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, Ja’Wuan James to Broncos: Denver works late to secure deals By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post March 12, 2019

Perhaps waiting to see how the free-agent market developed or focusing on specific targets, the Broncos took until Monday night to make their first two moves.

And they were expensive additions.

A league source confirmed the Broncos agreed to a three-year contract with /safety Kareem Jackson and a four-year deal with right tackle Ja’Wuan James.

NFL Network reported Jackson’s deal will be worth $33 million ($23 million guaranteed).

A source said James’ deal is worth more than $50 million, making him the league’s highest-paid right tackle.

The Broncos addressed needs for an experienced and versatile player in the secondary and a pass protector for new .

Jackson, 30, and James, 26, can’t sign until Wednesday at 2 p.m. Combined with the acquisition of Flacco, it probably represents the big-splash additions for general manager John Elway.

Jackson and James emerged shortly after Monday’s 10 a.m. opening of the negotiating window as the Broncos’ two main targets.

Last year for Houston, Jackson started four games at safety before moving to cornerback for the final 12 games. He made a career-high 87 tackles plus two and 17 pass break-ups (tied for third in the NFL with Detroit’s ).

The Broncos have an opening at safety after releasing Darian Stewart last week, but new coach could envision Jackson as a hybrid cornerback/safety depending on that week’s opponent and individual match-ups.

The addition of Jackson still leaves the Broncos in play to draft a cornerback in the first three rounds.

A nine-year veteran, Jackson has started 124 of his 132 career games and totaled 559 tackles, 16 interceptions and six forced .

Jackson faced the Broncos last year at Mile High. In 66 snaps, the Denver Post charted him for 12 “factor” plays (combination of play against the run and in coverage). He had four tackles and two pass break-ups. Included was a thundering hit on Broncos Phillip Lindsay to break up a pass.

“That hit was one of the hardest hits I’ve seen on a football field,” Texans J.J. Watt said after the game. “It was clean. It was a great hit. But he’s been doing that all year.”

The ability to hit and cover will be key in the Broncos’ . On a given week, if Fangio wants Chris Harris to shadow a team’s No. 1 receiver, it is now doable because Jackson can play inside.

A source said the Broncos intend to play James at right tackle and keep at left tackle. James’ addition means the Broncos have probably moved on from free agents Jared Veldheer and Billy Turner.

James, who has 62 regular-season starts, has a link to the Broncos in assistant offensive line coach Chris Kuper, a Dolphins assistant from 2016-18.

In five years, James was called for 30 enforced penalties, but only three in 2018. James missed nine games in 2015 (toe) and eight games in 2017 (groin/hamstring). He was moved to right tackle in 2016 when the Dolphins drafted Laremy Tunsil in the first round.

New offensive line coach Mike Munchak has projected Week 1 starters at left tackle (Bolles), left guard (Ron Leary) and right tackle (James). Center could become open if Matt Paradis doesn’t re-sign, and right guard could be filled in the draft.

James joins a long list of free-agent offensive linemen added under Elway’s watch. The Broncos signed guard Louis Vasquez in 2013, offensive tackles Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson in 2016 and guard Ron Leary and offensive tackle Menelik Watson in 2017.

Salary Cap Q-and-A: What will Matt Paradis, other free agents command on market? By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post March 12, 2019

The free-agent negotiating period begins Monday at 10 a.m., followed by the signing/trading period Wednesday at 2 p.m. For insight into the Broncos’ salary cap situation and what the top free agents could command on the open market, we traded emails with J.I. Halsell, a former Washington Redskins cap analyst and agent at Priority Sports who organizes the website NFLContractMetrics.com.

Question: What kind of spending flexibility do the Broncos have and what is the state of their salary cap?

Halsell: On Wednesday, the trade of to Washington and contract expiration of will become official. Additionally, the trade for Joe Flacco will also become official. From a cap standpoint, the resulting cap space will be approximately $41.5 million for the Broncos, which would rank them 11th and position them very well to add key veteran pieces to a roster currently comprised of players mostly on rookie contracts.

Q: Are there certain characteristics you’ve seen from the Broncos’ front office in terms of their free- agent contracts?

Halsell: The most notable characteristic of recent Broncos free-agent contracts has been that they have gotten good value on deals and have not been big spenders in the first few days of free agency when a lot of clubs are overpaying. The question then becomes, does that urgency to turn things around in short order force the Broncos to diverge from their recent, reserved approach to free agency? We shall see.

Q: Center Matt Paradis is an interesting case. He was 100 percent durable until he broke his leg last October. What is your projection for Paradis’ next contract (one-year prove-it or long-term deal)?

Halsell: Paradis and the Chiefs’ Mitch Morse are largely considered the top two UFA centers this year. That said, last year’s free-agency cycle proved that there’s enough money to go around for two centers to receive lucrative contracts, as illustrated by Tampa Bay’s Ryan Jensen becoming the highest-paid center in football last year at $10.5 million per year and the 49ers’ Weston Richburg (Colorado State) receiving $9.5 million per year. Given that unrestricted free agency for players like Paradis is more of an auction than it is a negotiation, I project that Paradis will receive a significant multi-year windfall that will likely range from $10-$12 million per year and very well could make him the highest-paid center in football.

Q: Cornerback Chris Harris is entering the final year of his contract and is open to an extension. Based on his versatility (can play outside and over the slot receiver) what kind of contract makes sense for both sides?

Halsell: Harris will be 30 years old by the time Week 1 rolls around, but I don’t think his age significantly impacts the per-year metrics of his deal. While the Bears’ had a strong 2018, he is not as accomplished as Harris. Fuller is currently the fifth-highest paid cornerback at $14 million per year. If both the Broncos and Harris can agree to a deal, I would project that deal as a three-year extension that would take Harris through his age 33 season with an average per year of $14.25-$15.5 million per year. Washington’s Josh Norman is currently the highest-paid cornerback at $15 million per year, but there’s a chance Harris surpasses Norman and becomes the highest-paid cornerback in football.

Q: What are your projections on a couple of free agents (term and dollars):

Chicago CB : Four years, $10-$11 million per year. Logan Ryan is currently the highest- paid slot cornerback at $10 million per year.

Chicago S : Three years, $8-$9.5 million per year. Free agency is auction-driven by positional supply and demand. Given the number of safeties hitting the market this free agency cycle, the supply and demand dynamics somewhat limits Amos. However, a shorter deal, like a three-year deal, would allow the soon-to-be 26-year old to get another bite at the proverbial free agency “apple” ahead of his age-29 season.

Baltimore LB C.J. Mosley: Four years, $14.5-$16.5 million per year. If the Ravens wanted the market to set Mosley’s contract value, then it was surprising they did not use the transition tag to provide themselves the formal right to match any offer that Mosley would receive. By not tagging him, the Ravens run the significant risk of not having the opportunity to match and retain him. Mosley will assuredly become the highest-paid inside in football; it’s only a matter of by how much. The Panthers’ ’s 2015 deal currently sits atop the inside linebacker market at $12.4 million per year and was negotiated when the salary cap was $143.28 million. The $12.4 million average was 8.6 percent of the 2015 salary cap. When one applies that 8.6 percent to 2019’s $188.2 million salary cap, the resulting APY is $16.2 million. Again, free agency is an auction and Mosley will have significant suitors. I suspect there will be a suitor willing to pay him in line with Kuechly’s 8.6 percent and thus execute a deal in excess of $16 million per year.

Philadelphia WR : Three years, $9-$11 million per year. Tate profiles as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 receiver. Players who similarly fit this profile are Seattle’s Doug Baldwin ($11.5 million per year), Tampa Bay’s DeSean Jackson ($11.16 million), Seattle’s Tyler Lockett ($10.6 million) and the ’ Quincy Enunwa ($9 million).

Broncos free agency tracker: John Elway’s acquisitions since 2011 By Kyle Frederickson Denver Post March 12, 2019

The NFL’s free agency frenzy began Monday morning with the beginning of a two-day negotiating period.

What moves will Broncos general manager John Elway make? Here is a look at what Elway has done during the first wave of free agency during his first eight years running the Broncos’ personnel department (players added via trade or late in free agency not included).

2018 Tramaine Brock (Vikings), cornerback

Contract: One year, $3 million

Notable: Started five games last season with 23 tackles and six pass deflections. … Missed five games with groin and rib injuries.

Case Keenum (Vikings), quarterback

Contract: Two years, $36 million

Notable: Started 16 games last season with 3,890 yards passing, 18 and 15 interceptions. … Will be traded to the Redskins when the league year begins on Wednesday.

