2022 Denver Broncos season

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2022 Denver Broncos season
OwnerThe Pat Bowlen Trust[1]
Head coachNathaniel Hackett
General managerGeorge Paton
Home fieldEmpower Field at Mile High
Uniform
Broncos uniforms.png

The 2022 season will be the Denver Broncos' 53rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 63rd overall, their second under the leadership of general manager George Paton and their first under new head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The Broncos will attempt to improve on their 7–10 record from 2021 and attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since their 2015 Super Bowl-winning season, as they made a blockbuster trade to land former Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Russell Wilson.

Coaching changes[]

On January 9, one day after the Broncos' 2021 regular season finale, head coach Vic Fangio was fired after compiling a 19–30 record in three seasons and two consecutive last-place finishes.[2] On January 27, the Broncos finalized a deal for Nathaniel Hackett to become the 18th head coach in the franchise's history, replacing Vic Fangio. This will be Hackett's first head coaching gig, after previously serving as the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator from 2013–2014, the Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator from 2015–2018 and the Green Bay Packers' offensive coordinator from 2019–2021. Hackett becomes the Broncos' sixth different head coach since 2008.[3]

Since Hackett's hiring, the Broncos have undergone the following coaching changes:

2022 Denver Broncos coaching staff changes
Position Previous coach 2022 replacement Source
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, 2020–2021 Justin Outten [4]
Offensive line coach Mike Munchak, 2019–2021
Passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, 2019–2021 Klint Kubiak
Assistant offensive line coach Chris Kuper, 2019–2021 Ben Steele [5]
Assistant special teams coach Chris Gould, 2017–2021 Mike Mallory
Linebackers coach Reggie Herring, 2015–2021 Peter Hansen
Outside linebackers coach John Pagano, 2020–2021
Offensive quality control coach Chris Cook, 2021
Justin Rascati, 2019–2021
Senior defensive assistant None Dom Capers
Tight ends coach Wade Harman, 2019–2021 Jake Moreland
Assistant defensive backs coach None [6]
Running backs coach Curtis Modkins, 2018–2021 Tyrone Wheatley [7]
Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, 2019–2021 Ejiro Evero [8]
Defensive line coach Bill Kollar, 2015–2021 Marcus Dixon
Special teams coach Tom McMahon, 2018–2021 Dwayne Stukes
Defensive quality control coach Nathaniel Willingham, 2019–2021 Andrew Carter [9]
Note: Bill Kollar will remain on the Broncos' coaching staff as a defensive consultant.[10]

Front office changes[]

On February 3, Darren Mougey, who served as the Broncos' Director of Player Personnel in 2021, was promoted to assistant general manager. Mougey previously served as a Broncos' scouting assistant from 2012–2020.[11]

Roster changes[]

Future contracts[]

All players listed below were signed to reserve/future contracts from January 10–12, unless noted otherwise. Each player was officially added to the active roster on March 16—the first day of the 2022 league year.[12]

Position Player Notes
TE
RB Damarea Crockett
WR Travis Fulgham
OT
G
DE Jonathan Kongbo
DE Marquiss Spencer
OT Casey Tucker signed January 20[13]
LB Barrington Wade

Free agents[]

Unrestricted[]

Position Player 2022 team Notes
QB Teddy Bridgewater Miami Dolphins signed with the Dolphins on March 14[14]
CB Bryce Callahan TBD
OT Cameron Fleming TBD
CB Mike Ford TBD
CB Kyle Fuller TBD
RB Melvin Gordon TBD
CB Nate Hairston TBD
NT Justin Hamilton TBD originally an RFA
S Kareem Jackson TBD
LB Josey Jewell Denver Broncos re-signed March 15[15]
LB A. J. Johnson TBD
C Brett Jones TBD
LB Micah Kiser TBD
OT Bobby Massie TBD
LB Natrez Patrick TBD originally an RFA
TE Eric Saubert TBD
G Austin Schlottmann TBD originally an RFA
WR Diontae Spencer TBD originally an RFA
DE Shamar Stephen TBD
LB Stephen Weatherly TBD
NT DeShawn Williams Denver Broncos originally an RFA, re-signed March 18[16]
LB Kenny Young TBD

Note: Unrestricted free agents who were originally Restricted free agents (RFA) had three accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season, and did not receive a qualifying offer before the start of the 2022 league year on March 16.

