Broncos had competition from two rivals for one in-house free agent

The Denver Broncos did not even have fullback Adam Prentice in their original plans last season. But he was signed to fill in for Michael Burton after he went down with an injury and he filled in quite well. So well, in fact, that the Broncos had to fight some other teams off this week to get him back. 

The Broncos have taken a stance that they are going to march forward with the roster they have in place, re-signing a high number of their own free agents so far. In addition, they have not signed a single player from another team yet. 

Prentice was a player the Broncos prioritized bringing back, and they were able to get a new one-year deal done. But as reported by Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette, they weren't the only team interested in his services. 

The Las Vegas Raiders, arguably the Broncos' biggest rival, looked to bring Prentice in as part of Klint Kubiak's new offense. In addition, the Buffalo Bills, who are quickly building a strong rivalry with Denver, wanted him as well. Both teams offered him a one-year deal worth the league minimum, but he chose to stay in Denver. 

Adam Prentice picks Broncos over Raiders, Bills

Prentice began his career in Denver as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina in 2021. When he failed to make the team that summer, he was scooped up on waivers by Sean Payton's New Orleans Saints. He played four seasons in New Orleans but when the Saints chose not to bring him back last offseason, he was there for the taking. 

When Burton went down with a hamstring injury, the Broncos signed him in August and he played every game of the regular season. He was a natural fit at fullback in Payton's offense and a player who will be favored to hang onto that job going forward. 

HOT READ: Broncos predicted to finally make big move by signing 5,500-yard wide receiver

Prentice chose to show loyalty to the Broncos for allowing him to continue his career last season and it seems he has become a favorite of Payton for doing the little things, similar to guys like Adam Trautman and Lil'Jordan Humphrey, who also played for Payton in New Orleans. 

More Broncos Content

Broncos' single best and worst moves of first wave of free agency

Sean Payton is bringing everyone back to Broncos, including former Saints wide receiver

Seahawks make Broncos last team without free-agent signing by bringing in player team should have

49ers may soon make Broncos regret one free-agent decision

Broncos announce three more players have re-signed with team, updated free-agent tracker