The Denver Broncos knew they needed to improve the offensive line following a disastrous 2018 campaign and the team shelled out the cash in order to do so.

Ja’Wuan James became the team’s new right tackle, signing a four-year, $51 million deal with the team as a free agent. Of that, $32 million is guaranteed.

That’s a hefty sum for a player that has missed 18 games in his career due to injury since being a first-round pick in 2014 for the Miami Dolphins. Though he’s made 62 career starts, he hasn’t ever performed like a first-round pick.

Will the Broncos regret giving the money to James? Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report sure seems to think so.

Though Knox makes some valid points, you still have to credit John Elway for going out and making a move he feels will improve the team. James, though costly, does seem to be a big upgrade over Jared Veldheer.

This wasn’t a good year to be in need of an offensive tackle. The free agent market and draft were shallow for options in that department, so Elway made the best move he could make.

James will have to stay healthy and if he doesn’t, this is a move that could absolutely come back to bite the team. However, with risk comes reward and if the Broncos can get an improved version of James, one who is coached by Mike Munchak, it will pay off handsomely.

But with all of that said, even if the Broncos get the exact same James that played in Miami, losing Matt Paradis and Billy Turner each in free agency should be considered bigger regrets for this team.

All of those players are offensive linemen, so it’s safe to say that the play of the offensive line will go a long way in determining if the Broncos bounce back from back-to-back losing seasons.