Broncos' Bid For TE Game-Changer Juwan Johnson Falls Short In NFL Free Agency: What Went Wrong?

The Denver Broncos' 2023 NFL free agency has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for the team's fans. After making several big splashes, the Broncos ultimately fell short in their bid to land a highly coveted tight end in Juwan Johnson. The 24-year-old was the Broncos' top target in free agency, but after failing to reach an agreement with Johnson, the team is now left wondering what could have been. In this article, we'll break down the Broncos' bid for Juwan Johnson and what went wrong.

Denver Broncos' Interest in Juwan Johnson

The Denver Broncos had been heavily linked to Juwan Johnson since the start of free agency. The team was reportedly eager to land the talented tight end, who had a breakout season in 2022 with the New York Giants. Johnson's impressive performances on the field, combined with his speed and athleticism, made him an attractive target for the Broncos. However, despite the team's strong interest, Johnson ultimately decided to join the Detroit Lions instead.

What Made Juwan Johnson a Top Priority for the Broncos?

There were several reasons why the Broncos wanted to sign Juwan Johnson so badly. Firstly, Johnson's versatility as a tight end was a major draw for the team. He was a true possession tight end, with the ability to line up in various spots on the field and create mismatches for the defense. Secondly, Johnson's athleticism and speed made him a threat in the open field, which could have opened up new possibilities for the Broncos' passing game. Finally, the Broncos' aging tight end corps made Johnson a much-needed injection of talent and youth.

Potential Risks and Drawbacks of Signing Juwan Johnson

While the Broncos were keen on signing Johnson, there were also some potential risks and drawbacks to consider. For example, Johnson had some issues with inconsistency in his rookie season, which raised concerns about his ability to be a reliable contributor to the team. Additionally, Johnson's size and weight (6'4", 240 lbs) may have been a concern for some scouts and coaches, who may have viewed him as a slightly smaller and less physical tight end compared to some of the other top options.

How the Broncos' Bid for Juwan Johnson Unfolded

The Broncos' bid for Juwan Johnson was reportedly a complex and multi-faceted process. According to sources, the team had discussed a potential deal with Johnson and his representatives, but ultimately fell short in reaching an agreement. The exact terms of the deal are not publicly known, but it's believed that the Broncos were willing to offer Johnson a four-year contract worth around $40 million.

The Detroit Lions' Decision to Sign Juwan Johnson

So why did the Detroit Lions end up signing Juwan Johnson instead of the Broncos? According to sources, the Lions were attracted to Johnson's speed and athleticism, as well as his ability to create mismatches in the passing game. Additionally, the Lions were reportedly impressed by Johnson's work ethic and dedication to the team, which made him a more attractive option.

What's Next for the Broncos

With Juwan Johnson now a member of the Detroit Lions, the Broncos are left to ponder what could have been. While the team still has a talented roster, the loss of Johnson's potential was a significant blow. However, the Broncos are expected to continue their pursuit of free agency talent, and are reportedly still in talks with several other key targets.

Key Takeaways from the Broncos' Bid for Juwan Johnson

• The Broncos had a strong interest in Juwan Johnson, but ultimately fell short in their bid to land the tight end.
• Johnson's versatility and athleticism made him an attractive target for the Broncos.
• The Broncos' aging tight end corps made Johnson a much-needed injection of talent and youth.
• There were potential risks and drawbacks to signing Johnson, including his inconsistency and size.
• The Detroit Lions ultimately signed Johnson instead of the Broncos.
• The Broncos are still in talks with other free agency targets and are expected to continue their pursuit of talent.

How the Broncos Can Address Their Tight End Corps

With Juwan Johnson now a member of the Detroit Lions, the Broncos are left to address their tight end corps. While the team has some talented young players at the position, they lack the depth and experience that Johnson brought to the table. To address this, the Broncos may need to make some moves in free agency or the draft to bolster their tight end corps. Some potential options could include signing a veteran tight end, drafting a tight end in the draft, or developing one of their young tight ends further.

The Impact of Juwan Johnson's Departure on the Broncos' Offense

Juwan Johnson's departure will undoubtedly have an impact on the Broncos' offense. Johnson's speed and athleticism made him a threat in the open field, and his ability to create mismatches in the passing game was a valuable asset for the team. Without Johnson, the Broncos will need to rely on other players to make plays in the passing game. This could include players like Noah Fant, Jerry Jeudy, and Courtland Sutton, who all have the ability to make big plays in the open field.

A Look at Other Tight End Options for the Broncos

While Juwan Johnson is no longer an option for the Broncos, there are still several other talented tight ends available in free agency. Some potential options could include players like Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and Cole Kmet, who all have a proven track record of success in the NFL. The Broncos may also need to consider signing a veteran tight end to help bolster their corps and provide some much-needed depth.

The Future of the Broncos' Free Agency

With the loss of Juwan Johnson, the Broncos are now left to regroup and refocus on their