Clinton McDonald (Buccaneers),

Contract: Two years, $7 million

Notable: Had offseason shoulder surgery and was cut after the preseason. … Signed with Oakland and played in 15 games (31 tackles).

2017 Zach Kerr (Colts), defensive end

Contract: Two years, $3 million

Notable: One start over two seasons with 52 tackles and two sacks.

Ronald Leary (Cowboys), guard

Contract: Four years, $36 million

Notable: Seventeen starts through two seasons. … Sustained season-ending torn Achilles in Week 6 loss to Rams last year. … Under contract next season ($9.2 million).

Domata Peko (Cincinnati), nose tackle

Contract: Two years, $7.5 million

Notable: Thirty starts over two seasons with 69 tackles and 1.5 sacks. … Not expected to be re-signed by Broncos.

Menelik Watson (Raiders), offensive tackle

Contract: Three years, $18.75 million

Notable: A bust. Started seven games in 2017 and Broncos gave up on him in August 2018.

2016 Russell Okung (Seahawks), offensive tackle

Contract: Five years, $53 million

Notable: Started 16 games in one season … Denver declined his contract option in 2016. … Signed with Chargers in 2017 and earned a nod.

Donald Stephenson (Chiefs), offensive tackle

Contract: Three years, $14 million

Notable: Sixteen starts over two seasons. … Signed in 2017 with the Browns . … Retired from the NFL prior to the 2018 season.

2015 Owen Daniels (Ravens),

Contract: Three years, $12.2 million

Notable: Started 16 games over one season with 46 catches for 517 yards and three touchdowns. … Cut prior to the 2016 season.

Darian Stewart (Ravens), safety

Contract: Two years, $4.25 million

Notable: Fifty-eight starts over four seasons with 250 tackles, 24 pass deflections and nine interceptions. … Voted to Pro Bowl in 2016. … Released by Denver last week.

Vance Walker (Chiefs), defensive end

Contract: Two years, $4 million

Notable: Started four games over one season with 32 tackles and two sacks. … Released by Denver in 2016.

2014 DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), edge rusher

Contract: Three years, $30 million

Notable: Thirty-three starts over three seasons with 85 tackles, 21 1/2 sacks and 44 quarterback hits. … Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2014-15). … Retired after the 2016 season.

Aqib Talib (Patriots), cornerback

Contract: Six years, $57 million

Notable: Fifty-eight starts over four seasons with 186 tackles, 48 pass deflections and 11 interceptions (six returned for touchdowns). … Pro Bowl selection every year in Denver. … Traded to the Rams in 2018.

T.J. Ward (Browns), safety

Contract: Four years, $22.5 million

Notable: Forty-one starts over three seasons with 224 tackles, 19 pass deflections and three interceptions. … Pro Bowl selection in 2014. … Released from Denver prior to 2017 season and signed with the Buccaneers.

Emmanuel Sanders (Steelers),

Contract: Three years, $15 million

Notable: Seventy starts through five seasons with 374 receptions for 4,994 yards and 75 touchdowns. … Earned Pro Bowl selections in 2014 and ’16. … Re-signed to a three-year, $33 million contract extension in 2016.

2013 Terrance Knighton (Jaguars), defensive tackle

Contract: Two years, $4.5 million

Notable: Thirty-two starts over two seasons with 76 tackles and five sacks. … Signed with the Redskins in 2015.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Eagles), cornerback

Contract: One year, $5 million

Notable: Started 13 games with 39 tackles, 14 pass deflections and three interceptions (one returned for a ). … Signed with the Giants in 2014.

Louis Vasquez, offensive guard (Chargers)

Contract: Four years, $23.5 million

Notable: Started 47 games over three seasons. … Named first-team All-Pro in 2013. … Denver released Vasquez in 2016.

Wes Welker, wide receiver (Patriots)

Contract: Two years, $12 million

Notable: Twenty-one starts over two seasons with 122 receptions for 1,242 yards and 12 touchdowns. … Signed with the Rams via free agency in 2015.

2012 (Browns), safety

Contract: Two years, $4 million

Notable: Twenty-three starts over two seasons with 144 tackles, 17 pass deflections and one . … Signed with the Colts in 2014.

Joel Dreessen (Texans), tight end

Contract: Three years, $8.5 million

Notable: Fifteen starts over three seasons with 48 receptions for 403 yards and six touchdowns. … Released by Denver in 2014 after a failed physical.

Peyton Manning (Colts), quarterback

Contract: Five years, $96 million

Notable: Fifty-seven starts over four seasons with 17,112 passing yards and 140 touchdowns. … Two appearances (one victory) and the 2013 NFL MVP. … Retired in 2016 after 18 NFL seasons.

Brandon Stokley (Giants), wide receiver

Contract: One year, $925,000

Notable: Started nine games with 45 receptions for 544 yards and five touchdowns. … His second stint with the Broncos (2007-09). … Signed with the Ravens in 2013 through free agency.

Jacob Tamme (Colts), tight end

Contract: Three years, $8.1 million

Notable: Nine starts over three seasons with 86 catches for 848 yards and five touchdowns. … Signed with the Falcons in 2015 via free agency.

2011 Willis McGahee (Ravens), running back

Contract: Four years, $9.5 million

Notable: Twenty-three starts over two seasons with 1,930 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. … selection. … Cut by Denver prior to the 2013 season.

Broncos add right tackle Ja'Wuan James, Kareem Jackson with big contracts By Mike Klis 9NEWS March 12, 2019

Knowing full well the Oakland Raiders were spending gargantuan dollars this offseason, and already aware they were far behind the and , the Broncos made a late push Monday evening to keep up in the highly competitive AFC West.

The Broncos reached lucrative contract agreements with cornerback-safety Kareem Jackson on a three- year, $33 million contract and right tackle Ja'Wuan James on a four-year deal worth at least $50 million, sources told 9NEWS.

The Broncos have also re-engaged in contract talks with center Matt Paradis. They also re-started talks with versatile offensive lineman Billy Turner on Monday, although his status is now unclear given the signing of James.

Teams were permitted to begin negotiations with free agents at 10 a.m. Monday, although no deal can be signed until the official start of free agency at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

James will become the NFL's highest-paid right tackle as he will make at least $12.5 million a year. Philadelphia's had held the previous standard at $11.25 million a year.

The Broncos nearly traded for James last season and that was when he was coming off a knee injury. The 6-foot-6, 312-pound James was the Miami Dolphins’ first-round draft pick, No. 19 overall, out of Tennessee in 2014. He spent the past five seasons with the Dolphins. He missed half of the 2015 season with a dislocated big toe and half of 2017 with a knee injury.

James, who will turn 27 in June, will replace Jared Veldheer, who is a free agent.

Jackson, 31, may play both cornerback and safety for the Broncos, although initially he will play cornerback. He may be older, but he’s playing better than he ever has. Ranked fifth, just behind Chris Harris Jr., among last year, according to overall grades posted by Pro Football Focus. And Jackson was No. 1 among corners in run defense. The three-year deal is worth $33 million and has $23 million in guarantees.

Which isn’t a surprise considering he started at both corner and safety for Houston last year. This is a guy who can play nickel corner/free safety and outside zone corner. If he loses a step in coverage, he could always play full-time safety – a position where the Broncos have a need if they don’t promote Will Parks to replace the released Darian Stewart. He is a sound tackler and is coming off arguably his best season in what was year 9 with the Houston Texans. He would be able to play outside corner in Vic Fangio’s zone schemes, nickel corner in man-to-man, and free safety.

The combined deals for James and Jackson total at least $83 million and have a combined average annual pay out of at least $23.5 million. As free agency begins, Broncos need consistency after more QB moves By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com March 12, 2019

After three consecutive playoff misses, after back-to-back seasons of at least 10 losses, a lot of things have been said about the ' offense and its growing list of struggles.

That the offense is outdated, that the team tried to do too much with Mike McCoy calling plays and tried to do too little with Bill Musgrave calling plays. And that the QB has been a question since retired in March 2016.

But as the Broncos already have a trade in place for Joe Flacco as they prepare for free agency and the draft, their offense doesn't just have a quarterback problem, it has a continuity problem -- and a big one at that.

"Not having continuity on the offensive side makes it a lot harder, no matter who the quarterback is," Broncos president of football operations/general manager John Elway said. "Unless you have continuity in the system that you have, it's going to be hard to have a quarterback that goes through multiple system changes."

And since Manning exited three years, the offensive statistics, beyond the failed touchdown drives, third-down woes and a struggle to find an identity aren't pretty.

