Denver Broncos

Sutton has been named as a potential trade target for the Jets, though it appears the Broncos aren't willing to completely turn over their wide receiver corps after dealing Jerry Jeudy. Sutton's currently in line to be the team's top pass catcher in 2024, though it's unclear who will be delivering passes to him following the release of Russell Wilson. As for the Jets, they're looking for a reliable second receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson, though they may need to rely on free agency or the draft to find one.

Singleton was leading Denver with 31 tackles after being his team's top tackler in each of the previous four seasons - (2020, 2021 with Eagles and 2022, 2023 with Broncos). His 602 tackles since the beginning of the 2020 season are the fourth-most in the NFL over that stretch.

Vele caught all eight of his targets for 39 yards in the Broncos' Week 1 loss to the Seahawks. A fair share of those targets should go to Sutton, Reynolds and tight end Greg Dulcich, but Mims could get a portion of those looks if he is utilized in short routes, which is what quarterback Bo Nix favored in Week 1. In his rookie season in 2023, Mims caught 22 passes for 377 yards and one touchdown across 16 regular-season games.

Franklin was a healthy scratch for the Broncos' Week 1 loss to the Seahawks, but he will suit up for Week 2 with Vele sidelined. Vele saw eight targets from Nix in the regular-season opener, and Franklin could be the beneficiary of more opportunities if the Steelers defense hones in on wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds. Franklin played with Nix in college at Oregon, and the duo's chemistry should be useful against a formidable Pittsburgh secondary.

The rookie back rushed twice for 14 yards and played nine special-teams snaps in his NFL debut against the Seahawks on Sunday, but he also picked up the ankle issue along the way. Estime had opened the season as the No. 3 back on the depth chart, but his absence for at least the next four games will give Blake Watson a chance to fill that role.

The $24 million annual average on Surtain's new contract makes him the highest-paid defensive back in the league. The ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Surtain earned All-Pro honors in 2022 and has been named to the Pro Bowl both of the last two seasons. The Broncos' decision to lock Surtain in on an extension with two years still remaining on his rookie contract was thought to be at least partly preemptive, considering fellow star cornerback Sauce Gardner could drive up the market price for the position when he's due for his own extension next offseason.

Kosmider notes that young quarterbacks nowadays don't get as much leeway as they used to, pointing out that five of the nine quarterbacks drafted in the first round from 2021 to 2023 are no longer with the team that selected them. Penner praised the "poise and maturity" Nix showed during his quarterback battle with Jarrett Stidham during training camp, and the Broncos owner appears to be in favor of allowing the No. 12 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to go through the "ups and downs" in the upcoming season.

The 2022 fourth-round pick is dealing with an ankle injury and may have lost his starting cornerback spot to Riley Moss, but Mathis still seems to have a place in Denver's secondary. The Pittsburgh product began last year as a starter before being benched midway through the season by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, finishing the campaign with 35 tackles and just one pass defended over 17 games.

The team will attempt to trade him, but Patrick will be released if the Broncos can't find a suitor. The undrafted wide receiver out of Utah hasn't played since 2021 due to multiple injuries, including a torn Achilles' tendon in August 2023, but Patrick appeared to be fully healthy in training camp.

The selection of Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 Draft appears to have spelled the end of Perine's time in Denver, as the team already has Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin locked in to roster spots. Perine should find a new home quickly after setting career highs with 50 catches for 455 receiving yards last season, and the Broncos may be able to get a draft pick in return for him rather than simply cutting him loose.

Wilson has essentially been relegated to the No. 3 quarterback at this point of the preseason, a slotting that was already confirmed even before Payton named rookie Bo Nix as his starting quarterback for Week 1. Despite that standing in the pecking order, Wilson has received Payton's positive reviews by association, with the head coach noting "I like that room" in reference to a trio of signal-callers that also includes Jarrett Stidham.

Nix will start the season opener against the Seahawks and could hold on to the job all season, barring an injury or poor performance. Stidham started Denver's preseason opener but was outplayed by Nix in that game, and Nix proceeded to flourish as a starter in the second preseason game while Stidham wasn't effective throwing the ball. Stidham is still expected to open the season as the top backup over Zach Wilson.

