DEAL AGREED: Broncos Top Insider Reveals Broncos Have Agreed a Blockbuster Deal To Former NFL Tackles Leader as a Perfect Replacement For Drew Sanders

The injury to second-year linebacker Drew Sanders cost the Denver Broncos a key component of their defence.

On May 20, Mike Klis of 9NEWS Denver reported that Sanders tore his Achilles during the Broncos’ offseason training. While the Denver defence was pummelled, there are some interesting alternative options.

Travis Wakeman of The Sporting News described veteran LB Kwon Alexander as a guy who “still has something to offer.”

“Kwon Alexander has previously appeared to be a good match for Denver, but the organization has never pursued him. Wakeman said in his May 25 post that he was a fourth-round pick in 2015 and has played for five NFL clubs, including the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.

“Alexander, like Sanders, tore his Achilles last November. This is the primary reason he is still available. If he has fully recovered, he should be on the short list for teams in need of assistance.

Alexander is approaching 30, but he has been effective during his nine-year NFL career. In 2016, the LSU graduate led the league in solo tackles with 108, earning his only Pro Bowl appearance that season.

Alexander has a Sean Payton connection because he played under him with the New Orleans Saints from 2020 to 2021.

Drew Sanders Has a Chance to Return in 2024
Sanders is projected to miss most of his second season, although he could return before the regular season finishes. Payton discussed the topic with reporters at a recent press conference.

“A simple, like they all happen, kind of a jump,” Payton told local reporters on May 23. “The surgery was completed.” Fortunately, it was early enough in the timeframe for us to bring him back. I don’t want to mention October, but the procedure was completed successfully. It was clean. There was nothing difficult about the injury; it was simply unique.”

An October return is ambitious, but not completely unrealistic. This summer, the NFL announced rule adjustments to its injured reserve, which could assist Sanders.

Starting in 2024, teams can place two players on injured reserve before reducing their roster to 53 players, with the possibility of moving them to the active roster later in the season. If Sanders regains his health around midseason, he could return to the field sooner than anticipated.

The 2023 third-round pick appeared in all 17 games last season, starting four. He had 24 total tackles and recovered one fumble.

Broncos 2023 Rising Star Named ‘Most Underrated Player’
Whether Sanders returns from injury, the Broncos’ defence will be in good hands. Linebacker Jonathon Cooper broke out in 2023, and there is reason to believe his arrow will continue to point upward.

Doug Farrar of USA Today called Cooper Denver’s “most underrated player” heading into the 2024 season.

“It all kicked in last season, as Cooper set career highs in sacks (nine) and total pressures (55) on 421 pass-rushing snaps,” Farrar stated on May 26. “Eventually, Cooper tends to prove that he should be playing more often than he is, and he does it against the best possible competition.”

Farrar used a pass-rushing snap against Detroit Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell in Week 15 last season to show Cooper’s development.

If Cooper takes his game to the next level this season, the Broncos could surprise in the AFC West competition.