As the NFL's free agency period approaches, the Denver Broncos are gearing up to make strategic moves that could involve tapping into their AFC West rivals. The legal tampering period kicks off on March 9, and the Broncos might look to bolster their roster by signing players from within the division, leveraging connections with coaches and the city itself.
Last year, the Broncos made headlines by signing running back J.K. Dobbins from the Los Angeles Chargers. They've also previously acquired quarterback Jarrett Stidham from the Las Vegas Raiders and other notable names like Jamaal Charles, Michael Burton, and Frank Clark from the Kansas City Chiefs.
With free agency looming, let's dive into the potential AFC West targets for the Broncos:
Kansas City Chiefs - Leo Chenal, Inside Linebacker:
Inside linebacker is a pressing need for Denver, especially with Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad hitting free agency and Dre Greenlaw's injury concerns. Leo Chenal, despite the Chiefs' struggles in 2025, emerged as a defensive standout.
While his stats might not leap off the page, his consistent performance makes him a prime candidate for Denver, particularly if Strnad departs. Chenal's athletic prowess would be a valuable asset to the Broncos' linebacker corps.
Las Vegas Raiders - Eric Stokes, Cornerback:
Denver's secondary is stacked, but rumors swirl about Riley Moss potentially being on the trade block after the team drafted Jahdae Barron in the first round of 2025. If Moss is moved, the Broncos' cornerback depth would include Surtain, Barron, Abrams-Draine, and Jaden Robinson.
Enter Eric Stokes, who quietly revived his career with the Raiders last season. Adding a seasoned corner like Stokes could be a savvy move to fortify the Broncos' defense.
Los Angeles Chargers - Zion Johnson, Guard:
The Broncos are in a decent cap position but might consider cutting veteran left guard Ben Powers to free up over $12 million. Powers' injury issues in 2025 were mitigated by Alex Palczewski's solid play, making a change plausible.
Enter Zion Johnson, a promising young guard from the Chargers, who stood out on an otherwise struggling offensive line. Johnson's youth and potential affordability make him an intriguing option for Denver.
As the free agency frenzy unfolds, the Broncos have the opportunity to make impactful additions from their division rivals. Whether they decide to pursue Chenal, Stokes, or Johnson, these moves could significantly shape Denver's roster for the upcoming season. Stay tuned to see if the Broncos pull the trigger on any of these intriguing prospects.