The Lead
The start of the new league year is just over a month away, which means free agency is just around the corner.
As General Manager George Paton prepares to make his first big moves for Denver in free agency, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler crafted a list of the top 50 free agents that might be available and gave each player a "best fit" destination.
Fowler had three of the top 50 players winding up in Denver — though No. 9 overall free agent Justin Simmons technically would be staying in town.
"Denver should and will do everything possible to keep Simmons, who is perfect for Vic Fangio's defense," Fowler wrote. "If Denver is in on Fangio for another year, they must be the same for Simmons, one of the game's most complete safeties who will have a massive market if Denver doesn't stop him."
In addition to a pass-rusher, Fowler also foresees Denver landing one of the top veteran quarterbacks on the market in Andy Dalton.
"Dalton provides flexibility in Denver," Fowler wrote, "which can enter the year with Lock as the starter and have a capable player ready to play if Lock doesn't curb his turnover issues."
Below the Fold
As the offseason gets into full swing, you can familiarize yourself with the key dates for the 2021 offseason schedule. Next up on the docket is the two-week period from Feb. 23 through March 9 for teams to designate Franchise or Transition Tag players.