With the pending trade of Case Keenum to the Washington Redskins, Denver will have had nine on the active roster or practice squad since Manning retired who are no longer with the team, and restricted free agent Kevin Hogan will be the 10th if he isn't tendered before free agency opens Wednesday. Rich Scangarello will be the fourth and Vic Fangio is the third .

Though the ticket-buying public might demand change when times are bad, the Broncos, and ultimately Elway's, constant of change on offense has been a failure. Elway and Fangio haven't been able to publicly discuss their trade for Flacco, who is a 34-year-old and set to enter his 12th season coming off recent back, knee and hip troubles.

So, the Broncos might already have to be planning for life after Flacco before he even starts a game. But after sifting through the good, bad and everything in between, it's clear Elway believes the organization has to find some consistency in what it wants and in the players it signs around Flacco and beyond.

"I've talked to Vic about us trying to make sure that we have the same system offensively and keep that going and be able to hire from within if we were to lose people," Elway said. "But the key thing that we have to do is, systematically, we have to be consistent year in and year out to have these players to get better."

The Broncos have finished 24th, tied for 26th and 22nd in scoring in the past three seasons, respectively, as Flacco will be the fifth different quarterback to start a game for the team since the start of the 2017 season.

It all makes Scangarello, as well as offensive line coach Mike Munchak, two of the most important offseason acquisitions no matter what happens in the weeks to come. Because the two biggest struggles the Broncos have had on offense over the past three seasons is an ability to put a consistent offensive line together and then watching the play of their quarterbacks erode in what often looked like an ill- fitting offense that couldn't protect the passer very well.

In Scangarello, the Broncos hope they get the roots of the Mike Shanahan/Gary Kubiak playbook that Elway says he believes is a quality foundation with the updates from Kyle Shanahan -- Scangarello’s former boss with the 49ers and Falcons -- in the playbook as well.

"I like the offensive background that [Scangarello has] come from, number one," Fangio said. "... I think he's at a perfect time in his career to take on this responsibility. I think he's done it the right way. He went to Atlanta. [He] had a chance to stay there but wanted to go back and call the offense, even though at a lower level (at Wagner College), that he had learned from being in Atlanta."

Munchak, a Hall of Fame guard in his playing career, has long been considered one of the league's best offensive line coaches, having developed high draft picks as well as undrafted players in his more than two decades in coaching.

But in the end it all might have to entail getting something in place and keeping it there, to a position where the Broncos tweak between seasons instead of overhaul.

"I like the system," Elway said. "It's a system I'm familiar with, obviously Mike [Shanahan] started, and Kyle [Shanahan] is taking it to the next level and evolved it. And the success that Kyle has had, wherever he's been offensively. Then to have Rich [Scangarello] study underneath Kyle, I think is tremendous. I'm excited about the system, and I'm excited about them as coaches too. I think that combination, hopefully gives us a chance to be a lot better on the offensive side."

Denver Broncos' 2019 free-agent signings: Ja'Wuan James sets market By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com March 12, 2019

A breakdown of the Denver Broncos' 2019 free-agent signings.

Ja'Wuan James, tackle

The Broncos will sign Ja'Wuan James to a four-year deal worth up to $52 million. Here's a closer look at the tackle who spent the previous five seasons with the Miami Dolphins:

What it means: Broncos president of football operations/general manager John Elway moved quickly to fill another prominent need on the roster. James will arrive as the starting right tackle, and the fact he was a primary target during the negotiating period means offensive line coach Mike Munchak has already given his seal of approval to the move. The Broncos have been interested in James, who played under Broncos assistant offensive line coach Chris Kuper for the past three seasons with the Dolphins, for some time. After the Bears re-signed tackle Bobby Massie -- keeping him off the market -- the Broncos pivoted to James. After quarterback and cornerback, the Broncos had right tackle as their priority in free agency and will pay James that way. At $13 million per year, James will be the highest- paid right tackle in the league pending any deals in the coming days.

What's the risk: James has had injury issues at times, having missed eight games in 2017 and nine in 2015. His career starts have gone this way: 16 as a rookie in 2014, seven in 2015, 16 in 2016, eight in 2017 and 15 starts last season. The Broncos need him to be available every week and are paying him accordingly. At his best he's the agile, powerful guy who held Khalil Mack without a sack in Week 5 last season. During that game Mack finished with one tackle and Broncos coach Vic Fangio saw it up close as Chicago's .

Kareem Jackson, cornerback

The Broncos will sign Kareem Jackson to a three-year deal worth up to $33 million. Here's a closer look at the defensive back who spent the previous nine seasons with the Houston Texans:

What it means: The Broncos have a massive need at cornerback. They have three who are unrestricted free agents and a fourth -- Brendan Langley, a 2017 draft pick -- who has told others he plans to move to wide receiver. Adding Jackson gives the Broncos the best and most versatile cornerback on the market. Pairing Jackson with Chris Harris Jr. provides coach Vic Fangio with quality options in coverage. Harris is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the league and can consistently play at an elite level both on the outside and in the slot. The Broncos have also lined Harris up at safety for a smattering of snaps when needed, either by scheme or because of injuries to others. And Jackson, too, can play on the outside, in the slot and has seen time at safety as well.

What's the risk: Jackson will turn 31 in April so he's already beaten the odds in many ways at a position that isn't kind to most 30-somethings. He's been a healthy player for most of his career, having played at least 14 games in seven of his previous nine seasons. And while he's never played fewer than 12 games in a season, he's played in all 16 games in just four seasons. The Broncos could use some good fortune in free agency given their work last year was marred by injuries to Clinton McDonald, Marquette King, Tramaine Brock, Su'a Cravens and Adam Jones.

Source: DB Kareem Jackson headed to Broncos By Staff ESPN.com March 12, 2019

Former Houston Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson intends to sign a three-year, $33 million deal with the Denver Broncos that includes $23 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Word of an agreement was first reported by 9 News in Denver.

Jackson, 30, is coming off the best season of his nine-year NFL career, all spent with the Texans, after being selected in the first round (20th overall) of the 2010 draft.

In 2018, Jackson had a career-high 87 tackles, along with two interceptions, a sack, two forced fumbles and a recovery. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson ranked fourth in the NFL among cornerbacks in 2018.

Before last season, the Texans moved Jackson from cornerback -- where he had played his first eight NFL seasons -- to safety. While Jackson excelled at his new position early in the season, he wound up returning to cornerback due to injuries in the secondary.

Jackson said after the season he would "definitely love to be back" and possibly finish his career with the Texans.

For his career, Jackson, who has started 124 regular-season games and eight playoff games, has 559 tackles, 16 interception, two sacks, five forced fumbles and three recoveries.

Broncos get defensive on first day of free-agent negotiation period By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic March 12, 2019

Almost a month after he found his next starting quarterback, John Elway opened the Broncos’ checkbook to give them help on the other side.

On Monday, the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period, the Broncos reached a three-year, $33 million agreement with former Houston Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson, according to a source.

The deal, along with the trade for quarterback Joe Flacco, won’t become official until Wednesday afternoon, when free agency begins.

A former first-round pick, Jackson helps to plug a gaping hole in the Broncos’ defensive backfield while giving new head coach Vic Fangio options. Jackson has played safety and corner, and the Broncos have needs at both, thanks to impending departures of corners Bradley Roby and Tramaine Brock, and the recent release of safety Darian Stewart.

The need, however, is greater at corner, where the Broncos have only Chris Harris Jr. and second-year player Isaac Yiadom.

“First off, you can never have enough of them,” Fangio said of evaluating cornerbacks during the NFL scouting combine. “The biggest difference in the NFL in the last several seasons, compared to before, is teams are playing three wide receivers or more a lot. This past year in Chicago, we were in the low-80- something percent of facing three wide receivers or more on the field. So, we’ve got to have three corners on the field. To me, that’s a big, big difference and you never have enough of them.

“Corners come in all shapes and sizes. I think if you only want to draft or acquire certain types of players, there just aren’t enough of them. You’d better just take any corner you can get that can play the game and cover, regardless of size, speed, etc. You can’t pigeonhole yourself.”

The Broncos have been on the hunt for a reliable No. 2 corner essentially since last March when they traded to the Rams and elevated Roby from the No. 3 spot. But with more money and more playing time, Roby experienced a roller coaster of a year, and the Broncos’ defense as a whole tumbled to 22nd in net yards and 20th in passing yards allowed.

The original No Fly Zone secondary that led the Broncos to a victory in has since dwindled to just Harris. And among Elway’s priorities this offseason was to revamp a group that, not too long ago, led the league in passing defense two years consecutively.

