The Denver Broncos are well into the free agency period right now, and there are still a few positions that they may look to add, prior to the 2017 NFL Draft. So far, Denver has come to terms with guard Ronald Leary, offensive tackle Menelik Watson, defensive tackles Domata Peko and Zach Kerr and outside linebacker Kasim Edebali. Every day brings a new possibility that John Elway and company will bring a new contributor.
We know that free agency can be a buyer beware situation, as players may not always work out for a number of different reasons. Denver has had their share of signing players that haven’t produced up to their full potential.
However, it hasn’t all been negative. The Broncos have also found some franchise greats through the free agent market. Here are five free agents that came to Denver, and blew away the expectations.
5. DeMarcus Ware (LB), 2014
Yes, he was only in Denver for three seasons, so it may be a bit premature to include him on this list. Yet, the impact of DeMarcus Ware has been felt throughout the organization.
After playing nine strong seasons in Dallas, the Cowboys cut Ware, feeling that his best days were behind him. He came to Denver, and proved them wrong, while becoming the leader of one of the greatest defensive units in NFL history.
In just three years, Ware notched 63 tackles, and 21.5 sacks, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. He also mentored a young defense, and turned around the career of Von Miller. It doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, but DeMarcus Ware was a key reason that the Denver Broncos won their third Super Bowl.
4. Bill Romanowski (LB), 1996
Bill Romanowski may have been a divisive player, but you couldn’t argue about his impact on the Broncos’ defense. The Broncos were trying to outscore every opponent in the mid-90’s on the arm of John Elway, when “Romo” came to town.
Romanowski had spent time in San Francisco and Philadelphia, but in Denver he really made his mark. Some thought he was dirty…and sometimes he was, but he constantly made big plays at key times.
Romanowski brought the Denver defense a grit that had been lacking since the 1970’s. During his time in Denver, he had 339 tackles, 11 interceptions and 23 sacks. He was an integral part of the 1997-1998 Super Bowl teams. His big hit on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Chris Chandler, on the opening drive of Super Bowl XXXIII, set the tone for what would be a Broncos’ blow out.
3. Jake Plummer (QB), 2003
After being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, Jake Plummer spent his first six seasons in the NFL running for his life with a struggling franchise. He was signed by the Broncos in 2003, and would eventually post the greatest numbers of his career.
His time in Denver wasn’t without controversy, but Jake Plummer had some very exciting seasons with the Broncos. His ability to use the play-action rollout pass, seemed to be a perfect fit for the run-heavy Mike Shanahan offense.
Plummer would play four seasons in Denver, leading the Broncos to the playoffs in three of those seasons. He had an overall record of 39-15 as a starter, and threw for 71 touchdowns in his tenure. Plummer led the team to the AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005.
2. Ed McCaffrey (WR), 1995
Ed McCaffrey was a fan favorite in Denver, and with good reason. After a few quiet seasons with the Giants and the 49ers, McCaffrey signed a three year contract for just $1.5 million.
McCaffrey blossomed with the Broncos, staying in Denver for nine seasons; while catching 462 passes and 46 touchdowns. His receptions were a lesson in hanging on to the ball, despite taking some very violent hits.
Not just a pass catcher, McCaffrey was also a willing and able blocker, that helped Bronco runners pick up huge gains downfield. McCaffrey is currently the color commentator for the Broncos radio broadcasts.
1. Peyton Manning (QB), 2012
When he signed his five-year contract in 2012, for $96 million, there was skepticism about whether Peyton Manning could even play again. After playing 13 seasons in Indianapolis, Manning sat out the entire 2011 campaign while he underwent multiple neck surgeries.
When the Colts drafted Andrew Luck, they cut the 36-year-old Manning, and John Elway convinced him to come to Denver. All he did in his four seasons in the Mile High City was throw for over 17,000 yards and 140 touchdowns, while leading the Broncos to an incredible 45-12 record, a record-setting offense in 2013, and two Super Bowls, including a victory.
The Broncos gambled on Manning, and acquired their greatest quarterback since Elway. Like Elway, he was able to retire on top, as a champion.