The Denver Broncos are looking to make improvements in their secondary before the 2014 season. The team officially released veteran Champ Bailey into free agency and are looking to make upgrades at either the safety or cornerback position. The Broncos appear to be favoring free agency over the NFL Draft to fill the roster holes on defense while reportedly not considering making a trade for anyone.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports the Broncos are looking at either former Cleveland Brown TJ Ward or Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd. Free agency begins on Tuesday and Klis notes the Broncos will immediately try to get a workout schedule for both stars. Ward and Byrd are considered the best available secondary defenders, so it is no surprise Denver is ready to open their wallets for both.
Getting Byrd might be a challenge from Denver if they are trying to be smart with their money. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Byrd is currently seeking a multi-year contract worth around $9 million per season. It is no wonder contract negotiations with the Buffalo Bills went nowhere. The team opted not to use their franchise tag on Byrd and have not come close to agreeing on a new deal, leaving the safety to test his demands on the market. Multiple teams are interested in Byrd, but might not be willing to meet a $9 million annual salary.
Ward has the attention of every team in the NFL. The Browns insist they are still in the mix to land the safety, but according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, 12 other teams are ready to make an offer on the former second-round draft pick. It is not clear what exactly Ward is demanding on the money front, but Denver will have to wait their turn to even speak with Ward. The Detroit Lions and New York Jets are just a few of the names being tossed around for the safety.
One option Denver is not considering is a trade for Darrelle Revis. The Broncos were considered a favorite to make a deal for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers star, but are not willing to meet any asking price or take on his large contract. Revis would of course be a huge upgrade from someone like Bailey, but the Broncos would likely have to give up a first-round draft pick to sign the shutdown cornerback. With options like Ward and Byrd available, a deal for Revis will likely not happen.