Jackson, a nine-year veteran who will turn 31 in April, has missed only two games over the last three years and is coming off one of his finest seasons. Last year he started four games at safety and the other 12 at corner, logging a team-high 17 pass-breakups (tied for the third-most in the league), plus 87 total tackles, one sack, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

In a Week 9 Texans victory in Denver, the Broncos got a close look at their future defensive back when he recorded two pass-breakups and four tackles — one of which was a crushing blow to running back Phillip Lindsay.

“That hit today was one of the hardest hits I have seen on a football field,” Texans star J.J. Watt said after the game. “It was clean. It was a great hit. He has been doing that all year. He has been getting interceptions, making big hits, and making tackles. And he is obviously moving around. For him to be able to do that, to have that versatility, to be willing to do that in his ninth year, it has been great and been a big help to our team.”

It remains to be seen where Jackson lines up for the Broncos but his performance in Denver and throughout his nine years in Houston fit with Fangio’s priorities. Asked what he looks for in evaluating defensive players, Fangio quickly said: “Tackling is one. Everyone’s got to be able to tackle.”

Jackson has ranked among the Texans’ top four players in total tackles in each of the last three years.

Under Fangio, the Broncos figure to sport a new look on defense this year. Although they will remain in the 3-4 base, it’s expected they will play more zone.

On paper, Jackson fit the bill.

“It’s going to be a different style of defense that we’re playing now,” Elway said. “So, Vic may be looking at different things than Vance (Joseph) did last year. Or even what Wade (Phillips) looked for. Wade was a man-to-man, 60-percent man. A lot of it is what are you looking for, and also what are you going to do. We’ll have a lot of conversations with Vic and exactly what he’s looking for at corner.”

Broncos finally get the tackle they wanted, and they’re paying handsomely for him By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic March 12, 2019

The Broncos swooped in late but found help where they needed it most.

Shortly after reaching an agreement with defensive back Kareem Jackson on Monday, the Broncos agreed to a four-year, $50 million-plus contract with tackle Ja’Wuan James, according to a source. The deal will make James the highest-paid right tackle in the league, with an average annual salary of close to $13 million. The NFL Network reported that the deal includes $32 million in guaranteed money.

The two deals bring John Elway’s one-day commitments to around $84 million if the contracts run their full terms.

James, 26, was a first-round pick by the Dolphins in 2014 who started all 62 games he played at tackle. In Denver, he figures to take over the vacant right side of the line, where Jared Veldheer started last year. But depending on the team’s confidence in left tackle Garett Bolles, the Broncos could look to swap the two.

James has been on the Broncos’ radar dating to last year when they tried to trade for him. Momentum appeared to pick up this time around when talks with guard/tackle Billy Turner about a contract extension broke off days before the legal tampering period began. It’s unclear whether the Broncos will continue to pursue Turner and/or Veldheer.

Denver entered the offseason knowing it needed help in the defensive backfield, which it addressed with the Jackson signing. The needs were even greater on the offensive line, where the Broncos are set for free-agency losses of four players, all of whom started at various points.

For years, the Broncos have continually tried to bolster their patchwork offensive line with veteran acquisitions, few of whom provided consistent solutions. In 2016, they signed tackles Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson. The former lasted one season, and the latter was demoted because of injury and performance. Guard Ron Leary and tackle Menelik Watson signed in 2017 (Leary is coming off an injury but remains a fixture on the team), and Veldheer was acquired in a trade with .

The emphasis on improving the line this year began with the hiring of Mike Munchak, the former Pittsburgh offensive line coach who was in the running to be the Broncos’ head coach. Shortly after the team opted for Vic Fangio, Munchak was signed to man the offensive line and not only develop newcomers but also clean up the mistakes of veterans.

“That’s one thing I love about coaching the most — the teaching, the relationships with the players and with the offensive linemen,” Munchak said during his introductory news conference in January. “That’s part of having success, that those guys realize how much they have to rely on each other, the five of them. Achieve as much as you can and help each other so it’s not one-on-one.

“I’ve been around a lot of different quarterbacks, and we’ve done it a lot of different ways, so it’s just a matter of again, just like the run game, you just fit it the same way. Don’t ask guys to do things they just can’t do.”

For the past three years in Miami, James worked with Chris Kuper, the Dolphins’ former quality control coach (2016) and assistant offensive line coach (2017-18). Kuper, a former Broncos guard, was hired as Denver’s new assistant offensive line coach under Munchak in January.

Although the stats for offensive linemen vary by site, Pro Football Focus recorded just 38 total pressures (25 hurries, four hits, nine sacks) allowed by James in his 799 pass-blocking snaps in 2017 and 2018.

He entered free agency as one of the top names on the market, along with Trent Brown, and was bound to earn a top-dollar deal. According to other reports, the Dolphins were interested in trying to retain him but were unwilling to match the Broncos’ offer.

Elway’s payout is hefty — necessarily so to improve a sputtering offense that will usher in its fifth starting quarterback, Joe Flacco, since 2016.

“We’ve relied on our defense for a long time,” Elway said at the end of last season. “I think that we’re still going to rely on the defense, but we definitely have to get better on the offensive side. That starts with some continuity. It’s going to be very important for us to get some continuity on the offensive side. This will be our fourth system in four years.”

Broncos agree in principle on three-year deal with cornerback Kareem Jackson By Troy Renck KMGH March 12, 2019

The Broncos entered free agency needing to corner the market on a starter. As the free agency frenzy turned into a blizzard, Denver remained patient, landing a player it believes will help solidify coach Vic Fangio's first defense. The Broncos agreed in principle on a three-year, $33-million deal with veteran corner Kareem Jackson, per sources. The deal includes $23 million guaranteed.

And the Broncos are not done yet. They have enough money to land another starter. They inquired about defensive end Malik Jackson and considered linebacker C.J. Mosley and safety Adrian Amos, but are narrowing their focus on offensive help. Another receiver would be a boost -- and Golden Tate is on the board -- but a more realistic and likely target is Miami right tackle Ja'Wuan James. The Broncos nearly acquired him last season. James is 26, big and athletic. He would stabilize the right tackle position, possibly for several seasons. It would also ease the sting of the potential loss of center Matt Paradis in free agency. The Broncos have remained in touch with Paradis' reps, but were not close to bridging the gap on a contract, and that was before Mitch Morse received $11 million per season from the Bills.

As for Jackson, he's solid.

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"He's a good player," cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said. "I've always respected his play."

Jackson, 30, is a hybrid player. He played safety and corner for the injury-ravaged Texans last season, drawing praise from All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt, among others, for his versatility. Jackson has nine interceptions since 2014. His age and salary create understandable pause. But this is the going rate for a starting cornerback. And Jackson is dependable. This cannot be overlooked when trying to get the Broncos back on track. They need players who are available -- Jackson has missed only two games the past three seasons -- and consistent. Free agent Brady Roby is more talented, but suffered through a roller-coaster ride last season. Jackson's signing means Roby will not return.

Fangio has said that tackling is non-negotiable from his defenders. Jackson, a cerebral player who has experience in many schemes and should provide more freedom in how to use Harris, fits the profile Fangio prefers in many ways when listening to how he addressed his evaluation of cornerbacks at the combine.

"First off, you can never have enough of them. The biggest difference in the NFL in the last several seasons, compared to before, is teams are playing three wide receivers or more a lot. this past year in Chicago, we were in the low 80-something percent of facing three wide receivers or more on the field. So, we've got to have three corners on the field. To me, that's a big, big difference and you never have enough of them," Fangio said. "Corners come in all shapes and sizes. I think if you only want to draft or acquire certain types of players, there just aren't enough of them. You'd better just take any corner you can get that can play the game and cover, regardless of size, speed, etc. You can't pigeonhole yourself."

Broncos agree to deal with new right tackle Ja'wuan James By Troy Renck KMGH March 12, 2019

The Broncos' return to relevance has been multi-layered this spring. They traded for a new starting quarterback in Joe Flacco -- he will meet the media later this week -- fortified the defense with hybrid cornerback Kareem Jackson and provided security for Flacco with right tackle Ja'wuan James. One day into free agency, Denver believes it has secured two valuable starters. It didn't come easily. They made history with James.

He agreed in principle on a four-year, $52-million deal with $32 million guaranteed, per a source, making him the highest-paid right tackle ever. The Broncos attempted to acquire him last season, but Miami decided to keep the mountain of a man. James is 6-foot-6, 312 pounds. The 26-year-old has some slight injury concerns, but is a reliable commodity at a position where few are. Jared Veldheer returned sanity to the position last season, but is much older and missed time with a knee issue a year ago. James has started all 62 games in which he has played, but missed nine over the past two years.

