Febryary 24, 2016 - Denver Broncos Media Room

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John Elway, Broncos likely searching for offensive line help By Troy Renck DenverPost.com Feb. 23, 2016 Broncos coach Gary Kubiak stood at the bottom of the airport escalator Tuesday, talking with coaches and eating Skittles. He found Super Bowl 50 gold at the end of his rainbow three weeks ago. The joy of the accomplishment remains, but the work to repeat has begun with Wednesday's start of the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Broncos won their third championship with a blend of high-powered free agents, shrewd draft picks and two undrafted free agents (Chris Harris and C.J. Anderson). Success requires roster regeneration and replenishing. General manager John Elway is not afraid to go bold in the draft, landing cornerback Bradley Roby and outside linebacker Shane Ray, both of whom slipped because of off-field issues, with the team's top picks the past two years. Elway never has drafted an offensive player in the first round. That streak figures to be challenged this season given the Broncos' needs along the offensive line. The Broncos could feature as many as three new starters in the group, which rebounded in the run game when quarterback Brock Osweiler moved under center. Free-agent left guard Evan Mathis, 34, is open to returning to the Broncos, but continues contemplating retirement. Right guard Louis Vasquez battled through knee and back injuries, compromising his performance and creating snaps for promising rookie Max Garcia, a projected starter in 2016. Denver is interested in bringing back veteran tackle Ryan Harris, with talks expected to start this week. But even if Harris comes back and Ty Sambrailo returns from left shoulder labrum surgery, uncertainty exists. Tackle and guard are areas of need. The draft features a battery of tackles with the University of Mississippi's Laremy Tunsil projected as the potential first pick. Potential tackles available when the Broncos select 31st (New England doesn't have a first-round selection) include Ohio State's Taylor Decker and Indiana's Jason Spriggs. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Arkansas' Denver Kirkland and Kansas State's Cody Whitehair as the top guards. The Broncos have made a push to re-sign free-agent defensive end Malik Jackson, making a longterm contract offer averaging more than $10 million annually. If Jackson is not retained — he will be difficult to keep away from the highest bidders — defensive line becomes an area of concern. Antonio Smith, 34, is unsure if he will continue playing, saying Monday, "I am waiting to see (what happens)." Sylvester Williams is versatile enough to play defensive end, if needed, but the draft boasts a deep class at the position. Illinois' Jihad Ward represents an interesting prospect because of his ability to play inside and rush the passer, skills that made Derek Wolfe and Jackson such a dynamic force last season. Feeling a draft Talent burns like rocket fuel in pro sports. The good teams supplemnt their rosters with young players, balancing payroll and creating stability. NFL reporter Troy E. Renck lists players potentially available for the Broncos' 31st overall pick: Tackles Taylor Decker, Ohio State Jason Spriggs, Indiana Willie Beavers, Western Michigan Guards Cody Whitehair, Kansas State. Vadal Alexander, Louisana State Pat Elflein, Ohio State Defensive ends/tackle Jihad Ward, Illinois Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech Denver Broncos make push to keep free agent Malik Jackson By Troy Renck DenverPost.com Feb. 23, 2016 The Broncos bathed in Super Bowl 50's gold confetti because of a platinum defense. They want to keep the NFL's top-ranked unit together, and have made a push to sign free-agent Malik Jackson. The Broncos have negotiated with his agent, and have offered a longterm contract north of an average of $10-million a year, representing a step to keep him off the market which opens March 7. It remains a challenge given Jackson's anticipated suitors, who will have more salary cap space than the Broncos. The parameters of the current offer make sense based on comparables. San Diego's Corey Liuget signed a five-year, $51.5 million contract extension with $30.4 million guaranteed last June. And the Pittsburgh Steelers' Cam Heyward agreed to a six-year, $59.2 million contract on the eve of training camp a year ago, taking less in guaranteed money ($15 million), but a higher signing bonus than Liuget ($12 million compared to $7.5 million). Mile High