NFL executive criticizes Broncos for 'overspending' in NFL free agency

The Denver Broncos made some of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason, trading a first-round pick to hire head coach Sean Payton and then immediately overhauling the roster. While there is building excitement in Denver, some around the NFL are questioning the team’s spending.

From the moment NFL free agency opened, Payton and general manager George Paton began spending. The Broncos immediately signed offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers, strengthening the pass protection for Russell Wilson.

Shortly after addressing the offensive line, Denver added more talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham, running back Samaje Perine, defensive lineman Zach Allen and tight end Chris Manhertz all signed lucrative multi-year contracts. As a result, Denver has been one of the highest-spending NFL teams this offseason.

NFL executives speaking to The Athletic’s Mike Sando questioned the Broncos’ spending on defensive lineman Zach Allen. As one team official said specifically, clubs liked Allen but Denver paid him at a ‘crazy’ price.

“We liked Zach and would have been interested in the $10 million range,” one of these execs said. “Then we heard he had something north of $13 million and then he signed for $15 million and it is, ‘OK, that is crazy.’ He has durability issues, too.” 

Anonymous NFL executive on Denver Broncos signing Zach Allen to a $16M APY

The contracts McGlinchey and Allen signed are largely the focal point of criticism. Allen was a productive player last season for the Arizona Cardinals and reuniting him with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph should lead to success. However, Allen is now the 11th-highest-paid defensive end in the NFL, ahead of Trey Hendrickson, DeMarcus Lawrence and Nick Bosa.

McGlinchey, a former top-10 pick, ranked 57th in PFF‘s pass-blocking grade (65.4) last year, allowing 27 pressures with six sacks surrendered in 561 pass-blocking snaps and he didn’t rate as a top-25 offensive tackle in run-blocking this past season. yet, Denver made him one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in football.

Ultimately, Payton and Paton may be proven right in their decisions on spending and it’s less of an issue when the contracts are paid by one of the richest NFL owners. However, it’s evident many in the NFL wouldn’t be surprised if the Broncos regret awarding these contracts in a few years.