Earlier Monday night, the Broncos agreed in principle on a three-year, $33-million deal with Jackson with $23 million guaranteed.

The Broncos' projected offensive line starters are left tackle Garett Bolles (he must take step forward this season and be held accountable for mistakes), left guard Ron Leary (he's returning from Achilles surgery and his contract is guaranteed for injury), center Connor McGovern (the team has remained in contact with Matt Paradis' agent, but the sides weren't close earlier tonight), right guard Elijah Wilkinson and James. Paradis has not closed any doors, but the center market was firmly set at $11 million per season on Monday.

The Broncos will be counting on new offensive line boss Mike Munchak to coach the group up. He is considered one of the best assistant coaches in the NFL.

Broncos still looking to make first move on first day of free agency By Troy Renck KMGH March 12, 2019

The Broncos arrived Monday with needs, but spent the first seven hours of free agency with their credit card tucked into their wallet.

There is an argument for prudence. However, the Broncos also require talent, so balancing patience with urgency is a maddening exercise, especially for fans watching it play out like tumbleweeds blowing across a desert highway.

The negotiating window for agents to discuss contracts with pending free agents opened at 10 a.m. It is otherwise known as legal tampering. It runs until 2 p.m. Wednesday when deals agreed on in principle can become official. A blizzard of moves defined the curtain drop, but not for the Broncos.

Monday morphed into not who was coming to Denver, but who might be leaving. The New York Jets and expressed interest in center Matt Paradis. The Jets were making a push to land the ironman, who played in nearly 4,000 consecutive snaps before fracturing his fibula on Nov. 4. Paradis spent Monday in New York because that is where his agent is based. Paradis will be jogging in two weeks and remains ahead of schedule in his recovery as his departure becomes more likely. Linebacker Brandon Marshall, whom the team plans to release, lists the Chargers, Cardinals, Jets, Ravens and Bengals among his suitors.

The Broncos made a bold move a month ago, landing quarterback Joe Flacco. He is expected to be introduced to the media later in the week. The Broncos were aggressive in free agency last year, agreeing on a two-year deal with Case Keenum for $26 million guaranteed. They were dating, not married. The Broncos moved on, trading Keenum to Washington in a move that will save $3 million in salary cap space, while Denver receives a sixth-round pick in 2020, and sends the Redskins a seventh- round pick in the same draft.

Why Flacco and not someone like ? Clarity emerged Monday. The , bidding against themselves, agreed to a four-year, $88-million deal with the free agent Foles, including $50.125 million guaranteed. Flacco will make $18 million this season with no guarantees after this year. Is Flacco better? He has not been of late. But if he's serviceable, he would represent one third the cost as Denver attempts to address other needs.

The Broncos began the free agent period by kicking the tires on defensive end Malik Jackson. He was always unlikely to return because of the presence of Derek Wolfe and . According to reports, Jackson received a three-year, $30-million deal from Philadelphia. It became a theme, though in fairness, the Broncos' interest in some players was tepid. Others they had interest in or were potential fits who signed elsewhere included: Pittsburgh tight end (Detroit) and slot receiver Adam Humphries (Tennessee).

But there's still time. At 5 p.m., safety Adrian Amos, cornerbacks Kareem Jackson and Pierre Desire and receiver Golden Tate remained on the board at positions of need for the Broncos.

Options exercised on Harris Jr., Sanders The Broncos picked up cornerback Chris Harris Jr.'s $1 million option on his contract. This was never in doubt. It was an option on his $7.9 million salary this season. What matters now is getting Harris a new deal. He has earned it. The Broncos met with his agent at the NFL Combine, with both sides expressing mutual interest in a deal. However, the Broncos are not expected to circle back until free agency and possibly the draft play out.

In addition, the Broncos exercised a $1.5 million option on receiver ' $10.5 million salary this season as general manager John Elway said the team would do several days ago. The remainder of Sanders' deal is not guaranteed for injury. This move buys the Broncos time to see how Sanders recovers from Achilles surgery. He's healing ahead of schedule. They need a healthy Sanders to boost Denver's decaffeinated offense.

Harris to sign tender It was expected, but Denver Broncos Shelby Harris will sign his tendered contract, he told Denver7. Harris blossomed into a key player on the defensive line last season. The Broncos placed a second-round tender on him, making it much harder for any team to sign him away.

Blog: Broncos spend big free agent money on lineman Ja'wuan James, cornerback Kareem Jackson By Paul Klee Colorado Springs Gazette March 12, 2019

There were a bunch. And among the Broncos' top offseason priorities were a new coach, quarterback, offensive tackle and defensive back.

Check, check, check, check.

Can Joe Flacco, Ja'wuan James and Kareem Jackson return the Broncos to the playoffs?

TBD.

After trading for Flacco, John Elway and Co. swung a couple more juicy moves on Monday. They reportedly agreed to a deal with James, a former Dolphins lineman, and a deal with Jackson, a Texans defensive back. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the contracts include $55 million in guarantees. How was your day?

James is expected to sign the richest contract in league history for a right tackle — $52 million over four years. Jackson, who met Phillip Lindsay last season, will sign with the Broncos for $33 million over three years and should be the type of hard-hitting defender who excels with coach Vic Fangio.

Free agents can sign with their new teams and make it official on Wednesday.

Kareem Jackson leaves Texans, joins Broncos on $33 million deal By Aaron Wilson Houston Chronicle March 12, 2019

The Texans' secondary lost its second veteran starter Monday.

Hours after safety Tyrann Mathieu agreed to a $42 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, hard- hitting Pro Bowl alternate cornerback Kareem Jackson joined the Denver Broncos. Jackson agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract with the Broncos that includes $23 million guaranteed, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.

A former first-round draft pick from Alabama, Jackson's four-year, $34 million contract had expired.

Following a nine-year tenure with the AFC South franchise, Jackson wrote on social media recently that he didn't expect to be back.

“Not up to me my guy,” Jackson wrote. “It’s 99 percent chance I’ll be in different colors next year.”

NFL free agency tracker: All the latest news, moves from Monday By Staff USA Today March 12, 2019

The start of NFL free agency is almost here.

While the league year doesn't officially begin until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, players with expiring contracts can begin discussing deals with teams other than their current one starting at noon on Monday. And the market is already starting to take shape.

Stay with USA TODAY Sports to get the latest news and analysis on the day's moves.

Signing: Former Dolphins OT JaWuan James is expected to sign with the Broncos on a four-year $52 million deal, according to ESPN.

Analysis: With Jared Veldheer and Billy Turner set to hit the free-agent market, the Broncos needed to address the offensive tackle position either in free agency or the draft this offseason. James, a 2014 first- round draft pick, will slide in at right tackle with incumbent Garett Bolles starting at left tackle. - Jim Reineking

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Signing: Former Dolphins OT Ja'Wuan James agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal with the Broncos, according to ESPN.

Analysis: Denver ponied up big time for James, making him the NFL's highest-paid right tackle in the NFL. He'll have to make substantial improvement to justify that contract, as he's topped out as an above- average starter in his career. At the least, he should provide some stability opposite Garett Bolles. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Rams S Lamarcus Joyner is set to sign a four-year deal with the Raiders, according to multiple reports.

Analysis: Joyner had a somewhat disappointing campaign while playing on the franchise tag for the Rams last year, but he can be a reliable asset and upgrade over in Oakland's secondary. By adding him next to Karl Joseph at safety, and first-year general manager are starting to patch up some sizable holes on defense. The Rams had already turned elsewhere at safety by signing . - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Vikings LB Anthony Barr is expected to sign with the Jets, according to ESPN.

Analysis: New York is making a bet on Barr's pass-rushing potential, as he wasn't utilized much in that role in 's defense. But his athleticism could make him a considerable threat as a blitzer in ' scheme, even if there's an adjustment period and some coverage issues to sort out. This could be the first of multiple splashy signings for the Jets. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Texans CB Kareem Jackson is expected to sign a three-year, $33 million deal with the Broncos, according to NFL Network.

Analysis: With experience both at cornerback and safety, Jackson is a versatile option for Vic Fangio to deploy along with Chris Harris Jr. He's also strong against the run and a reliable tackler, traits that Fangio has made clear are a must for his scheme. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Signing: Former Texans S Tyrann Mathieu is expected to sign a three-year, $42 million deal with the Chiefs, according to ESPN.

Analysis: Mathieu made the most of his one-year deal in Houston and now ties with the top annual average salary for a safety. Kansas City is in desperate need of his services after ranking 31st in pass defense and giving up a league-worst 65 completions of 20 yards or more. Defensive coordinator also has a bevy of blitzes he can use Mathieu on to maximize his playmaking ability. The Texans, meanwhile, will have to do some reshuffling in the secondary. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Panthers WR is poised to join the Colts on a one-year deal, according to ESPN.