Sports' Eric Goodman first reported Tuesday an offer of "five-year, $50-million-ish," saying Jackson is seeking $75 million. Jackson profiles for several suitors, including the Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers. Jackson, 26, posted five sacks and 45 tackles last season. He punctuated his performance with 1.5 sacks in the divisional round victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and scored a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Teammates have urged Jackson to return to the Broncos, but understand every situation is unique. "Free agency is a business at the end of the day. I hope we can get something done here," Jackson said after the Super Bowl. "But I am glad I had a chance to be with this group. I never know if I will have that chance to go back again if I don't stay here. It's a blessing to be around these guys. They are special." Von Miller to hold summer football camp in Englewood By Cameron Wolfe DenverPost.com Feb. 23, 2016 Colorado grade schoolers will get their chance to be like Von this summer. ProCamps announced Tuesday that outside linebacker and Super Bowl MVP Von Miller will be holding a two-day football camp on June 21st and 22nd from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Englewood High School. Miller will be there to give tips on the fundamentals of football, sign autographs for participants and pose in a team photo with the group. Miller will be joined by high school and college coaches in the area. The camp is open for both boys and girls of all skill levels from grades 1-8. The cost of the camp is $249. To register and find more information on the camp go to VonMillerCamp.com Colorado's Nelson Spruce ready to compete at NFL Scouting Combine By Mike Klis 9News Feb. 23, 2016 Nelson Spruce may first experience that overcrowded feeling at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is accustomed to being the one and only receiver at the University of Colorado. Spruce was so alone at the top, he wound up as the Pac-12s career reception leader with 294. Considering the Pac-12 produced the receiver likes of Lynn Swann, Keyshawn Johnson, Mike Williams, Jermaine Kearse, Steve Smith, Johnnie Morton, Dwayne Jarrett, Marqise Lee and Robert Woods, Spruce’s four-year production for the CU Buffs was no small feat. At the combine, though, Spruce will be one of 43 college greats with NFL potential who were invited to line up Saturday for receiving drills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Colorado State University receiver Rashard Higgins will be among his competitors, as well. “It’s starting to hit me right now,” Spruce said Monday night from Irvine, Calif. “I’ve got my flight [Tuesday] morning. It’s going to be a business trip, like a week-long interview. The best of the best are going to be there. It’s going to be exciting.’’ That’s the other prevailing sensation Spruce will feel at the combine: Excitement. The 6-foot, 195-pound son of a former champion bodybuilder did not get his combine invite by shrinking from competition. In his two upperclassmen seasons at CU, Spruce averaged 98 receptions for 1,126 yards and eight touchdowns. His father, Neal Spruce, never missed a game, home or road, even though he and his wife Christina live and operate his fitness and nutrition company from southern California. Neal Spruce had been a bodybuilder until becoming a leader in the fitness industry. “It gave me a little bit of an edge,’’ Nelson Spruce said. Spruce’s strengths as a receiver are his precise route-running, hands and smarts – both on and, with his dual degree in finance and operations management as proof, off the field. So far, he’s projected as a late-round draft pick. He has caught the attention of the Denver Broncos’ scouting staff, which has watched him play more than most. He can open the eyes of other NFL teams with a strong showing this week both in the interview process throughout the week and during the various drills Saturday. “I’ve got the film,” Spruce said. “I’m going to go out there and try to back it up show some athleticism, add a little bit more to my numbers. I don’t think people see me as that athletic, but I’m really happy with all my times. My goal is to show I’m a little bit more athletic and explosive than people think I am.” Broncos Mailbag: Who the Broncos should prioritize in offseason By Mike Klis 9News Feb. 23, 2016 Each Tuesday during Denver Broncos' season, our Broncos Insider Mike Klis will answer questions pulled from the Broncos Mailbag. I'm one of the biggest Brock Osweiler supporters