Denver Releases Safety Darian Stewart, Looking To Go Younger At The Position During Free Agency And The NFL Draft

By Jordan Long

The Denver Broncos are looking for ways to save on cap space so they can sign free agents starting on March 13^th.  It came as no surprise Denver decided to release safety Darian Stewart.  This saves Denver around $3.568 million this year and $5.5 million next year.

                Stewart finished his 4^th season with the Denver Broncos.  His numbers were the worst in his time in Denver.  Stewart recorded 60 tackles, his lowest in Denver.  Even though the tackles weren’t there, he was still the last line of defense for the Broncos.  He made sure he wrapped up on a receiver or a running back.  This prevented large gains and sometimes touchdowns.

                Stewart came on safety blitzes and was able to put pressure on the quarterback.  The quarterback didn’t have time to throw the football and when he had time, it was an incompletion or a turnover.  Stewart ended up with 1 sack.  In coverage he batted the ball away with 3 passes defended which prevented a gain of yards.  He even ended up with 2 interceptions.

                Those numbers are decent for a safety.  Stewart was one of the top safeties for the Broncos.    Denver is letting him go because of his age.  Stewart is 30 and will be 31 once the season starts.  He proved he can still play in the NFL. 

The problem is Denver is going to be younger at the position.  Denver has 3 players they can use to replace Stewart.  His backup, Dymonte Thomas, is 25 years old.  The other safeties include Justin Simmons and Will Parks.  Simmons finished his 3^rd year in Denver and he is 25 years old.  Will Parks is 24 years old.  Denver could also draft a safety to add depth.

                With the departure of Stewart, Denver may want to think about adding a veteran safety to the mix.  There are plenty of them in free agency.  These include Landon Collins, Lamarcus Joyner, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix who are all under the age of 30. 

                Denver has work to do to become better in the secondary.   When free agency starts on March 13^th, General Manager John Elway will decide what is best for the team.  He may wait until the NFL Draft to improve the safety position. cent 4; \lsdpr