Denver is apparently going to avoid spending a lot of money on free-agent defensive linemen and perhaps build up that position in the draft. The line is still the Broncos' biggest need.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The Broncos have done a good job in free agency finding new blood to play different positions, filling holes with solid players on both sides of the ball. With free agency slowing down the team will turn its full attention to draft preparation.

Defensive line is the most obvious need in the draft, although the team has enough holes that it won't be able to pass up the best player available with the 12th overall pick.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Defensive line: The Broncos haven't given out any big-money contracts to defensive linemen, despite an obvious need. They could invest heavily in the line in the draft.

2. Linebacker: Although Andra Davis was signed and D.J. Williams is still around, more talent is needed at this spot, especially with plans to use more 3-4 looks.

3. Cornerback: While depth for the nickel and dime packages could come from within the roster, adding another cornerback or two in the remainder of free agency or the draft is a good possibility.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--RB Tatum Bell finished the season with a good game against San Diego, but with a lot of tailbacks on the roster he is no sure bet to return.

--DE Ebenezer Ekuban played well in 2008 but it remains to be seen how he fits into the new staff's plans.

--WR Darrell Jackson didn't contribute much in 2008 and appears unlikely to return.

--S Marlon McCree didn't play in the final eight games of the season, remaining inactive even after recovering from a high ankle sprain. He doesn't appear to be in Denver's plans.

--C Tom Nalen is likely on his way to retirement after sitting out 2008 with a knee injury.

--RB Michael Pittman played pretty well before a neck injury sidelined him, but he said he feels good and wants to play in Denver again. The new coaching staff will make a decision whether to bring him back.

--QB Patrick Ramsey is a solid backup for Jay Cutler and despite finishing on injured reserve with an arm injury last year, could be re-signed.

--WR Edell Shepherd was out all last year with a knee injury.

--LB Nate Webster started last year and played well at times. The new staff will have to decide how he fits in their defense.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

--RB Andre Hall (not tendered as ERFA) has played well at times and should get a shot to make the team in training camp.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--DL Kenny Peterson: UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

--TE Jeb Putzier: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--RB J.J. Arrington: UFA Cardinals; $10M/4 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--RB Correll Buckhalter: UFA Eagles; 4 yrs, terms unknown.

--LB Andra Davis: UFA Browns; $5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--S Brian Dawkins: UFA Eagles; $17M/5 yrs, $7.5M guaranteed; can void to $9.5M/2 yrs.

--DT Ronald Fields: UFA 49ers; $5M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

--WR Jabar Gaffney: UFA Patriots; $10M/4 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

--CB Andre' Goodman: UFA Dolphins; $25M/5 yrs, $10M guaranteed.

--S Renaldo Hill: UFA Dolphins; $10M/4 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

--RB LaMont Jordan: UFA Patriots; $2.5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--OG Matt McChesney: FA Dolphins; terms unknown.

--DT J'Vonne Parker: Not tendered as ERFA by Panthers; terms unknown.

--LS Lonie Paxton: UFA Patriots; $5.38M/5 yrs, $1M SB.

--DT Darrell Reid: UFA Colts; $6.8M/3 yrs, SB unknown.

--QB Chris Simms: UFA Titans; $6M/2 yrs, $1.5M SB; 2009 cap: $2.71M.

--OG Scott Young: UFA Browns; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--RB Anthony Alridge (released).

--CB Dre' Bly (released).

--DE John Engelberger (released).

--RB Alex Haynes (released).

--TE Nate Jackson (released).

--LB Niko Koutouvides (released).

--LS Mike Leach (released).

--S Marquand Manuel (released).

--TE Chad Mustard (released).

--CB Karl Paymah: UFA Vikings; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--OT Erik Pears: Not tendered as RFA/Raiders; terms unknown.

--RB P.J. Pope (released).

--DT Dewayne Robertson (released).

--WR Cliff Russell (released/failed physical).

--DT Josh Shaw (released).

--LB Jamie Winborn (released).