The Denver Broncos are preparing to enter the second offseason with Vic Fangio as their head coach. Following a 7-9 campaign in 2019, it's important for the Broncos to revert back to being a playoff contender in the AFC West.
If Denver wants to return to being a playoff team, they'll need to have a successful offseason in 2020. Similar to most teams, the Broncos have quite a few vital decisions that need to be made for next season.
With a month to go until free agency, the Broncos currently have $58 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. To along with the team's ample amount of cap space, Denver is also projected to have 12 selections in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Nevertheless, there's no guarantee that John Elway — the GM of the Broncos —makes the right moves for the franchise. In light of that, what would a perfect offseason look like for the Broncos?
3. Draft Henry Ruggs
The Broncos are confident that Lock is their long-term solution at quarterback. With Lock under center, Denver has to prioritize surrounding him with more weapons in the offense.
As of now, Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant are the only two pass-catchers that Lock can trust. Provided that, the Broncos should be looking to add some more skill players through free agency or in the draft.
Despite the Broncos having plenty of cap space, drafting Henry Ruggs in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft would be an ideal choice. Ruggs is a speedy wide receiver that can stretch the field vertically. Pairing Sutton with Ruggs would give the Broncos a dynamic duo at receiver for years to come.
2. Re-Sign Chris Harris Jr.
Over the past couple of seasons, the Broncos have been gradually losing players from their defense that were responsible for Denver's Super Bowl victory in 2015. Throughout the 2019 season, everyone believed that Denver was going to trade Chris Harris Jr.
Instead, Harris is set to hit free agency this offseason and could be headed elsewhere. Even though he is going to consider all of his options, the Broncos would be wise to re-sign Harris.
While Harris turns 31-years-old in 2020, he is still one of the most versatile cornerbacks in the NFL. Rather than trying to replace him, the Broncos should re-sign Harris to continue being a leader for the defense.
1. Re-Sign Justin Simmons
Besides Harris, the Broncos also have to worry about the impending free agency of Justin Simmons. For the past three seasons, Simmons has been an underrated safety in the NFL.
The former third-round pick has combined for 259 tackles, 24 deflections, and nine interceptions since becoming a starter in 2017. In addition, Simmons has been the ultimate iron-man in the NFL, playing on every defensive snap for the Broncos in the last two seasons.
Regardless of what Denver chooses to do with Harris, the team can't lose Simmons in the secondary. Re-signing Simmons should be at the top of the offseason checklist.
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