Predicting Broncos’ Decisions on 17 Pending Free Agents in 2024

The Denver Broncos are facing an offseason with a whopping 17 pending free agents.

The Denver Broncos have a lot of decisions to make in the offseason. We are getting closer to the true picture of Denver’s cap situation and how that will impact decisions.

Among the decisions are what to do with the Broncos’ 14 unrestricted and three restricted free agents. With 58 players already under contract and the Broncos projected to be $30 million over the cap, now that carryover and earned incentives are accounted for, it’s clear the team won’t be able to keep everybody.

Mile High Huddle‘s 2024 offseason preview starts with a look at the Broncos’ pending free agents and whether or not it makes sense to keep any of them. Let’s look at whose deals have expired and which way the Broncos should go with them.

Lloyd Cushenberry ||| C | Unrestricted

Denver Broncos center Lloyd Cushenberry (79) lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. — Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

After struggling in his first three seasons, with his third season cut short because of injuries, Cushenberry had his best season as a pro in 2023. It came just as his rookie deal expired.

He’ll be one of the top free agent centers and might be priced out of the Broncos’ range. And with the Broncos having a lot of money tied up elsewhere on the offensive line, they may not have a choice but to allow Cushenberry to depart.

Verdict: Let him walk.

Josey Jewell | LB | UFA

Denver Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell (47) during halftime against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.

Jewell has been a dependable player throughout his time with the Broncos. He emerged in 2019, his second season with the team, and has been productive since.

The Broncos gave him a two-year deal in 2022 after he tested the market. He’ll turn 30 in 2024, though, but it might be worth bringing him back on a short-term deal. However, as with 2022, he should be allowed to test the market first.

Verdict: Leave the door open.

PJ Locke | S | UFA

Locke spent his first three seasons with the Broncos as a depth and special teams player, but in 2023, he came into his own. After missing five games because of a hamstring injury, Locke eventually started and produced well.

Among the Broncos’ unrestricted free agents, Locke is the lone priority to re-sign. He shouldn’t be given a top-dollar contract, but he should see a fair raise over his $1.1M salary in 2023.

Verdict: Bring him back.