Restricted and exclusive-rights[]

Position Player Tag 2022 team Notes
OT Calvin Anderson RFA Denver Broncos re-signed March 13[17]
TE Andrew Beck RFA Denver Broncos re-signed March 13[17]
LB Jonas Griffith ERFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 13[17]
RB Adrian Killins ERFA TBD
S P. J. Locke ERFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 13[17]
LB Malik Reed RFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 17[18]
QB Brett Rypien ERFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 13[17]
Restricted Free Agent (RFA): Players with three accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season
Exclusive-Rights Free Agent (ERFA): Players with two or fewer accrued seasons whose contracts expired at the end of the previous season

Signings[]

Position Player 2021 team(s) Notes
CB Essang Bassey Denver Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers		 claimed off waivers from the Chargers on February 14[19]
G Ben Braden Green Bay Packers signed March 14[20]
OT Tom Compton San Francisco 49ers signed March 17[21]
DE Randy Gregory Dallas Cowboys signed March 18[22]
QB Josh Johnson New York Jets
Baltimore Ravens		 signed March 18[23]
DT D. J. Jones San Francisco 49ers signed March 14[24]
S J. R. Reed Los Angeles Rams
New York Giants		 signed March 21[25]
LB Alex Singleton Philadelphia Eagles signed March 18[26]
TE Eric Tomlinson Baltimore Ravens signed March 15[27]
OT Billy Turner Green Bay Packers signed March 24[28]
CB K'Waun Williams San Francisco 49ers signed March 23[29]

Draft[]

Main article: 2022 NFL Draft
2022 Denver Broncos Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
2 64
3 75
96
4 115
5 145
6 206
7 232

Trades[]

Trade partner Broncos give Broncos receive Source
Detroit Lions WR Trinity Benson
2023 sixth-round selection		 2022 fifth-round selection (No. 145 overall) [30]
Los Angeles Rams 2024 sixth-round selection LB Kenny Young
2024 seventh-round selection		 [31]
LB Von Miller 2022 second- and third-round selections (Nos. 64 and 96 overall) [32]
Minnesota Vikings 2022 seventh-round selection (No. 250 overall—from SF) LB Stephen Weatherly
2023 seventh-round selection		 [33]
Philadelphia Eagles CB Kary Vincent Jr. 2022 sixth-round selection (No. 206 overall) [34]
San Francisco 49ers original 2022 sixth-round selection (No. 187 overall)
2023 seventh-round selection		 LB Jonas Griffith
2022 seventh-round selection (No. 250 overall—later traded to MIN)		 [35]
Seattle Seahawks See next section below

Trade for Russell Wilson[]

On March 8, the Broncos made an agreement to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson and a 2022 fourth-round selection (No. 116 overall) from the Seattle Seahawks, in one of the largest trades in NFL history. The Broncos sent quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive end Shelby Harris, their 2022 first-, second- and fifth-round selections (Nos. 9, 40 and 152 overall) and their 2023 first- and second-round selections to the Seahawks in exchange. The trade became official on March 16—the first day of the 2022 league year. In his ten seasons in Seattle (2012–2021), Wilson reached nine Pro Bowls, led the Seahawks to eight playoff appearances and two Super Bowl berths, including a 43–8 victory over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Wilson will become the Broncos' 12th different starting quarterback since Peyton Manning's retirement after their 2015 Super Bowl-winning season—tied with the Washington Commanders for the most in the NFL during that span.[36][37]

Staff[]

