games last season due to injury, but he racked up 18 tackles, four interceptions, and seven defended passes. Obviously, he is a more than capable defensive playmaker. Denver needs to find playmaking badly for head coach Vic Fangio.
At 29 years old, Trufant would be well worth a three or four-year contract. Denver would be getting their No. 1 cornerback and their defense would be much better prepared to go up against a guy like Mahomes.
Ronald Darby, Philadelphia Eagles
The Broncos could take a look at an intriguing free agent like Ronald Darby. While he isn't receiving much hype as one of the top defensive free agents available, he is going to have a major impact for whoever ends up signing him. Darby to Denver would make perfect sense for both parties involved.
During the 2019 season with the Eagles, Darby ended up with 37 total tackles to go along with two interceptions and 11 defended passes. Darby has the talent to become a top cornerback for a team like the Broncos. He still has a lot of work to do, but at 26 years old has time to develop.
Elway should aggressively pursue Darby. Signing Darby and possibly even Trufant would completely revamp the Denver secondary. There is no telling how much money Darby will be asking for, but it likely won't break the bank and the Broncos should have serious interest.