3 Broncos players who won’t be back in 2023

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Here are three players that the Denver Broncos will not bring back, as they look to retool this offseason.

The Denver Broncos entered 2022 with astronomical expectations. In 2021, their defense was excellent, as they allowed the third-fewest points per game in the NFL (18.9). However, their offense simply struggled to put points on the board, but they were not devoid of weapons with wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Tim Patrick and running back Javonte Williams on the roster. With their defensive core mostly returning, the Broncos appeared to be a quarterback away from Super Bowl contention. So, general manager George Paton made a big move during the offseason by trading for nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson.

Things have not gone according to plan. The Broncos currently sit at a disappointing 4-11. They lost Patrick, Williams, and left tackle Garett Bolles to season-ending injuries, and Wilson is playing the worst football of his career.

The Broncos will undoubtedly look to shake up their roster this offseason. Here are three players that will likely not be back.

3. Broncos players that won’t be back next season: OT Billy Turner

The Broncos signed veteran offensive tackle Billy Turner to a one-year, $2.5 million contract last offseason. It made sense at the time. The Broncos had a need at right tackle, and Turner had started 13 games for the Green Bay Packers in 2021. His familiarity with head coach Nathaniel Hackett and offensive coordinator Justin Outten from their time in Green Bay likely played a role, as well.

This season, Turner has simply not been a big factor. He has started four games and posted a PFF grade of 59.9, which is his lowest mark since 2017. Turner still has the potential to help a contending team, but the 31-year-old will likely be a low priority for the Broncos this offseason. The front office will likely prioritize youth and look to preserve cap space. Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, they showed interest in selecting an offensive tackle. According to The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider, they met with eventual Colts’ third-round pick Bernhard Raimann. I would not be surprised to see the Broncos target an offensive tackle early in the 2023 NFL Draft.