Denver Broncos staff
  • v
  • t
Front office
  • Owning entity – Pat Bowlen Trust
  • Ownership partner – John Bowlen
  • President/CEO – Joe Ellis
  • President of football operations – John Elway
  • General manager – George Paton
  • Assistant general manager – Darren Mougey
  • Director of pro personnel – A. J. Durso
  • Executive director of football operations – Kelly Kleine
  • Vice president of football administration – Rich Hurtado
  • Vice president of football operation and compliance – Mark Thewes
  • Vice president of player development – Ray Jackson
  • Director of college scouting – Brian Stark
  • Senior personnel executive – Roman Phifer
  • Assistant director of pro scouting – Jordon Dizon
  • Assistant director of college scouting – Nick Schiralli
Head coach
Offensive coaches
  • Offensive coordinator – Justin Outten
  • Passing game coordinator/quarterbacks – Klint Kubiak
  • Running backs – Tyrone Wheatley
  • Wide receivers – Zach Azzanni
  • Tight ends – Jake Moreland
  • Offensive line – Butch Barry
  • Assistant offensive line – Ben Steele
  • Offensive quality control – Ramon Chinyoung
  • Offensive quality control – Zach Grossi
  • Marlin briscoe coaching fellowship – Mateo Kambui
  
Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Ejiro Evero
  • Defensive line – Marcus Dixon
  • Linebackers – Peter Hansen
  • Outside linebackers – Bert Watts
  • Defensive backs – Christian Parker
  • Assistant defensive backs – Ola Adams
  • Senior defensive assistant – Dom Capers
  • Defensive quality control – Andrew Carter
  • Defensive/special projects – Bill Kollar
  • Diversity coaching fellowship – DeAndre Thompson
Special teams coaches
Support staff
  • Assistant to head coach – Derek Haithcock
  • Instructional designer – John Vieira
Strength and Conditioning
  • Head strength and conditioning – Loren Landow
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Korey Jones
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Pierre Ngo

→ Coaching staff
→ Management
→ More NFL staffs

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Current roster[]

Denver Broncos roster
  • view
  • talk
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Unrestricted FAs

Restricted FAs

Rookies in italics

Roster updated March 25, 2022

65 active, 19 free agent(s)

→ AFC rosters → NFC rosters

Preseason[]

The Broncos' preseason opponents and schedule will be announced in the spring.

Regular season[]

2022 opponents[]

Listed below are the Broncos' opponents for 2022. Exact dates and times will be announced later.[38]

Category Home Away
Division opponents
(AFC West)		 Kansas City Chiefs
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
Conference opponents
(AFC South)		 Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts		 Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans
Conference opponents
(based on 2021 division placement)		 New York Jets Baltimore Ravens
Interconference opponents
(NFC West)		 Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers		 Los Angeles Rams
Seattle Seahawks
Interconference opponent
(based on 2021 division placement)		 N/A Carolina Panthers

References[]

