The 2021 NFL League Year officially started at 2pm on Wednesday, giving us the opportunity to take stock of the Broncos roster.
Below is a review of the Broncos signatures and other moves related to the roster since the legal-tampering period began on Monday.
Daniel Shelby agrees to terms with Harris
The Broncos agreed to terms with defensive lineman Shelby Harris on a three-year deal that would keep him in Denver until 2023.
“Shelby sets the tone on our defensive line,” said general manager George Petne. “As a messy pass rusher and physical run defender, he’s hard to handle the front. We’re excited for Shelby to come back with the Broncos.”
Harris, who has spent the last four seasons with the Broncos, was forced into 2.5 sacks, 32 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, seven pass defenses and 11 games. Harris has batted 16 passes in the line of relegation over the past two seasons, ranking first in the NFL.
For more about Harris’ deal with the Broncos, click here.
CB agrees to terms with Ronald Darby
Denver has now officially agreed to terms on a three-year deal with former Cornwall of Cornwall with Ronald Darby. It was reported on Monday and became official when the new league year began on Wednesday.
Darby, a former second-round pick, started all 16 games for Washington last season and recorded the fifth highest pass defense (16) in the NFL.
“We thought Ronald had some of the best natural pure cover skills in this free agency class.” “He has a very fast pace and Vic who he sits on [Fangio] Run and pass play schematically in the game. Ronald got out of a lot of trouble last year to become a very productive 16-game starter for Washington Washington. We are thrilled that he will become Bronco and welcome him to Denver. “
Prior to his time in Washington Washington, he spent three seasons with Philadelphia, where he won the 2017 World Championships.
In 2015, former all-rookie Darby posted eight career breaks.
For more on Darby’s deal with the Broncos, click here.
Von Miller’s team picked up the option
On Tuesday, the Broncos announced that they would take the option out of linebacker Von Miller’s team that will keep him in Denver for the 2021 season.
The former is the franchise’s all-time leader in second overall picks in 2011 but missed the 2020 season due to a foot injury. He is expected to return in 2021 alongside new Mint Pro bowler Bradley Chubb. The duo recorded a combined 26.5 sacks in their single full season in 2018.
“I’ve completely bought into being Colorado for life, leaving the Denver Broncos alone,” Miller wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “I want to stay here forever through thick, thin, super bowl asons tuo, lost asons tuo. I want to stay here forever.”
For more on the team’s decision to choose Miller’s option, click here.
Karim Jackson’s team did not use the option
The Broncos did not use Cream Jackson’s team option until the March 16 deadline, which means Jackson is officially a free agent.
A two-year starter in Denver, Jacques started 29 of 32 possible games for the Broncos as he developed a reputation as a big hitter in the team’s defensive backfield.
In the year 201, its shining moments came against the Chargers and Texans. In Los Angeles, he had to make a fuss of the goal line which helped the Broncos to stop the score and later they got their first win of the year. Back that season, when he returned to Houston, Jackson was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for posting 11 tackles, one loss, one interception, three pass breakups and a vague return for touchdowns. Following the season, Jackson was named an alternate Pro Bowl.
Jackson returned to the field in 2020 and made his presence felt again. He extended seven games with at least five solo tackles and posted four more pass breakups and two more fumble recoveries. Jackson played almost every snap, jointly with Justin Simmons to form one of the league’s best safety duos.
Tim Patrick and Alexander Johnson won the second round of tenders
Denver placed second-round tenders on wide receiver Tim Patrick and linebacker Alexander Johnson, both of whom were banned free agents. Other NFL teams may still sign Patrick or Johnson, but the Broncos will be given a chance to respond to any offer. If Denver does not choose to match the other team’s match fur, the Broncos will receive a second-round pick as compensation.
Denver also put out a right-of-first-refusal tender to run behind Philip Lindsay. The Broncos will still have the ability to match the deal offered by the other team, but will not be compensated if they choose not to match.
The Broncos also tendered exclusive rights-free agents Dionta Spencer, Trey Marshall and Calvin Anderson. Exclusive rights free agents are not allowed to negotiate with other teams, which means all three players will remain under contract with the Broncos but all but 2021.
Some free agents were not re-signed or tendered by the Broncos. As of 2 p.m., the following players on the Broncos roster are restricted free agents and are no longer under contract with the team:
It is still possible for any of the above players to re-sign with the team.