Analysis: This is perhaps the strangest fit of the first day of the tampering window. Funchess has struggled with drops throughout his career, and was repeatedly let down last year by his receiving corps, save for T.Y. Hilton. Funchess provides a big-bodied target, but not the one Luck needs. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Chiefs C Mitch Morse is expected to sign with the Bills, according to multiple reports.

Analysis: It's not nearly as attention-grabbing as the rumors of an trade, but this move is a significant step for providing second-year QB Josh Allen with needed assistance. Morse hasn't allowed a sack since his rookie campaign in 2015, according to Pro Football Focus. Reducing pressure up the middle could be critical for the Bills as Allen looks to develop as a pocket passer following his struggles as a rookie. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs is expected to sign with the Cardinals, according to multiple reports.

Analysis: Looks like Ball So Hard University is going to be opening up a satellite campus in Arizona. Suggs turns 37 this year, so this should hardly take the Cardinals out of the running for Nick Bosa or other top pass rushers in the draft to place opposite Chandler Jones. In whatever role he ends up serving, Suggs should bring needed leadership as the franchise undergoes another reset with Kliff Kingsbury. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Trade: The Eagles are acquiring WR DeSean Jackson in a trade with the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Despite merely swapping late-round picks to pick up Jackson, the Eagles are making a significant bet on the speedy receiver by giving him a three-year, $27 million reworked contract. Jackson remains one of the NFL's pre-eminent deep threats, as he led the league in yards per catch with 18.9 in 2018. While he should open things up for tight end and wide receiver , questions will linger about how he fits into the locker room under . - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Buccaneers WR Adam Humphries agreed to a four-year deal worth $36 million, according to multiple reports.

Analysis: With deals for Humphries, Danny Amendola and Jamison Crowder, Monday was a good day for slot receivers. Tennessee seems to be buying high on Humphries after he posted career highs in Tampa Bay last season, but the Titans have been searching for ways to help Marcus Mariota find his comfort zone. Humphries could end up with a more prominent role than Taywan Taylor, though the two could see plenty of work alongside Corey Davis. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Trade: The Eagles are acquiring WR DeSean Jackson in a trade with the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Despite merely swapping late-round picks to pick up Jackson, the Eagles are making a significant bet on the speedy receiver by giving him a three-year, $27 million reworked contract. Jackson remains one of the NFL's pre-eminent deep threats, as he led the league in yards per catch with 18.9 in 2018. While he should open things up for tight end Zach Ertz and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, questions will linger about how he fits into the locker room under Doug Pederson. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Trade: The Eagles are acquiring WR DeSean Jackson in a trade with the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Despite merely swapping late-round picks to pick up Jackson, the Eagles are making a significant bet on the speedy receiver by giving him a three-year, $27 million reworked contract. Jackson remains one of the NFL's pre-eminent deep threats, as he led the league in yards per catch with 18.9 in 2018. While he should open things up for tight end Zach Ertz and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, questions will linger about how he fits into the locker room under Doug Pederson. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles, as expected, will join the Jaguars. According to NFL Network, his new contract is worth $88 million over four years.

Analysis: This move comes as no surprise. Jacksonville had appeared the logical home for Foles ever since John DeFilippo, formerly his quarterbacks coach in Philadelphia, was hired to be the Jags' offensive coordinator. Averaging $22 million per year, Foles will get mid-tier quarterback money that should allow the Jaguars to continue to invest financially in other parts of a roster that had been built around the run game and defense. Though Foles will be expected to be a significant upgrade over , it's unlikely he'll be asked to throw 40 times a week. It's a second chance for Foles to be "the man" after his first stint with the St. Louis Rams ended in failure before their relocation to Los Angeles. - Nate Davis

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Signing: Former Dolphins RB Frank Gore agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills worth $2 million, according to ESPN.

Analysis: In adding Gore as a backup to starter LeSean McCoy and Chris Ivory, Buffalo now has the three oldest running backs currently signed to teams in the NFL. Gore turns 36 in May and likely will have a limited workload, but he could still make contributions in spot work. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Redskins WR Jamison Crowder is in line to join the Jets, according to ESPN.

Analysis: Providing more assistance for Sam Darnold is a priority for the Jets this offseason, and Crowder gives the second-year quarterback a reliable checkdown option in the slot. More firepower is needed, but New York's offensive issues weren't going to be solved by one or two players. - Michael Middlehurst- Schwartz

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Signing: Former Giants S Landon Collins has agreed to a six-year, $84 million contract with the Redskins.

Analysis; The depressed safety market of 2018 is long gone. Despite multiple high-end options at the position hitting free agency, Collins was able to earn top dollar. While the overall payout is sizable, the key might be in the $45 million guaranteed he's set to earn over the first three years, a notable figure given that the Giants did not want to pay him $11.15 million on the franchise tag. - Michael Middlehurst- Schwartz

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Signing: Former Patriots DE Trey Flowers is expected to sign a five-year deal with the Lions, according to ESPN.

Analysis: Under GM Bob Quinn and coach , Detroit is keeping its Patriots pipeline running. Flowers fits the profile of what Patricia wants from his edge defenders, as he can hold up against the run while still getting to the quarterback. Hauling in an average annual salary in the range of $16 million, however, will ramp up pressure on Flowers to be a catalyst in the pass rush. - Michael Middlehurst- Schwartz

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Signing: Former Seahawks CB is closing on a deal with the Lions that would make him the highest-paid nickel corner, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Analysis: Coleman's deal, which NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says is for four years and $36 million, tops that of Ravens nickel Tavon Young. Detroit likely needs to keep adding here and find someone to hold down the spot opposite Darius Slay, but Coleman's addition might be a good start for this secondary. His spot as highest-paid nickel, however, might be short-lived, as Bryce Callahan of the Bears could surpass his payout. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Buccaneers LB Kwon Alexander is set to join the 49ers on a four-year, $54 million contract, according to Pro Football Talk.

Analysis: One year after grabbing CB Richard Sherman as he came off a torn Achilles, San Francisco is betting big on another player who recently suffered a season-ending injury, as Alexander sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in October. Alexander is still only 24 and could complement with second-year linebacker Fred Warner, though this is quite a pricey deal for a player who has struggled with missed tackles. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Texans CB Kevin Johnson is expected to sign with the Bills, according to multiple reports.

Analysis: A former first-round pick, Johnson struggled to stay healthy and played in just 20 games the last three years. He has just one career interception, but he could help out a secondary that doesn't have much at cornerback beyond Tre'Davious White. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Patriots OT Trent Brown is set to agree to a four-year, $66 million contract with the Raiders (that also includes $36.75 million guaranteed), according to ESPN.

Analysis: Just one year after he was cast off by the , Brown is now set to become the NFL's highest-paid offensive tackle. The move will force second-year offensive tackle Kolton Miller to the right side, which might be the better fit for him after his struggles in pass protection as a rookie. For New England, Isaiah Wynn should slide into the starting role at left tackle after missing last season with a torn Achilles. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

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Signing: Former Jaguars DT Malik Jackson is set to join the Eagles on a three-year, $30 million deal, according to ESPN.

Analysis: Philadelphia had an opening at defensive tackle next to with Haloti Ngata set to hit free agency and 's option not exercised, and Jackson could slide into a starting role nicely. Jackson had just 3 1/2 sacks last year, but he's only one year removed from a Pro Bowl campaign and could see a resurgence working next to Cox in 's attacking scheme. He should see plenty of work, as Philadelphia also moved on from defensive end Michael Bennett, who would often crash inside. The move also could reshape the draft outlook in the first round for the Eagles, as they had been tied to several interior lineman at No. 25. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Broncos bringing in Kareem Jackson for 3-year deal By Grant Gordon NFL.com March 12, 2019

New Broncos coach Vic Fangio looks to be getting some hard-hitting help in the secondary.

Denver is expected to sign free-agent defensive back Kareem Jackson to a three-year, $33 million deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday night.

The former Texans standout will get $23 million in guaranteed money.

Jackson, who played cornerback and safety for the Texans, was the 35th-ranked free agent, per NFL.com.

While Jackson's coverage skills might waver, his tackling is always on point and should fit well in a Fangio defense.

The Broncos will get a 30-year-old defender coming off likely the best season of his nine-year career with the Texans. He posted a career-high 87 tackles with 17 passes defended and two forced fumbles (both also career-highs).

