On Thursday, self-represented offensive tackle Russell Okung signed a five-year deal with the Denver Broncos. The deal includes no guaranteed money but could be worth as much as $53 million. For Okung, it was more about “where” than “how much.”
“Honestly, it’s a great organization and I think there are only a few top organizations in the NFL. Denver is obviously one those,” he told media shortly after signing. “The class and integrity, it goes with the organization and speaks volumes. I wanted to be a part of a place that did that.”
For the Broncos, Okung figured to replace Ryan Clady at the left tackle position after talks of a re-structure on Clady’s contract hit a snag. A starter at that position for the last six seasons, one of them ending in a Pro Bowl, the 6-foot-5, 310 pounder is ready for that spot.
“I think I’ve shown the ability to play left tackle at a high level,” he told. “They had a hole there and they wanted to bring a guy in. I can service that need. I do have that confidence because I have great support around me. I’m going to be playing with a really good offensive line, too. If I can complement that, I’m ready to go.”
The Seahawks don’t strictly run the zone scheme the Broncos do but it has been prevalent in their offense during Okung’s time there, leaving the athletic big guy feeling comfortable with the system he’s jumping into.
“I’m very familiar with the scheme that they run. I’ve been running the zone scheme since I’ve been a rookie,” he explained. “I understand all the concepts and just everything that they have here. I hope I have something great to offer the team. Just in my understanding of the scheme and my level of play as well, too. I know these guys are a championship caliber team and I’m glad I could be a part of it.
“I’ve got a really good understanding for what the zone scheme is and I think I can do whatever they ask of me,” he added. “I have a good understanding of running the ball as well as getting back in the drop back and passing as well, too. Whatever they ask me to do, I’ll be ready to do it full speed.”
Okung completes the Broncos complete re-shape of their front line on offense, a front line that figures to return only one starter from their Super Bowl championship in Matt Paradis.
