Broncos will look for help with free agency

ENGLEWOOD After a 7-9 season, the Denver Broncos could look to free agency this offseason as a way to fill some holes.

Denver probably won’t make a huge splash like it did last year, when tight end Daniel Graham and running back Travis Henry were among its free agent haul. But with plenty of questions on defense and a few on offense, the Broncos likely will add veteran help.

“There’s always changes in this business,” receiver Brandon Stokley said. “People come and go, that’s just how it goes. A lot of these guys will be gone, and we’ll have a lot of new faces next year.”

The Broncos need defensive linemen, but top linemen command a lot of money in free agency. Players like Tennessee tackle Albert Haynesworth or Kansas City’s Jared Allen either will get the franchise player tag, which means they can’t negotiate with other teams, or exorbitant contracts that likely would price the Broncos out.

The Broncos invested in the defensive line in the last draft, selecting three linemen with their four picks. Denver has young linemen who could be long-term starters, such as tackle Marcus Thomas and ends Tim Crowder and Elvis Dumervil, but the Broncos might sign veteran defensive linemen to add depth while their young players develop.

The Broncos signed unheralded veteran tackle Alvin McKinley, who started 10 games this season.

There are some talented linebackers who are slated to become free agents, and the Broncos could look to upgrade at the position.

Arizona’s Karlos Dansby, New England’s Tedy Bruschi, Chicago’s Lance Briggs, Detroit’s Boss Bailey (brother of Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey) and Atlanta’s Demorrio Williams are some of the linebackers scheduled to be free agents.

Safety also could be a priority if John Lynch retires.

However, defensive back Domonique Foxworth said he didn’t think the secondary, or the defense as a whole, needed too many changes.

“We’ve got talent to go around back there,” Foxworth said, talking about the secondary. “And I think we have a strong linebacking corps. I think there’s some holes in the D-line but aside from that, I think we had enough talent going into this season to get it done. I think we didn’t get it done.”

Offensively, the Broncos have to make some decisions. Wide receiver Javon Walker could be let go after making inflammatory comments after the season.

Henry didn’t have a great season and didn’t get a carry in the final game. The Broncos have to decide whether to bring him back. Offensive linemen Ben Hamilton and Tom Nalen spent most of the season on injured reserve, and Matt Lepsis will retire.

There are good options at receiver if the Broncos decide to release Walker.

Chicago’s Bernard Berrian, New Orleans’ David Patten, Arizona’s Bryant Johnson and Seattle’s D.J. Hackett are among the top receivers who are scheduled to be free agents in March.

Stokley said he didn’t think the Broncos needed to do too much in the offseason.

“I think we’re very close,” Stokley said. “We have a lot of pieces.”

CONTACT THE WRITER: 476-4891 or frank.schwab@gazette.com. Check out our Broncos blog at gazettebroncos.blogspot.com