Nix excelled in both of his preseason showings, which helped the 12th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft beat out Jarrett Stidham for the top spot on Denver's quarterback depth chart. He'll start the Sept. 8 regular-season opener in Seattle and will likely be allowed to work through any growing pains.

Taken 12th overall in the 2024 Draft out of Oregon, Nix has been sharp so far this preseason, and he completed eight of nine passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's exhibition game against the Packers. "Listen, he's played well," Payton said after the game. "I'm not announcing any starting quarterback tonight. I'll let you guys know when the time comes, but I thought he played well. You feel his comfort level as he continues to get used to the calls coming in. You've got to feel the poise when he's playing." Jarrett Stidham remains in the mix for the starting job, but all the momentum seems to be with Nix.

The 2021 second-overall pick of the Jets has been hoping for a career reset in Denver, but he's had an inconsistent offseason and camp by all accounts. Rookie 12th overall pick Bo Nix and veteran Jarret Stidham are simply ahead of Wilson in head coach Sean Payton's view, and it increasingly appears Wilson's only chance to make the 53-man roster will be as the No. 3 quarterback if the Broncos opt to go that deep at the position.

Stidham was officially the starter in the preseason opener against the Colts, but he logged only 12 plays to Nix's 39. With Nix working as the No. 1 quarterback for the majority of Friday's joint practice with the Packers and seemingly pulling ahead in the quarterback competition, it appears Stidham is set to open the campaign in the same No. 2 role he'll fill for the second exhibition.

Head coach Sean Payton had Nix working as the No. 1 quarterback for most of Friday's joint practice against the Packers, and it appears the rookie 12th overall pick will maintain that slotting in Sunday's exhibition. Nix was the second quarterback in behind Jarett Stidham in the preseason opener against the Colts, running 39 plays to his teammate's 12 and throwing for 125 yards and a touchdown.

The rookie 12th overall pick is still in the thick of a job battle with veteran Jarrett Stidham and 2021 second overall pick Zach Wilson, and Payton has expressed satisfaction with the group's collective effort thus far. However, the fact Nix was able to lead four scoring drives against Indianapolis certainly made him stand out, and Payton, a noted offensive guru, was impressed. "His decision-making was good," Payton said on Wednesday of Nix. "I felt he was comfortable in the pocket. I thought his locations were good. The number one thing to do at quarterback is lead your team and we scored."

Perine is battling for a roster spot on a Denver team that also has starter Javonte Williams, second-year pro Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie fifth-round draft pick Audric Estime in the backfield. If Denver opts for a younger approach and parts ways with Perine, the 28-year-old running back's pass catching and pass protection skills would make him an appealing option for the Cowboys and Chargers, both of whom appear to have downgraded at running back after losing starters Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler, respectively, in the offseason.

Throughout the offseason and at the start of training camp, each of Jarrett Stidham, Bo Nix and Wilson had alternated days with the first-team offense. Tuesday would have been Wilson's turn, but instead, it was Stidham with the starters. Coach Sean Payton did not acknowledge any change in the quarterback competition, though it appears as though Wilson has fallen behind.

The 12th overall pick in the 2024 Draft was viewed as the most NFL-ready quarterback in a deep class, having started 61 college games, and Nix has demonstrated an aptitude for processing information that reflects his experience level. He's also shown a quick release and good accuracy, traits that make him an excellent fit for coach Sean Payton's offensive scheme. Jarrett Stidham's efficiency and consistency may still have him in the lead for the Week 1 starting job, but Nix could move past him once preseason action begins.

Sutton already had a $13 million base salary locked in for the coming season, along with $500,000 worth of roster bonuses. However, he was still seeking a raise in some form and had reported to camp on time with the rest of veterans, following that up by participating in both of the team's first two practices. Sutton projects to serve as the Broncos' clear-cut No. 1 receiver in 2024 following the offseason trade of Jerry Jeudy to the Browns.

