The Denver Broncos' quiet free agency start draws a 'D-' grade as key players depart, leaving fans questioning their strategy.
The Denver Broncos are coming off a No. 1 seed in the AFC and a loss in the AFC title game.
However, the beginning of free agency has been awfully quiet for Denver.
As expected, standout defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers left in free agency, and he ended with a massive three-year deal worth $63 million.
The Broncos were thought to be looking at running backs, but that sentiment changed when they decided to bring back oft-injured J.K. Dobbins.
When healthy, Dobbins has played well, but the issue is that he has battled injuries over recent years.
Sam Ehlinger is still in Denver, although he is just a reserve.
There's still time to make moves, but the start of free agency has been a bit odd for Denver, especially with Russell Wilson's cap hit finally off their books.
Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports graded every team's free agency through Thursday, and he gave the Broncos a D- grade.
It shouldn't be a surprise because the Broncos haven't done much, but have seen players leave, such as Franklin-Myers.
"A top-end receiver might have been too expensive in this market, though they could have used that too. Seeing defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers move on to Tennessee is an underrated loss. It was weird to see the Broncos be so passive at the beginning of free agency."
The Broncos also saw safety P.J. Locke leave for the Dallas Cowboys, so there have been a few losses early on for Denver.
Schwab mentioned the need for a wide receiver, but Alec Pierce broke the bank with a four-year, $114 million deal, and Mike Evans went to the 49ers on a three-year deal.
There is reportedly some interest in an AJ Brown trade, but it remains to be seen if Denver pays the price to land the Eagles' superstar.
But, the Franklin-Myers departure, although it was expected, is going to be a tough one for Denver.
On top of that, the defensive line market is starting to dry up, so there aren't many viable options to replace Franklin-Myers, although maybe the Broncos decide to do that via the NFL Draft.
The Broncos did bring back a few other players, including tight end Adam Trautman and others.
But, not spending money to begin free agency, especially after losing Franklin-Myers, was a very big surprise from Denver.
There is still time to change that narrative, but for now, it has been a very slow free agency period.