Ranking John Elway's best free-agent signings

[Miles]

3. OLB DeMARCUS WARE


If there's a defensive version of Peyton Manning, it may well be DeMarcus Ware. And when the Broncos signed the seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro in free agency in 2014, it signified that the team was all in to get back to the Super Bowl — and this time earn a Lombardi Trophy. Ware started his career in Denver with a 10-sack season and Pro Bowl nod in 2014, and though he dealt with injuries in 2015, he was a critical piece of Denver's run to the Super Bowl. Ware recovered a crucial fumble against the Steelers in the divisional round, and he tallied two sacks in the Super Bowl to help secure a win. The emotional leader of the locker room, Ware played three seasons in Denver before retiring after the 2016 season.


2. CB AQIB TALIB


During Elway's 2014 free-agent bonanza, Talib was the first player to join the 2013 AFC Champions. Talib joined the Broncos from New England, and he made an immediate impact. In four seasons in Denver, he racked up four Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro nod in 2016. Again and again, he made the big plays the Broncos needed. He had at least one interception for a touchdown in each of his four years in Denver, tallying six during his time with the Broncos. And there's no denying the impact Talib's personality had on the team, as his fiery spirit set the tone for Denver's defense. Though he played for just four years in Denver, it's not a stretch to say he could someday receive Ring of Fame consideration.


1. QB PEYTON MANNING


It's obvious, but we'll explain anyway. When Manning chose the Broncos in 2012 following a 13-year career with the Colts, expectations were high for what the team could accomplish with him under center. In just about every fashion, Manning exceeded those expectations. During four seasons in Denver, Manning led the Broncos to a pair of Super Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl 50 win. From an individual standpoint, Manning was a two-time first-team All-Pro, was named the 2013 NFL MVP, the 2012 NFL Comeback Player of the Year and a three-time Pro Bowler. He also set the single-season passing touchdown mark in 2013 and broke Brett Favre's all-time touchdown record in 2014. The all-time passing yardage mark fell a year later in 2015.


Honorable mentions: TE Owen Daniels, WR Wes Welker, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, TE Jacob Tamme, DL Domata Peko Sr.,


Note: These rankings reflect the opinion of the author, not the organization.