I know. I believe he's a franchise QB, but I'm afraid Cleveland or some other team is going to offer him $15 million a year. Do you think we would be better off with RG3 or Kaepernick while re-signing Von Miller and Malik Jackson and the defense? Or should we fork over the dough for Brock? John Teter John—Fork over the dough for Brock. Fork over the dough for Von. Fork over the dough for Malik. Pay the men! The Osweiler I know would take a $12 million a year deal to re-sign with the Broncos instead of a $15 million a year deal to go play with Cleveland. Not that the Broncos should test his loyalty to such a staggering degree. And Osweiler’s agent Jimmy Sexton may warn the Broncos against undercutting Osweiler’s market. But Osweiler is smart enough to understand there is a greater chance for personal fulfillment and happiness by playing starting quarterback for the defending Super Bowl champions than for a perennial doormat. Osweiler is sincere when he says he loves his teammates. He loves Denver. He’s the type who would look at the difference between $12 million and $15 million a year this way: If he gets $12 million a year, he’s rich. If he gets $15 million a year, he’s rich. Either way he’s rich. He might as well be rich and happy. What are the chances the Broncos sign Malik Jackson? --Daniel Elrod Daniel—This is a tough one but I’m going to give the Broncos a 49 percent chance. The Broncos have made Jackson an offseason priority. They tabled, at least until the NFL Scouting Combine this week, contract negotiations with Von Miller and Osweiler. The Broncos have only engaged in negotiations with Jackson. Now for the flip side – the Broncos made Jackson their offseason bargaining priority because he’s going to be the most difficult to sign. He will command anywhere from $11 million to $14 million a year in the open market. The Jacksonville Jaguars covet Jackson and they have an NFL-most $79.8 million in available cap space, according to the Overthecap.com. That same website says the Broncos only have $8.16 million cap space, or the fifth least. I said Osweiler would take $12 million from the Broncos before he would take $15 million from the Browns. I’m not sure Jackson takes a $12 million a year deal from the Broncos when he has $14 million a year offers from Jacksonville, Jack Del Rio’s Oakland Raiders or John Fox’s Chicago Bears. Jackson might, but I don’t know. Are the Broncos going to move on from Danny T? Thanks for insight Mike. Daniel Sanchez, Pueblo Daniel—I think the Broncos will make an attempt to bring back inside linebacker Danny Trevathan. But I think he will be able to test the market first. This is another tough one. I’d put the Broncos chances of resigning Trevathan at about 30 percent. Not because they don’t want him but because he has a chance to command a nice contract worth $5 million to $7 million a year in the open market. I’d be surprised if the Broncos could offer more than $5 million a year and they wouldn’t be able to do that if they re-sign Jackson. To show how strong the Denver defense was this season, Trevathan was both its leading tackler and no better than its eighth-best player. I’d put Von Miller, Chris Harris, Aqib Talib, Jackson, Derek Wolfe, T.J. Ward and Brandon Marshall ahead of Trevathan. When a team can’t sign them all, it has to sign its absolute best. Interesting. Trevathan may be a top 5 non-pass-rushing linebacker in the league yet not a top 5 player on Denver’s defense. How tough was that Denver D? Maybe I'm on the outside here but I don't get why everybody is making a big deal about Malik Jackson 5th round pick didn't do anything his first three years and when it’s his contract year he plays good is that because he's after the money or Wade Phillips system that made everybody better this year did the same for him I just keep thinking to myself if Antonio Brown plays that first playoff game against the Steelers are we even having this discussion Billy Adamson Billy—I think the Broncos ought to put you on their negotiating team. I think you’re selling Jackson’s pre-2015 performance a little short but I get your point. First, Jackson was better than a fifth-round talent. He slipped because there were concerns about his transfer from USC to Tennessee and he didn’t take his Pro Day as seriously as he should have. He was also a bit of a defensive line tweener at 284 pounds coming out of Tennessee. He learned. He learned you have to work for what you get in the NFL. He got bigger. He’s now listed at 293. Jackson didn’t play much as a rookie in 2012, but he came on with 