ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Ahead of the official start of free agency, the Broncos moved to keep several of their own players in Denver.
The Broncos placed a second-round tender on offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson and a series of low-round tenders on exclusive rights free agents, the team announced Tuesday.
Wilkinson, a restricted free agent, started 12 games for the Broncos at right tackle in 2019 and appeared in 15 total games. The third-year player has seen extensive playing time in each of the previous two seasons.
The second-round tender ensures the Broncos will receive compensation if Wilkinson were to sign with another team. If another team makes Wilkinson an offer, the Broncos first have the opportunity to match the contract. If they decline to do so, they will receive a second-round pick as compensation.
The Broncos also applied low-round tenders to exclusive rights free agents safety Trey Marshall, cornerback Shakial Taylor and wide receivers Tim Patrick and Diontae Spencer.
Patrick and Spencer played the largest roles of the four in 2019.
Patrick appeared in eight games and caught 16 passes for 218 yards. He spent a portion of the season on injured reserve after suffering a hand injury in Week 1 of the season.
Spencer, meanwhile, served as the Broncos' return specialist and was chosen as a Pro Bowl alternate at the position.
Exclusive rights free agents cannot negotiate with other teams.
