Broncos linked to Vikings OLB Za'Darius Smith
Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos have their work cut out for them. Less than one year of Nathaniel Hackett was all it took for the front office to realize they needed to part ways and start over. The addition of Payton was to completely turn the franchise around and bring the organization back to […]
Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos have their work cut out for them.
Less than one year of Nathaniel Hackett was all it took for the front office to realize they needed to part ways and start over. The addition of Payton was to completely turn the franchise around and bring the organization back to its winning ways.
With a successful draft, at first glance, Payton and the Broncos still have a few pressing needs for the roster. The team has been linked to one superstar player that could immediately help shift the narrative surrounding the team.
The Minnesota Vikings Fansided website highlighted a list of teams that could be in on the Za'Darius Smith sweepstakes. Specifically, the Denver Broncos were fourth on their list.
Smith is a one-man wrecking crew that could come in and be an immediate difference-maker on the roster. Currently, the Broncos have a below-average pass-rushing unit. Randy Gregory was a splash signing last season but the veteran hasn't had a season that saw double-digit sacks. Opposite Gregory is Baron Browning who is entering his third season but only has five sacks in his entire career.
Smith, once again, saw a season with double-digit sacks. The veteran pass rusher, during his first season with the Minnesota Vikings, finished with 44 total tackles, 10 sacks, and one forced fumble in 16 games played.
The three-time Pro Bowler had previously requested a trade from the team. Tie that in with the extra draft capital the Broncos have in 2024 and it could be a match made in heaven, a win-win for both organizations.
Despite failing to meet any sort of expectations last season, Denver still has a stout defense that was sitting near the top of the entire NFL. Russell Wilson and the offense's inability to stay on the field led to poor results from an often-times gassed defensive unit. Pair that with the pass rusher's inability to get to the quarterback and it was a nightmare scenario. However, there is hope. While Smith would be a long shot, crazier things have happened.
George Paton and Sean Payton have done a remarkable job, on paper, turning things around and giving fans some positives heading into next season. They brought in some protection for Russell Wilson, kept some key guys who were as important to the locker room as they are on the football field and drafted well.
Let's see if they have another move up their sleeve by bringing in some elite pass-rushing abilities. With Patrick Mahomes lining up against the defense twice a year, they can use all the help they can get.