  1. ^ Broncos potential owner tracker: Who will buy the team?
  2. ^ O'Halloran, Ryan (January 9, 2022). "Vic Fangio fired as Broncos head coach after three losing seasons". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  3. ^ DiLalla, Aric (January 27, 2022). "Broncos agree to terms with Nathaniel Hackett as head coach". Denver Broncos. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  4. ^ DiLalla, Aric (February 2, 2022). "Broncos name Justin Outten as offensive coordinator, announce additional coaching hires". Denver Broncos. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  5. ^ DiLalla, Aric (February 14, 2022). "Broncos announce seven additions to coaching staff". Denver Broncos. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  6. ^ DiLalla, Aric (February 15, 2022). "Broncos announce three more additions to coaching staff". Denver Broncos. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  7. ^ DiLalla, Aric (February 16, 2022). "Broncos name Tyrone Wheatley as running backs coach". Denver Broncos. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  8. ^ DiLalla, Aric (February 17, 2022). "Broncos announce hires of DC Ejiro Evero, STC Dwayne Stukes and DL Coach Marcus Dixon". Denver Broncos. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  9. ^ DiLalla, Aric (February 22, 2022). "Broncos name Andrew Carter as defensive quality control coach". Denver Broncos. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  10. ^ Klis, Mike (February 7, 2022). "Azzanni returns, but Modkins likely headed to Vikings and Kollar moving to consultant as Broncos coaching shakeup continues". 9 News Denver. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  11. ^ Swanson, Ben (February 3, 2022). "Broncos promote Darren Mougey to assistant general manager". Denver Broncos. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  12. ^ Swanson, Ben (January 12, 2022). "Broncos sign DE Jonathan Kongbo to future contract". Denver Broncos. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  13. ^ DiLalla, Aric (January 20, 2022). "Broncos sign T Casey Tucker to future contract". Denver Broncos. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  14. ^ Shook, Nick (March 14, 2022). "QB Teddy Bridgewater signing one-year deal worth up to $10M with Dolphins". NFL. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  15. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 15, 2022). "Broncos agree to terms with ILB Josey Jewell on two-year deal". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  16. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 18, 2022). "Broncos sign DL DeShawn Williams to one-year deal". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  17. ^ a b c d e O'Halloran, Ryan (March 13, 2022). "Tackle Calvin Anderson, tight end Andrew Beck remaining with Broncos on one-year contracts". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  18. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 17, 2022). "Broncos extend right of first refusal tender to OLB Malik Reed". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  19. ^ DiLalla, Aric (February 14, 2022). "Broncos assigned CB Essang Bassey, P Corliss Waitman off waivers". Denver Broncos. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  20. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 14, 2022). "Broncos sign G Ben Braden". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  21. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 17, 2022). "Broncos sign T Tom Compton to one-year deal". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  22. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 18, 2022). "Broncos agree to terms with OLB Randy Gregory". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  23. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 18, 2022). "Broncos agree to terms with QB Josh Johnson on one-year deal". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  24. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 14, 2022). "Media report: Broncos agree to terms with DT D.J. Jones on three-year contract". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  25. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 21, 2022). "Broncos agree to terms with S J.R. Reed on one-year deal". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  26. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 18, 2022). "Broncos agree to terms with LB Alex Singleton on one-year deal". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  27. ^ Swanson, Ben (March 15, 2022). "Media report: Broncos agree to terms with TE Eric Tomlinson on one-year contract". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  28. ^ O'Halloran, Ryan (March 24, 2022). "Broncos add veteran Billy Turner to right tackle mix". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  29. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 23, 2022). "Broncos sign CB K'Waun Williams to two-year deal". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  30. ^ DiLalla, Aric (August 31, 2021). "Broncos agree to trade WR Trinity Benson to Lions for 2022 fifth- and seventh-round picks". Denver Broncos. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  31. ^ DiLalla, Aric (October 25, 2021). "Broncos agree to trade with Rams for ILB Kenny Young". Denver Broncos. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  32. ^ DiLalla, Aric (November 3, 2021). "Broncos agree to trade with Rams to acquire 2022 second- and third-round picks for OLB Von Miller". Denver Broncos. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  33. ^ DiLalla, Aric (October 23, 2021). "Broncos acquire OLB Stephen Weatherly in trade with Vikings, place ILB Micah Kiser on IR". Denver Broncos. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  34. ^ DiLalla, Aric (November 2, 2021). "Broncos trading CB Kary Vincent Jr. to Eagles for 2022 sixth-round pick". Denver Broncos. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  35. ^ DiLalla, Aric (August 31, 2021). "Broncos agree to terms on trade with 49ers to acquire LB Jonas Griffith". Denver Broncos. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  36. ^ Schefter, Adam (March 8, 2022). "Sources: Seattle Seahawks agree to trade QB Russell Wilson to Denver Broncos, get three players, picks". ESPN. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  37. ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 16, 2022). "Broncos trade for nine-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  38. ^ "2022 NFL regular-season opponents for every team". ESPN. January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.

External links[]

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