There are impending IDP-free agents all around the NFL. Here, I will examine how those free agents may affect different teams. Today, we look at what the future may look like for the Dallas Cowboys.
The 2023 impending IDP free agents for the Denver Broncos are opening the door for some young and hungry players. Three notable defensive players become unrestricted free agents on March 15th at 4 pm eastern time. The possibility of these players re-signing with the Broncos also exists.
The Broncos will have a whole new coaching staff in 2023. Sean Payton brings a new attitude, accountability, and defensive philosophy. Vance Joseph is the new defensive coordinator with an attacking-style defense that should work really well with the Broncos personnel.
1. Dre’Mont Jones, DE
Dre’mont Jones just completed his fourth year with the Broncos. His most productive year yet in his short career, 2022, should reward him with a sizeable contract. Jones only played 13 games and delivered 47 tackles (24 solos), 9 tackles for a loss, 10 QB hits, 6.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Jones played 73% or more of the defensive snaps in 12 of his 13 games. I’m unsure if the Broncos can match some of the offers coming in. Thus, Jones will be added to the impending IDP free agents.
Add in that DeShawn Williams is also a free agent at the DE position, and you got some major opportunity. Williams played over 50% of the defensive snaps in 10 of his 17 games. He produced 37 tackles (21 solos), 4 tackles for loss, 8 QB hits, 4.5 sacks, and 3 passes defended. This is a lot of production to be filled and a lot of snaps that will have to be replaced by someone else.
Who benefits if Jones leaves?
Matt Henningsen is coming into his second year with the Broncos. He was a sixth-round pick out of Wisconsin in last year’s NFL draft. He played 37 games in his four-year career at Wisconsin. In those 37 games, Henningsen produced 92 tackles (38 solos), 13.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, 4 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 touchdowns.
Henningsen played in all 17 games as a rookie for the Broncos. However, he only played 20% or more of the defensive snaps in 10 games and never hit 30% of the defensive snaps. In those limited snaps, Henningsen accounted for 21 tackles (8 solos), 2 tackles for a loss, 1 QB hit, and 1 sack.
I believe his snaps will at least double, and his stats will at least triple. Henningsen is most likely on your league’s waiver wire and definitely worth a look.
2. Alex Singleton, LB
Alex Singleton signed a one-year contract for 2022 to provide depth to the Broncos’ LB room. He played 80% or more of the defensive snaps in eight games. He is a prime candidate for the impending IDP free agents list.
Singleton played just 25% of the defensive snaps in one game and failed to register a defensive snap in two other games. Even with the missed snaps, Singleton recorded an amazing 163 tackles (101 solos), 6 tackles for a loss, 3 QB hits, 3 passes defended, and a forced fumble.
Who benefits if Singleton leaves?
Jonas Griffith was on the sleepers list last year. He dislocated his elbow in pre-season and then missed the final 8 games of the season due to a foot injury. The two injuries had Griffith play only 336 total defensive snaps. It was a lost season for Griffith as he only thrice broke 60% of the defensive snaps in 2022.
This is in comparison to the final four games of 2021, in which he played at least 79% of the defensive snaps, and one of those games was a 100% defensive snap game.
In his limited snaps in 2022, Griffith posted 46 tackles (26 solos), 3 QB hits, 1 pass defended, and an interception. In his final 4 games of 2021, Griffith averaged 10 tackles a game. He has shown he can deliver results with opportunity. Griffith will be healthy again in 2023. Time to do a price check and see if he just might be available on the cheap. Also, keep track of the Singleton contract talks.
3. Kareem Jackson, S
Kareem Jackson will be 35 years old next month. He has most likely played his last snaps for the Broncos. Jackson is the third of the impending IDP free agents of the Broncos. After producing an average of 85.5 tackles yearly, it is time to turn over the reigns. What kind of numbers can be expected from the eventual replacement of Jackson?
This past year, Jackson posted 94 tackles (55 solos), 2 tackles for a loss, 3 passes defended, and 2 fumble recoveries. He played 100% of the defensive snaps in 15 games. His other two games had him at 94% and 98% of the defensive snaps. Jackson was always on the field.
Who benefits if Jackson leaves?
Caden Sterns will be playing in his third year in 2023. In his rookie year, Sterns played more than 30% of the defensive snaps just twice in his 14 games played. He still produced 28 tackles (22 solos), 2 tackles for a loss, 2 QB hits, 2 sacks, 5 passes defended, and 2 interceptions. Year two brought a huge increase in snaps.
After playing just five snaps in the opener, Sterns played basically 100% of the defensive snaps in weeks 2-5. Sterns produced a solid 19 tackles (13 solos), 4 passes defended, and 2 interceptions. He then hurt his hip and was placed on IR and never returned.
Sterns always finds his way to the ball, whether he is tackling a runner or breaking up a pass. He was a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft out of Texas. Sterns was a machine in the Longhorn’s defensive backfield. In his three years, Sterns racked up 173 tackles (120 solos), 8 passes defended, and 5 interceptions. It looks like he will get the legitimate shot to start with Justin Simmons.
Price check time before your league mates realize Jackson will not be returning. Sterns is going to be a producing IDP player for years to come. He will never be cheaper than he is today.
Thank you for checking out my 23′ Pending IDP Free Agents article! You can read all of my articles on my IDP Guys author page. Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @OldMan_FF and @IDPGuys (we have offense, too), and please consider becoming a subscriber!
