In the least surprising off-season development for the Denver Broncos so far, the team’s offensive line is undergoing an extreme makeover.
Right guard Louis Vasquez, who started 47-of-48 regular-season games over the last three seasons, was released and free-agents Ryan Harris and Evan Mathis – who combined to start 28 contests in 2015 – weren’t re-signed. Harris signed a two-year contract Tuesday with the Steelers, and Mathis agreed to a one-year deal with the Cardinals earlier Wednesday.
Backup tackle Tyler Polumbus, who played in 11 regular-season games, also is an unrestricted free agent who isn’t expected back.
Meanwhile, the Orange & Blue’s first outside signing during free agency was luring tackle Donald Stephenson away from the Chiefs, and on Wednesday, they were visiting with free-agent tackle Russell Okung, the sixth-overall pick in the 2010 draft who has been six-year starting fixture for the Seahawks.
Okung’s visit is the surest sign yet that the contract-restructuring talks with the longest-tenured Bronco, Ryan Clady, aren’t exactly going smoothly as the Broncos seek to reduce the tackle’s 2016 $9.5 million base salary and $10.1 million salary-cap hit.
Meanwhile, another tackle, Michael Schofield, who started the last 16 games including the playoffs, is expected to return to a reserve role after struggling, particularly as a pass blocker. The 2014 third-round pick could also shift inside to play guard.
Piecing it all together so far, that leaves only center Matt Paradis intact in the starting lineup. Wholly fitting as Paradis, a 2014 sixth-round pick, was the only Denver player to play 100 percent of the team’s offensive or defensive snaps a year ago.
With 2015 second-round pick Ty Sambrailo due back from a shoulder injury that cost the Colorado State product all but three games of his rookie season and fellow 2015 rookie Max Garcia expected to become a full-time starting guard after playing 49.2 percent of the offensive snaps last season, the Broncos’ O-line isn’t only receiving a makeover, it’s getting younger as well.
Double down on those last two statements if, as expected, the Broncos use a draft pick or two on an offensive lineman late next month. Currently, Denver owns 10 selections after recently receiving a trio of compensatory picks, including a third-rounder.
The Orange & Blue also still have 2015 interior reserves James Ferentz, Sam Brenner and Robert Myers on the roster. Additionally, center/guard Dillon Day, tackle Kyle Roberts and guard Cameron Jefferson spent 2015 on the practice squad.
Day, signed as an undrafted rookie last year after starting four seasons at Mississippi State, is the name to remember here.
That established, here’s what the Broncos’ starting offensive line/depth chart could look like come the Sept. 8 season opener, given the players currently on the roster:
- Left tackle: Clady, Sambrailo, Schofield, Roberts
- Left guard: Garcia, Myers, Day, Jefferson
- Center: Paradis, Ferentz, Day, Brenner
- Right guard: Sambrailo, Myers, Day, Jefferson
- Right tackle: Stephenson, Schofield, Roberts
And while the makeover already is well underway, expect more changes to come.