Williams was listed at 220 pounds when he entered the NFL in 2021 and rushed for 903 yards at a clip of 4.4 yards per carry as a rookie. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry in 2022, then tore his ACL and subsequently came back heavier in 2023 while averaging just 3.6 yards per rushing attempt. Payton and Williams are hoping that the running back's return to a slimmer frame will help recapture some of the elusiveness he lacked last season.

Sutton is among several wide receivers around the league seeking a new contract and had previously not committed to being present at the start of camp. His current deal runs through the 2025 season, and he is currently owed $13 million for the 2024 campaign. Coach Sean Payton didn't offer any update about the status of negotiations but did say he didn't expect the issue to cause a distraction.

A third-round pick in 2021, Meinerz has started 39 games over his first three seasons and distinguished himself as an above-average pass and run blocker that's still improving. The Wisconsin-Whitewater product did suffer a cardiac scare during a Week 14 win over the Chargers last season, but he was eventually cleared after spending the night in a Los Angeles hospital.

Griffith showed his high ceiling by beating out Alex Singleton in training camp for a starting spot alongside Josey Jewell in 2022, but he missed the second half of that season due to a broken foot and the entire 2023 campaign due to a knee injury. Singleton's locked into a starting spot these days, but Jewell left in free agency, giving Griffith the opportunity to compete for a starting role against Cody Barton and Justin Strnad.

The Broncos drafted Abrams-Draine in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Missouri, and the rookie has proceeded to put together a strong offseason program heading into training camp. Abrams-Draine will be competing for a prominent role as either the nickel cornerback or a starter on the outside in a cornerback room that includes Surtain, Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, Levi Wallace and Art Green.

Kosmider reasons that the Broncos are hoping to let a young center grow alongside Nix, and Forsyth would be a sensible choice considering he was the center for Nix at Oregon in 2022. Forsyth was a seventh-round draft pick in 2023, and he's competing with 2022 fifth-round pick Luke Wattenberg and veteran Sam Mustipher to be the starting center after 2023 starter Lloyd Cushenberry left in free agency.

McLaughlin had only 31 catches as a rookie, but he's looking to carve out a larger role in a Denver backfield that also includes Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and rookie fifth-round pick Audric Estime, the latter of whom is recovering from a knee procedure. Williams and Estime profile more as early-down options, and if McLaughlin's hard work in the offseason pays off, the Broncos may feel comfortable parting ways with Perine and entrusting McLaughlin with the majority of passing-down snaps.

The Broncos selected Estime out of Notre Dame in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and Payton revealed that the running back's physical running style inspired that choice. Estime missed OTAs and minicamp after undergoing a knee scope, but the rookie will try to push Javonte Williams for early down touches, while Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine are likely to get most of their opportunities in passing situations.

Williams averaged 4.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2021 and 4.3 yards per carry through four games in 2022 prior to injuring his knee. He played in all but one game in 2023 but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. Williams will look to bounce back in 2024 and maintain the lead role in a Denver backfield that also includes second-year pro Jaleel McLaughlin, veteran Samaje Perine and rookie Audric Estime, the latter of whom is working his way back from a knee scope.

Edholm notes Surtain didn't even have as a good a season in 2023 as he did in his first two campaigns, but he envisions a player of his talent bouncing back in 2024 if he's able to make a few more plays on the ball. Moreover, Edholm points out it would be difficult to predict a team MVP on the offensive side of the ball for Denver, given the team's uncertain quarterback situation and Courtland Sutton's dissatisfaction with his contract.

Griffith missed all of the 2023 season due to an ACL tear, but he was a teammate of Wilson's through the quarterback's two seasons in Denver. Griffith should have an excellent chance to at least be on the field and put himself in position to record a potential interception, considering he suffered his injury in August and already participated fully in OTAs and minicamp.

