Broncos trade punter to Giants

The writing was on the wall for Riley Dixon when the Broncos signed Marquette King two weeks ago.

Denver traded Dixon to the Giants on Friday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Broncos will reportedly receive a conditional 2019 seventh-round draft pick.

Denver drafted Dixon with a seventh-round pick in 2016. He started every game for the Broncos during his two-year stint in Denver and also appeared on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Though the Broncos placed near the middle of the pack in punting average and punts inside the 20 over the past two seasons, the team opted for an upgrade and signed King, a 29-year-old with a second-team All-Pro to his name, to a three-year, $6 million contract earlier this month.

This isn’t the first time the Broncos and Giants have exchanged special teamers. Back in 2014, while Denver’s kicker Matt Prater was facing a four-game substance abuse suspension, the Broncos swapped a seventh-round pick for Brandon McManus, who is still the team’s kicker.

Paradis signs tender, Barrett to sign on Monday

Center Matt Paradis signed his second-round tender on Friday. The deal keeps the Broncos’ starter in the middle in Denver this season for $2.914 million. By signing the tender, Paradis loses his right to negotiate with other teams.

Paradis hasn’t missed a snap since he became the starter prior to the 2015 season, but he will be an unrestricted free agent after this year. The Broncos may choose to extend Paradis before this happens.

Shaq Barrett will also sign his tender on Monday, according to Denver7’s Troy Renck. Barrett was also given a second-round tender worth $2.914 million.

Like Paradis, Barrett will also be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. The Broncos need to decide whether they will pick up Shane Ray’s $9 million option for next season by May 3. Otherwise, he will also become an unrestricted free agent. With Von Miller making big bucks, there may not be room to pay two more pass rushers.

Both Paradis and Barrett showed up to the start of Denver’s offseason conditioning program, despite not being under contract.