The Broncos are looking for offensive lineman this offseason and looks as though before the free agency even begins Wednesday they have found a tackle to compete for a starting job in 2016.
According to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star, Stephenson, a 6-foot-6, 312-pound tackle with 21 starts in four years with the Chiefs will be joining their AFC West rivals Wednesday afternoon. After high expectations stemming from the 74th overall pick in the 2012 draft, a performance enhancing drug offense and an injury slowed his progress. He started seven regular season games and both of the Chiefs playoff contests in the 2015-16 season. He will join the Broncos and could immediately compete for either tackle positions.
The Broncos are currently holding conversations with All-Pro tackle Ryan Clady to possibly take a pay cut from his $10.1 million cap hit in 2016 and Super Bowl 50 champion Ryan Harris is an unrestricted free agent. Stephenson could certainly take over the right tackle job from either Michael Schofield or Ty Sambrailo. His presence will also add leverage for John Elway in negotiations with Clady.
According to Pro Football Focus Stephenson started nine games in 2015 for an overall grade of -20.4. He started the Chiefs first six games at left tackle and started at right tackle for the Chiefs final three games. He also played some snaps at left guard.
The Chiefs other young tackles, Jah Reid and Eric Fisher are under contract for one and three more years respectively. Fisher has been a model of consistency starting 43 regular season games in three years. It appears the Chiefs are hoping Reid gains traction in the last three years of a moderate sized contract after starting just 17 of 49 regular season games in five seasons.
The Broncos day started with a string of veteran cuts and reports of free agent departures. Tuesday night’s news of Stephenson’s addition is welcomed news and addresses the team’s most glaring weakness.
UPDATE**
Stephenson’s contract is worth $14 million over three years, with $10 million guaranteed.
Source tells @NFLonFOX that @Chiefs T Donald Stephenson signing 3-yr, $14M contract w/ @Broncos. $10M guarantee ($4M of that for injury)
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 9, 2016