Perine is competing for a roster spot on a Broncos team that drafted Audric Estime in the fifth round, has Javonte Williams as the established lead back and saw Jaleel McLaughlin flash big-play ability as a rookie last season. If Perine winds up being the odd man out in Denver, he could fit in as a third-down specialist in a Cincinnati backfield led by Zack Moss and Chase Brown. Perine thrived in such a role with the Bengals in 2022, posting 681 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.

Barton has worked as a starter for the last two seasons with the Seahawks and Commanders and been extremely productive, tallying a combined 257 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions. Even so, he's not locked into a starting job heading into training camp. Griffith has played only 557 combined defensive snaps across his first two seasons in the NFL, so Barton presumably has the early edge in the competition.

McLaughlin is part of a crowded running back room consisting of Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and 2024 fifth-rounder Audric Estime. While Williams and Perine figure to be the top two backs heading into training camp, Ciely believes that McLaughlin's speed and cut-and-go style will give him an opportunity to establish consistent snaps on offense. McLaughlin led Denver with 5.4 yards per carry last season, and he finished his rookie year with 570 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 107 touches.

The star cornerback is hoping to stay in Denver long enough to be named to the team's Ring of Fame. "When you see those [Ring of Fame] players on the wall and see what they've done, it just gives you great inspiration and you look forward to those things to fulfill," Surtain said over the weekend. "Obviously, I want to be a Bronco, so I definitely want to see my name up in the rafters." The 24-year-old is under contract through 2025 after the fifth-year option on his rookie deal was picked up in April.

Wilson has looked like the team's third-best quarterback in terms of both playing time and performance. He played three practices with the first-team offense during the spring compared to four for Nix and five for Stidham. While Stidham and Nix appear to be running neck-and-neck for the starting job, Wilson is falling behind in the competition, though the 24-year-old former Jets quarterback could still work his way into the conversation for the starting job by bouncing back in training camp and preseason.

Nix still has ground to make up on Stidham, but it's hardly surprising that the rookie first-round pick is trailing at this stage considering Stidham has incumbency advantage after starting the final two games of the 2023 season for the Broncos. Nix showed progress during the team's mandatory minicamp, and a strong showing during training camp and preseason could help the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft leapfrog Stidham on the depth chart before Week 1.

Stidham is running ahead of Bo Nix and Zach Wilson heading into training camp, though Nix still has plenty of time to close the gap. Coach Sean Payton praised the decisiveness and leadership of Stidham, who started the final two games of the 2023 season for the Broncos. Even if Stidham holds onto the top spot on the depth chart heading into the regular season, it likely won't be long until Nix supplants him as the starter considering the Broncos drafted Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Patrick had 742 receiving yards in 2020 and 734 yards in 2021, but he hasn't played in a regular-season game since due to an ACL tear followed by an Achilles tear. The veteran wide receiver seems to have moved past those injuries and could be in position to return to a prominent role in a Broncos receiving corps that lacks established options behind Courtland Sutton, who attended minicamp but may sit out training camp as he angles for a new contract.

Sutton has maintained that he wants to remain in Denver long term, so the 28-year-old wide receiver is hoping for more job security on a new deal. While his current contract runs through the end of the 2025 season, Sutton has only $2 million guaranteed among the $27.6 million owed him over that span. According to the wide receiver, contract talks between his camp and the Broncos have hit a stalemate.

Sutton had skipped all voluntary workouts as he seeks a new contract with the Broncos. However, he returned to the field Tuesday to avoid fines that could have totaled up to $101,716 for missing mandatory minicamp. Sutton spoke to the media and confirmed he still wanted a new deal while also disclosing the sides had not made much progress in negotiations.

Nix appears to be on track to begin the season as the starter, leaving Stidham and Wilson competing for the backup job. Stidham has experience in coach Sean Payton's scheme from last year, but Wilson's advantage is contractual, as he has a fully guaranteed $2.73 million salary for 2024, while only $1 million of Stidham's $6 million salary is guaranteed. As a result, Stidham will need to create enough of a gap between himself and Wilson during training camp to convince the front office to pony up that extra $5 million.

