Chiefs race to build dominant offensive line
By Ryan Tracy
Overshadowed but the mass-quarterback-exodus from the Mile High City, the defending champ Broncos are facing some departures on their offensive line as well. Three of the five linemen to start Super Bowl 50 are already gone from the roster.
Ryan Clady is on his way out, too. Yes, Denver signed Donald Stephenson early in free agency. That isn’t a concerning development on the field, though it sounds like he’ll be missed in the Chiefs’ locker room.
Thursday night, Denver did something that could be concerning. Left tackle Russell Okung signed a deal with the Broncos. Negotiating on his own, Okung took a chance on himself and signed what amounts to a 1-year, $5 million deal with an additional $3 million in incentives.
If healthy, and that is a big “if,” Okung helps them. It will likely mean Ty Sambrailo will move the right tackle and Stephenson will be the swing.
Evan Mathis and Louis Vasquez are both gone. That leaves second-year player Maxx Garcia at left guard next to center Matt Paradis. Its likely that the starting right guard for the 2016 Broncos isn’t on the roster yet.
Picking 31st, the Broncos could look to add a starter at guard in the draft. That is, if the Chiefs’ don’t grab their guy first.
Lastly…
The San Diego Chargers offensive line moves? They re-signed their own tackles Joe Barksdale and Chris Hairston.
Move along.