Agent's Take: Let's connect the dots between free agents and their relationships with coaches and execs By Joel Corry CBSSports.com March 12, 2019

One of the things I always examined during my time as an agent was the connections clients had with former coaches and team executives who were around the NFL when their contracts were set to expire. When we had meetings to discuss upcoming free agency with clients, we would explore those types of relationships. A strong tie or negative experience would be a factor in finalizing a free agency game plan for the clients.

Familiarity can bring comfort. It was on display during 2018 free agency. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei was the Bills' biggest free agent signing. Bills head coach Sean McDermott was Lotulelei's defensive coordinator during his first four NFL seasons (2013-2016). Wide receiver quickly landed with the Raiders after the Packers released him. Edgar Bennett, Nelson's offensive coordinator for his last three years in Green Bay, had been recently hired as Oakland's wide receivers coach.

Along those lines, here's a look at some of the key connections between the top free agents and high ranking team executives, head coaches, offensive and defensive coordinators and position coaches. The players given a franchise designation (Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark, Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford, 49ers kicker Robbie Gould, Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence) have been excluded.

Arizona Cardinals The Cardinals need to do a better job of protecting the quarterback, whether it's or the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is used on Kyler Murray. Broncos center Matt Paradis will likely command a contract near the top of the market, which would put it in excess of $10 million per year. His in Denver last year, Sean Kugler, is new head coach Kliff Kingsbury's offensive line coach. Kingsbury also hired , who was let go as Broncos head coach after two seasons, to be his defensive coordinator. A pass rusher to pair with 2017 NFL sacks leader Chandler Jones is needed. Edge rusher Shaquil Barrett isn't going back to Denver because of limited playing opportunities with Super Bowl 50 NFL MVP and 2018 fifth-overall-pick in front of him.

Buffalo Bills Head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane, who were hired from the Panthers after the 2016 season, have looked to their Carolina roots while in Buffalo with Lotulelei in free agency and wide receiver via trade. Right tackle is an area of need. Panthers right tackle Daryl Williams had a Pro Bowl caliber season in 2017, but was limited to one game last season because of a knee injury. Benjamin's failure in Buffalo may not dissuade Beane and McDermott from pursuing wide receiver Devin Funchess. Carolina is comfortable with him leaving in free agency.

Cincinnati Bengals It would be uncharacteristic for the Bengals to make a splash in free agency. Buccaneers inside linebacker Kwon Alexander could be a target in the unlikely event of a shift in philosophy. Newly hired senior defensive assistant was Tampa Bay's coach for the previous three seasons. New head coach Zac Taylor, who was the Rams' top offensive assistant last season, may want to try bringing offensive guard Rodger Saffold from Los Angeles. The front office probably isn't interested in paying Saffold top guard money, which is more than $11 million per year.

Cleveland Browns The Browns could look for a more accomplished deep threat to complement slot wide receiver Jarvis Landry. John Brown appears to have put behind him the assorted ailments, including a cyst on his spine and a sickle cell trait diagnosis, that slowed him over his last two seasons with the Cardinals (2016 and 2017) while head coach Freddie Kitchens was an offensive assistant in Arizona.

Dallas Cowboys The Cowboys have taken a conservative approach to free agency in recent years. The last big free-agent signing was cornerback Brandon Carr in 2012. Seahawks safety ' preference to play for the Cowboys is widely known. He is reportedly trying to reclaim his place at the top of the safety pay scale. Eric Berry is the current standard with the six-year, $78 million contract containing $40 million in guarantees he received from the Chiefs in 2017. Thomas would be reunited with secondary coach Kris Richard, who was Seattle's defensive coordinator for three seasons (2015-2017), should Cowboys owner Jerry Jones decide to be a major player in free agency.

Denver Broncos Vic Fangio got the Denver head coaching job because of his stellar work as Bears defensive coordinator. Two members of his Bears secondary, safety Adrian Amos and cornerback Bryce Callahan, would be good fits in Denver. Starting strong safety Darian Stewart was released last week. Signing Callahan would allow cornerback Chris Harris to play more on the outside, since he would be largely relieved of duties in the slot.

Offensive line coach Mike Munchak made what was essentially a lateral move in going to the Broncos from the Steelers. Tight end Jesse James isn't expected to return to Pittsburgh. He would be the most complete tight end Denver has had in years, since he is a receiving threat in the passing game that can also block.

Detroit Lions The Lions need to address the pass rush with the often-injured defensive end Ziggy Ansah's days in Detroit coming to an end. Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers is the most attractive young edge rusher available because his talented contemporaries were given franchise tags.

General manager Bob Quinn was New England's director of pro scouting when Flowers was drafted. Matt Patricia was Flowers' defensive coordinator in New England before becoming Lions head coach last offseason.

The Lions are parting ways with cornerback , who has started 45 games over the last three seasons. Defensive coordinator spent a year with defensive back Kareem Jackson in 2015 as the Texans' linebacker coach. Jackson's ability to play both cornerback and safety would come in handy since safety Glover Quinn, who joined the Lions as a free agent in 2013, was released last month.

Green Bay Packers Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is much more aggressive in free agency than Ted Thompson, his predecessor, ever was. Finding a pass rushing outside linebacker could be a priority. Redskins outside linebacker Preston Smith may price himself out of Washington. , his position coach in Washington, is coaching inside linebackers in Green Bay under new head coach Matt LaFleur. , at age 30, is being released by the Chiefs, and might be another option. Outside linebackers coach came to Green Bay after Kansas City made defensive coaching staff changes following the loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

Indianapolis Colts The Colts have an NFL-best $102.067 million of salary cap room according to NFLPA data. Finding another wide receiver to go with T.Y. Hilton may be a top priority. Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams is arguably the best deep threat available in free agency. Head coach was the Chargers' offensive coordinator in 2015, during Williams' rookie season. His offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni was Williams' position coach in 2016 and 2017. Williams posted career highs of 69 receptions, 1,059 receiving and seven touchdowns in 2016.

An impact pass rusher could be on the Colts' offseason shopping list. General manager Chris Ballard could look to the Chiefs, where he was a front office executive for the four years prior to coming to Indianapolis in 2017, to find help with Justin Houston.

Cornerback could be upgraded. Morris Claiborne finally started living up to the potential that made him the sixth-overall pick by the Cowboys in the 2012 draft before a groin injury sidelined him for the last nine regular season games of the 2016 season. Defensive coordinator was coaching linebackers in Dallas during Claiborne's five years with the Cowboys.

A high-risk, high-reward option that could be worth signing to a low cost one-year "prove it" deal as an upgrade at cornerback is . The Chargers' 2014 first-round pick has played only five games since a season because of knee and Achilles injuries. Reich saw Verrett's capabilities first hand during Verrett's first two years in the NFL.

Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars are parting ways with quarterback Blake Bortles. Going all-in on Bortles after an unexpected playoff run to the AFC Championship Game in 2017 proved to be a big mistake. Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles is on Jacksonville's radar screen. Foles would have a comfort level in Jacksonville because his quarterbacks coach with the Eagles in 2017, John DeFilippo, is the new offensive coordinator.

Kansas City Chiefs The release of outside linebacker Justin Houston frees up $14 million of salary cap space. Safety Landon Collins had his best season in 2016, when new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was running the Giants defense. Spagnuolo was the Ravens' secondary coach in 2014 during four-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker C.J. Mosley's rookie year.

Los Angeles Chargers The Chargers have a hole in the middle of their defense line because Brandon Mebane's contract is expiring and Corey Liuget's option wasn't picked up. Head coach was the Jets running back coach during defensive lineman 's first two years in New York. There will be changes in the secondary, especially at safety. Jahleel Addae's six-year stint with the Chargers has come to an end, as he has been released. is unrestricted. Defensive coordinator saw Earl Thomas emerge as one of the league's top safeties as Seahawks defensive coordinator. It's a position he held for four years before becoming Jaguars head coach in 2013.

Miami Dolphins New head coach Brian Flores is bringing the Patriots' defensive scheme versatility from New England with him. Patriots defensive lineman Trey Flowers would help Flores make more of a seamless transition in employing the defense he coached in New England. Miami didn't replace the production at wide receiver lost by trading franchise player Jarvis Landry to the Browns last March. Assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell was brought on by Flores because of his seven years of head coaching experience. He was Golden Tate's head coach with the Lions during four of the wide receiver's five and a half seasons in Detroit.

New York Giants The Giants dealt edge rusher Olivier Vernon to the Browns for offensive guard Kevin Zeitler. More offensive line help could be on the way from general manager Dave Gettleman's past if he looks to sign Panthers right tackle Daryl Williams. Gettleman was Carolina's general manager from 2013 through 2016. Linebacker is also area of need for the Giants. Anthony Barr's price tag is probably too high for the Vikings. Head coach Pat Shurmur was the Minnesota's offensive coordinator in 2016 and 2017.