Stidham did his part in OTAs, looking at times like the best QB on the roster, but only $1 million of his $6 million salary in 2024 is guaranteed, so the Broncos would save a not insignificant sum if they cut him loose. By contrast, Wilson is due a fully guaranteed $2.73 million. Rookie Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in this year's draft, appears to be on track to open the season as the Broncos' starter regardless of who wins the backup job.

Per Klis' observations during OTAs, Nix looked ready to take the reins, with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson competing for the backup job. Nix, taken with the 12th overall pick in this year's draft, actually has the most starting experience of the three counting college, as he set an NCAA record with 61 starts between Auburn and Oregon.

Mims was typically stuck behind Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy in his rookie 2023 campaign, finishing the season with just 22 receptions for 377 yards and a touchdown across 362 snaps. However, with Jeudy now in Cleveland and Sutton currently staying away from OTAs due to a contractual dispute, Mims is getting much more of an opportunity with the first-team offense and making good use of it. It's also likely Mims retains the returner roles he filled most of last season, especially with new kickoff rules that will take effect this coming season.

Patrick was the most tenured Broncos receiver Thursday with Courtland Sutton absent. Kosmider notes that Patrick seemed to have relished the opportunity to serve as the veteran receiver, leading the wideouts in individual drills and making impressive catches during team drills. He's missed the last two seasons with an ACL tear and torn left Achilles in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He'll look to carve out a role in the passing game alongside Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims and 2024 fourth-round pick Troy Franklin this season.

The Broncos have attempted to fill the void they created by trading Jerry Jeudy to the Browns in March by selecting Franklin in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 102nd overall. Franklin should fit into the Denver offense nicely, especially if former Oregon teammate Bo Nix wins the starting quarterback competition, with the duo connecting for 23 touchdowns over its last two seasons with the Ducks. Franklin's speed and leaping ability should complement veteran wideouts Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds in the passing game.

Wilson got a much-needed change of scenery with the move out of the Big Apple, where he largely struggled after being selected with the second overall pick in 2021. Head coach Sean Payton noted Thursday that Wilson, who worked with the first team in Wednesday's OTA practice session, has performed well so far, although he also had praise for the other two signal-callers vying for the starting job, rookie first-round pick Bo Nix and incumbent Jarrett Stidham. The competition is likely to go all the way through preseason, and Wilson notably has the experience edge on his fellow competitors after appearing in 34 games with the Jets over his first three seasons.

Head coach Sean Payton spoke about the three-way quarterback competition between Stidham, rookie first-round pick Bo Nix and Zach Wilson on Thursday, and he had praise for all three players. The long-tenured head coach noted Stidham had worked with the starters on Tuesday, and he emphasized all three players are on equal footing despite Stidham's status as the incumbent in Payton's system.

Payton noted Nix was "farther along than most would be," adding the rookie out of Oregon was "extremely smart" and quickly picking up the offense. Nix even opened Thursday's OTA practice with the starters, but Payton emphasized nothing should be read into that decision and repeatedly stressed Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are in a three-way competition for the top job.

Rosenthal believes Nix will ultimately earn the starting job, but it's worth noting that coach Sean Payton targeted Stidham as a free agent in the 2023 offseason and ultimately had Stidham start two games down the stretch in 2023. Stidham climbed to the top of the depth chart after Denver parted ways with Russell Wilson earlier in the offseason, but the Broncos subsequently added two younger quarterbacks with higher ceilings in Nix and Zach Wilson.

The veteran wideout is working out on his own in Florida as he seeks a new contract. Sutton has two years left on his current deal worth $26.6 million, but only $2 million of that is guaranteed, and he would like a little more security. With Jerry Jeudy having been traded to the Browns in March, Sutton will be the clear top receiving option in 2024 for rookie first-round pick Bo Nix, who is expected to take over as Denver's starting quarterback early this season if not for Week 1. His absence from workouts is preventing the duo from developing any chemistry in Sean Payton's timing-based scheme, however. Sutton's attendance won't become mandatory until minicamp in June.

