The Denver Broncos have a pair of key defensive linemen scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next week.
Dre’Mont Jones (26) and DeShawn Williams (30) will be allowed to begin negotiating with other teams on Monday. Jones is the team’s most notable free agent this offseason and the Broncos have said they want to re-sign him, but it’s possible that his price might prove to be too costly.
Jones “could end up being one of the biggest winners in the open market” with a contract in the range of $18 million per season, according to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. It remains to be seen if Denver will be willing to pay that much with limited salary cap space.
Williams, on the other hand, is older and less productive, so it should be easier to re-sign him. The Broncos will likely look to free agency to beef up their defensive line depth this month, especially if they lose Jones.
Here’s a quick look at 15 interior defensive linemen Denver should consider signing during NFL free agency, listed from youngest to oldest.
1. Zach Allen (26)
2. Dre'Mont Jones (26)
3. Jerry Tillery (26)
4. Poona Ford (27)
5. Larry Ogunjobi (28)
6. Christian Covington (29)
7. Sheldon Rankins (29)
8. Dalvin Tomlinson (29)
9. Matt Ioannidis (29)
10. Jarran Reed (30)
11. DeShawn Williams (30)
12. David Onyemata (30)
13. Javon Hargrave (30)
14. Michael Brockers (32)
15. Linval Joseph (34)
Teams can begin negotiating with pending free agents on Monday, March 13, but no contracts can be officially signed until the NFL’s new league year begins on Wednesday, March 15.
