Broncos expected to sign former Bills, Steelers defender

The Broncos seem to be entering a rebuild with several needs still left to be addressed. 

The 2024 NFL Draft will help fill some of those holes, but Denver could put a Band-Aid over one position with a productive veteran on Monday.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Broncos are expected to sign free-agent cornerback Levi Wallace to a one-year deal if all goes well on his visit. He reportedly had "plenty of options" but wanted to play for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

Wallace has played for the Steelers (2022-23) and Bills (2018-21) since being an undrafted rookie out of Alabama in 2018. He has 306 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 12 interceptions and 54 passes defensed in his six-year NFL career.

The 28-year-old would fill a glaring hole in Denver's defense. Outside of two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the team was quite thin at the position. Wallace is now poised to line up opposite Surtain II in 2024.

The Broncos could still opt to further add to the room through the NFL Draft, which is held from April 25-27, but the addition of Wallace wouldn't make that a necessity.

It's no secret Denver still needs a quarterback with Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci currently highlighting the room. So, the expected Wallace signing may hint the team is gearing up to trade up for one of the draft's top prospects.

If that's the case, it will prove costly for the Broncos as several other quarterback-needy teams are looking to do the same. However, if head coach Sean Payton has his eyes on a specific player, don't be surprised when he makes a splash move to land him.

Denver currently owns the No. 12 overall pick, but thanks to Wallace, the team will likely have a lot more flexibility with its first selection on Thursday night.