Denver signs former Charger Vasquez

The Broncos made a splash during the first day of free agency signing former Charger offensive lineman Louis Vasquez to a $23.5 million contract. $13 Million is guaranteed.

The move was surprising and daring as it permanently marked where the organization stands with long-time veteran guard Chris Kuper. The former Pro-Bowler has been injury-prone for most of the previous two seasons. The Broncos have been praised for this recent pick up, as Vasquez is one of the premier offensive linemen in the league.

Undeniably the best lineman on the Chargers the past two years, Vasquez will provide Manning with even more protection, and also create better run blocking schemes, alongside tackle Orlando Franklin. It’s clear that Denver wants to spend the bulk of their money protecting their most prized investment for future years.

In other news, the Broncos re-signed special teams Pro-Bowler and long-time Bronco David Bruton to a three-year deal. Bruton has been a dominant player for the past few seasons, and finished last year with the second most tackles amongst all special teams players. Bruton says he is “blessed” to remain in blue and orange.

Also, The Denver Post reports that the Broncos are very close to cutting a deal with former Jacksonville Jaguar Terrance Knighton. If the deal is finalize, Knighton will re-unite with his former head coach, Jack Del Rio, and would most likely fit well in the current defensive scheme. Knighton is described as a dominant run-stuffer who should fit well alongside Kevin Vickerson. 

Broncos cut CB Tracy Porter

Adding to another big name on the cut list, the Broncos have parted ways with cornerback Tracy Porter. Porter was signed to a one-year deal last season, which was cut short due to lagging injuries. Porter’s replacement, Tony Carter (and sometimes Chris Harris), stepped up to plate to fulfill the crucial role, and now the Broncos feel that he is a good replacement for the job. Carter made big plays during critical moments throughout the season. Porter wasn't a crucial part of the 11-game win streak last season. 

It’s clear that Denver wants to stay with a young secondary. 

Broncos cut D.J. Williams & Caleb Hanie

Within less then hours before the start of the NFL free agency period, the Broncos have already made a splash cutting former defensive captain D.J. Williams, alongside third string backup quarterback Caleb Hanie.

Cutting Williams was not particularly a surprising move. After having played nearly a quarter of the season last year (due to PEDs and DUI suspensions), Williams never returned to his prime position. The Broncos will clear up a decent amount of space with this move to possible bring in a big name free agent (Wes Welker or Darelle Revis, anybody?).

More so than clearing up cap room space, cutting QB Caleb Hanie clearly shows the trust that VP John Elway and the rest of the Broncos organization have in backup quarterback Brock Osweiler. Hanie was brought in quickly after the signing of Peyton Manning last year in fear that Manning would get hurt quickly into the season. Hanie would eventually lose his backup job to the rookie ASU product, who they believe will hold the keys in the future once Manning’s time is up. Much similar to the situation in Green Bay, Osweiler is being “groomed” to be in his prime when he needs to. Denver feels that this is right direction to be heading into, hence the cutting of Hanie. 

Revis trade not likely but Mendenhall could be added

Are the Broncos really interested in Darelle Revis? ESPNNew York claims they are, but The Denver Post directly shut down any talks between the Broncos and the Jets. While the big name player certainly will put this team over the top, the money expected for Revis may be a bit to pricy for John Elway’s taste.

While the Revis trade is likely doubtful, The Denver Post does confirmed that the Broncos have expressed interest in running back Rashard Mendenhall, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mendenhall is still a young player, 25, who was lagged by injuries last season. Prior to that, he had two 1,000 yards seasons. Mendenhall would be a decent pick up, and ultimately save Denver from using a potential pick for future running back. If signed, Mendenhall will most likely not start, but become part of the rotation alongside Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno, and Ronnie Hillman. The Broncos may end up cutting former Terp Lance Ball. 

James Harrison: A future Bronco?

As the free agency period is quickly surfacing, the Pittsburgh Steelers shockingly decided to cut one of the more infamous and intimidating players in the game…none other than James Harrison.

Harrison has been portrayed in the media of what a football player shouldn’t be in the future (depicted by commissioner Roger Goodell of course)------because of his consistent hard hits that make everyone watching cringe a little.

However, despite his attitude and defensive leadership, the Steelers feel that his age is a course for concern. They are trying to make the biggest pay cut possible and Harrison was nearly approaching the
final two years of his $51 million extension.

Now the question is, who will scoop him up?

It’s expected that nobody is willing to pay Harrison top money anymore. His age is too much of a liability, and his position, at the moment, does not demand it. Following this, it may be a wise move for Denver to consider Harrison, if the right cards fall into place.

Assuming that the Elvis Dumervil’s deal does not work out, this would be a definite decision to sign Harrison. Someone of his stature would be an ideal, if not, better situation to replace Dumervil. Having said that, if Dumervil decides to take a pay cut, I’d expect the Broncos to stir away from spending that kind of money.

I think the best-case scenario for the Broncos would to be to work with Dumervil for a better contract while also signing free agent Dwight Freeney, who should come in at a very cost-efficient price. 

Is Dumervil on his way out?

Not long after Von Miller flooded Twitter with proclamations of a guaranteed Super Bowl victory next season, CBS Sports reported that the Broncos are eagerly trying to get all-pro defensive end Elvis Dumervil to agree to a new restructured deal.

The deal, of course, would require a pay cut on his part.

Dumervil is still a vile threat for any offensive tackle in the league, and he has proven that his unusual position size works as more of an advantage rather than drawback.

Yet, if he is still an all-pro, why would the Broncos even consider of making him take a paycut? It’s simple. As pretty as the highlights look, the fact of the matter is that Dumervil plays in the shadow of Miller. While as a team there’s no denying that both can be effective, for Dumervil’s $12 million salary, playing as a shadow player should not happen.

If Dumervil decides not to take a pay cut, expect the Broncos to potentially release Dumervil and bring in another veteran player for the position.

One player that immediately comes to mind is recent free agent, Dwight Freeney. The former Colt played with Peyton Manning for his entire career, so the comradely would certainly be present.

Although having his worst season statistically last year, Freeney, if used in the right system, is still a dominant threat as an outside pass rusher. If the Broncos choose to release Dumervil, he could be a serious, and affordable option. 

Von Miller promises Super Bowl win in 2014

Making headlines across all media outlets yesterday was none other than Defensive MVP Von Miller promising that the Denver Broncos will win the Super Bowl in 2014. This promise was release in a tweet that came shortly after Miller’s younger cousin woke up from a coma.

His cousin was recently in a very serious car crash that left him in critical condition.

ESPN’s Colin Cowherd had Miller on his show shortly after the tweets began to go viral early yesterday. Miller claimed that his tweet was not meant to show a “cocky attitude” but more of a self-motivation tool that he believes other Bronco teammates’ can relate too.

Miller mentioned that when his cousin awoke from the coma, the few questions he was able to answer the doctors correctly was how his big cousin played for the Denver Broncos.

According to Miller, hearing this only pumped him up for the upcoming season. He told Cowherd that he would do everything in his power to win the Super Bowl through his cousin’s motivation.