Nix didn't seem to struggle with the adjustment to taking snaps under center, which was a point of concern for the rookie quarterback coming from an Oregon offense that operated predominantly out of the shotgun. Coach Sean Payton was pleased with Nix's performance but is in no hurry to name a starting quarterback, as Denver intends to move forward with a rotation of Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson under center to begin OTAs.

Baumgardner and Dotcherman point out that numerous undrafted running backs have eventually earned playing time in recent years, and Watson out of Memphis could turn into the latest addition to that list. Watson rushed for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023 while adding 53 catches for 480 yards and three touchdowns. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound running back ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at Memphis' Pro Day, showcasing excellent speed to go with his impressive production.

Denver was searching for a starting quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft after parting ways with Russell Wilson, and part of the calculus that went into staying pat for the 24-year-old Nix with the 12th overall pick rather than trading up for one of the five quarterbacks selected before him was that Nix is more likely to be ready to start as a rookie. Given that context, Nix is well positioned to beat out Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for Denver's starting job come Week 1.

Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are also on the roster and have NFL starting experience, but Payton has said only that the quarterback position will "sort itself out" over the offseason. Nix is already 24 years old and played 61 college games, however, and after being selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 Draft, Denver may not be inclined to wait long to install him as Russell Wilson's successor under center.

Nix threw for 8,101 yards and 74 touchdowns over his last two seasons in Oregon, and 23 of those scores went to his number one wideout Franklin. They were brought in by Denver to address glaring needs at quarterback and wide receiver after the Broncos traded away Russell Wilson and Jerry Jeudy over the offseason. The Oregon duo will look to build on their chemistry from college while working with the likes of Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds and Marvin Mims in the passing game.

The Broncos addressed their needs at quarterback and wide receiver in the draft, taking Nix with the 12th overall pick before trading up with the Seahawks to take Franklin early in the fourth round. Franklin was Nix's number one receiver in Oregon, with the duo connecting for 23 touchdowns over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The former Ducks will look to bring their college chemistry to the Broncos, similar to Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase with the Bengals and Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle with the Dolphins.

Schefter explains Nix had his private workout with the team the day after his pro day, and the night prior, the team sent the Oregon product three packets of offensive play installation. Nix had reportedly mastered the material by the next morning when quizzed on it during a classroom session, and he was apparently equally impressive when subsequently throwing on the field for an hour.

Working with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph appears to be a big selling point for Wallace in coming to Denver. The 28-year-old cornerback spent the last two seasons with Pittsburgh, starting 18 of 31 games and recording 24 passes defended, including six interceptions.

Paton noted workouts are "100 percent voluntary" at this stage, adding that both he and head coach Sean Payton have talked to Sutton and the wideout is "in a good place." Sutton still has two years remaining on his current contract, but with only $2.4 million guaranteed over that span and the 28-year-old qualifying as the team's clear-cut No. 1 receiver at the moment, he may feel urgency to see that dollar figure rise significantly.

The Broncos famously released Russell Wilson earlier this offseason and have yet to sign a quarterback in free agency, leaving Stidham atop the positional depth chart for the moment. Paton noted Thursday there's no guarantee Denver even stands pat at No. 12 given the team has received offers to both move up and back from that slot, while head coach Sean Payton added a quarterback would have to be "the right fit, the right one" to warrant a first-round investment.

Sutton still has two years remaining on his current deal, and he's owed a total of $26.5 million in that span. While his targets, receptions and yards were all around his career norms in 2023, he found the end zone a career-best 10 times -- a particularly impressive mark given the inconsistent quarterback play in Denver. It's unclear whether the Broncos plan to negotiate with Sutton, though he could opt to hold in during training camp if a new deal doesn't come to fruition.

Sutton has been named as a potential trade target for the Jets, though it appears the Broncos aren't willing to completely turn over their wide receiver corps after dealing Jerry Jeudy. Sutton's currently in line to be the team's top pass catcher in 2024, though it's unclear who will be delivering passes to him following the release of Russell Wilson. As for the Jets, they're looking for a reliable second receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson, though they may need to rely on free agency or the draft to find one.