New York Jets The Jets have the second-most salary cap room behind the Colts, with almost $93 million. There's a hole at cornerback with Morris Claiborne and Buster Skrine entering free agency. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains was with the Bears from 2015 through 2017 during cornerback Bryce Callahan's first three NFL seasons.

There was interest in trading for edge rusher Dante Fowler, Jr. last year, but he is re-signing with the Rams. Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah, who is one of the NFL's better pass rushers when healthy, could be an alternative. Although it's the other side of the ball, running backs coach Jim Bob Cooter was Detroit's offensive coordinator for the last four seasons. Wide receiver Golden Tate thrived in Detroit with Cooter calling plays. He would be an upgrade over his former Seahawks teammate Jermaine Kearse, who is also a free agent.

The Jets have already started to shore up the offensive line by acquiring offensive guard Kelechi Osemele from the Raiders. Dolphins right tackle Ju'Wuan James is arguably the best available free agent at the position. That's something new head coach Adam Gase knows. He spent the last three seasons as Dolphins head coach.

There reportedly was mutual interest in free-agent defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, who was dealt to the Seahawks at the 2017 roster cutdown, coming back last offseason. Head coach was fired but general manager Mike Maccagnan remains. The Jets also pursued defensive tackle last offseason after the Dolphins released him.

San Francisco 49ers The 49ers have been active during the last two free agency periods. The same is expected this year. More weapons in the passing game need to be found for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo after wide receiver Pierre Garcon's option wasn't picked up. Vice president of player personnel Martin Mayhew signed Golden Tate in 2013, when he was the Lions general manager.

The 49ers are expected to improve their outside pass rush. Mayhew drafted Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah while he was in charge of the franchise. Ansah's defensive line coach until last year, Kris Kocurek, has replaced Jeff Zgonina in that capacity with the 49ers. Defensive backs coach Joe Woods coming over from the Broncos, where he was defensive coordinator for the last two seasons, could help make edge rusher Shaquil Barrett an option.

The 49ers signed cornerback Richard Sherman last offseason after the Seahawks released him. Playing the Seahawks twice a year and staying in the same defense because of defensive coordinator 's experience coaching in Seattle was appealing to Sherman. Defensive continuity and reuniting with Sherman could be attractive to Seahawks safety Earl Thomas and outside linebacker K.J. Wright.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head coach Bruce Arians assembled a staff in Tampa filled with coaches who were with him when he was coaching the Cardinals. Safety has been an issue in the Buccaneers defense. Tyrann Mathieu, a Cardinals third-round pick in 2013, would be a nice upgrade. Any big signings will be difficult because Tampa Bay only has a little more than $3 million in cap space. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles was in charge of Arizona's defense during Mathieu's first two NFL seasons before he became the Jets' head coach.

The Cardinals are trying to accommodate wide receiver DeSean Jackson's desire to be traded. Jackson departing would free up $10 million of cap room. If Jackson is out of the picture, Arians might look to John Brown to be his replacement as a deep threat. Brown took a one-year "prove it" deal from the Ravens last offseason after his four year rookie contract with the Cardinals expired.

Tennessee Titans Pass rushers are a priority in Tennessee because of outside linebackers Derrick Morgan and 's expiring contracts. Orakpo has retired. The Titans have tapped into general manager Jon Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel's Patriots roots in free agency the last couple of years (cornerback Malcolm Butler, running back Dion Lewis and cornerback Logan Ryan). Robinson had a long tenure in New England before becoming the Buccaneers director of player personnel for three years (2013-2015). Vrabel won three Super Bowl rings as a Patriots linebacker.

Signing defensive end Trey Flowers would be an ideal continuation of the New England pipeline. Ravens outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith would be a cheaper pass-rushing alternative. He would making an easy transition since Titans defensive coordinator ran the Ravens' defense for Smith's first three NFL seasons. Pees probably wouldn't object to C.J. Mosley coming over from Baltimore but there are bigger needs than inside linebacker. Mosley could be looking to jump start an inside linebacker market that's been stagnant since Luke Kuechly signed a five-year extension with the Panthers in 2015 averaging $12,359,059 per year.

Undrafted wide receiver Adam Humphries was a great find while Robinson was in Tampa. Humphries would make up for Rishard Matthews, the Titans' leading wide receiver in 2016 and 2017, asking for and getting his release early last season.

Kareem Jackson agrees to deal with Broncos By Charean Williams Pro Football Talk March 12, 2019

The Broncos have agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth $33 million with defensive back Kareem Jackson, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. Jackson will get $23 million fully guaranteed.

Jackson becomes the third defensive back the Texans have lost today. Kevin Johnson, whom Houston cut last week, agreed to terms with the Bills. Tyrann Mathieu is leaving for the Chiefs.

Jackson, 30, has played his entire career in Houston. The Texans made him a first-round pick in 2010.

He started 16 games last season and made 87 tackles, two interceptions, 17 pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

Kareem Jackson feels “a little disrespected” by Texans’ lack of interest By Charean Williams Pro Football Talk March 12, 2019

Kareem Jackson‘s preference would have been to stay in Houston. It’s the place he’s called home for nine years, since the Texans made him a first-round choice in 2010, and the place he’ll continue to make his offseason home.

But the Texans didn’t make an offer, Jackson said, so he is headed to Denver.

“They didn’t even approach me with an offer or any type of deal,” Jackson said, via Mark Berman of KRIV. “Obviously, they didn’t want me back or whatever the case may be. I’m not really sure. My agent was never approached by anybody from the Texans organization, so I wasn’t offered a deal of any sort. I kind of feel a little disrespected to be honest about it. At the end of the day, no hard feelings. I had a great nine years here. This will always be home for me. I definitely appreciate all the memories and all the opportunities. I appreciate the fans and everything I was able to build here. I’ll always have love for Houston.”

Jackson agreed to a three-year deal worth $33 million with the Broncos. He gets $23 million guaranteed.

He made $48.9 million in his career in Houston, according to overthecap.com.

“I’m not emotional,” Jackson said. “I know how the business goes. All good things sometimes come to an end. At the end of the day, it’s another opportunity for me. They’ve got a great group of guys there. I’m eager to get there and do whatever I can to help them win.”

Report: Broncos to sign tackle Ja’Waun James By Curtis Crabtree Pro Football Talk March 12, 2019

The Denver Broncos are getting set to sign former Miami Dolphins right tackle Ja’Waun James, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

James has agreed to a four-year deal worth $52 million with $32 million in guaranteed money. James will make an average of $13 million a year. The deal will make James the highest paid right tackle in the league, surpassing Lane Johnson of the and his $11.25 million a year average.

James has started all 62 games he’s appeared in over five years in the NFL with the Dolphins. He missed eight games in 2017 and nine games in 2015. He has never made a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team, but right tackles tend to lose out in the voting for such accolades to their left side counterparts.

James was the 19th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft by Miami. He will take the place of Jared Veldheer at right tackle for Denver. Veldheer is an unrestricted free agent.

Broncos exercise Emmanuel Sanders option By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk March 12, 2019

Broncos General Manager John Elway said at the Scouting Combine that the team planned to pick up contract options on wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and defensive lineman Derek Wolfe and they’ve seen that plan through to its conclusion.

Wolfe’s option was exercised last week and, per multiple reports, the team has now done the same with Sanders.

As a result of the move, Sanders now has $1.5 million of this year’s salary guaranteed. He’s set to make $10.15 million overall in his sixth season in Denver.

Sanders tore his Achilles late last season and only played in 12 games as a result of the injury. He said recently that he’s well ahead of schedule in rehab and the team’s decision to pick up the option suggests they’re expecting a full recovery.

Report: Broncos reopen talks with Matt Paradis By Charean Williams Pro Football Talk March 12, 2019

Mitch Morse agreed to a deal Monday that will make him the league’s highest-paid center, but Matt Paradis hasn’t gotten his contract yet. And Paradis has suitors.

After giving $85 million in deals for offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James and defensive back Kareem Jackson, the Broncos have restarted talks with Paradis, Mike Klis of Denver’s 9News reports.

The Jets also are making a “strong push” to sign Paradis, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reports.

Paradis ranks 16th on PFT’s list of top-100 free agents.

Paradis played 3,850 consecutive snaps before fracturing his right fibula Nov. 4 against Houston.

He entered the league in 2014 as a sixth-round pick of the Broncos.