6.0 sacks and six pass deflections in his second season of 2013. He seemed ready for stardom in 2014, but instead the league adjusted to him and he slumped to 3.0 sacks and four deflections. With Phillips coming in as defensive coordinator and Bill Kollar coming in as defensive line coach Jackson became a dominant player in his fourth season. He didn’t make the Pro Bowl team but he should have. From the inside he had 5.5 sacks and his seven pass deflections were tied for second behind only J.J. Watt’s eight among NFL defensive linemen this year. It’s not unusual for great players to not become great until their fourth season. Was free agency and the possibility of a huge pay motivation for Jackson? No question. He was refreshingly candid about it throughout the season. Maybe, Jackson is not worth $14 million a year in the grand scheme of putting together a 53-man, Super Bowl roster. But that’s the going rate for defensive linemen of his ilk. Gerald McCoy is drawing an annual average of $15.87 million. Robert Quinn is averaging $14.28 million. With free agency looming, what Broncos must be resigned to give the Organization a chance to repeat? Which of those free agents can Denver not allow to hit the open market on March 9? Kyler Yovetich Kyler—Amazing. Not one question in the mailbag about the Broncos’ Super Bowl victory. All questions are about what are the Broncos going to do now? I’m not sure so much concern in a time of triumph is healthy. Maybe it is. What am I, a shrink? The 9NEWS Broncos mailbag doesn’t come with a couch. Onward to the offseason issues. The Broncos top priority among their unrestricted free agents is Von Miller. He’s right there with Watt as the two most disruptive defensive players in the league. The Broncos will make sure Miller doesn’t get away by slapping him with the franchise tag by next Tuesday. The franchise tag will be worth an estimated one-year salary of $14 million. The Broncos can use the franchise tag up to three times on a player. He’d get a 20 percent bump to $16.8 million in 2017 and another 20 percent increase to $20.2 million in 2018. Considering Miller would command a multiyear contract worth between $17 million and $20 million a year in the open market, the franchise tag is a palatable option for the Broncos. History says the Broncos won’t do this. They may have threatened it with kicker Matt Prater, left tackle Ryan Clady and receiver Demaryius Thomas in recent years. But a long-term extension was eventually worked out before any of those players had to play a season on the franchise tag. The lesson that should have been learned from Clady and Thomas, though, is it would behoove the Broncos to work out a long-term deal with Miller by mid-April rather than the deadline of mid-July. Clady and Thomas both held out from the team offseason conditioning work and practices in protest of their franchise tag. Although, both reached long-term agreements by their July deadline, both may have suffered from their holdouts in April, May and June. Clady suffered a season-ending foot injury two games into his new contract in 2013. And we all know Thomas wasn’t the same in 2015. I had a dream that Mack and Malik were on the same team. That tandem of talent would be quite rare, I hope that Elway prevents that nightmare. That's all I got. Good day sir!! Art Mensing San Antonio, TX Art—In real life, the Broncos had better than your nightmare: Malik and Von and DeMarcus and Wolfe. The Orange Rush, I think the Broncos’ pass rush was sometimes called, although the moniker hasn’t quite caught on in the way the Fearsome Foursome, the Purple Eaters, Steel Curtain and Doomsday Defense in the late-60s and 1970s. I don’t think any defensive unit will ever have a long-lasting identity in these transient times. But you hit on something there, Art. Whether you agree or disagree that Jackson is worth $12 million, $13 million or $15 million a year, the fact is the Broncos would not be as good a team if they lost him, and the Oakland Raiders would be much improved if they got him. But you can’t lose sleep over it, Art. It’s the NFL. Do you see any difference between this year's franchise tag situation with Von and year's past? Seems to me there is a lot more certainty about Von's worth in terms of salary compared to, for instance, last year when Demaryius and Dez were both waiting for the other to sign and there was a sizable gap between Calvin Johnson money and Larry Fitzgerald money. My question is: Why do the tag with Von and play games for months rather than just aggressively offer him what we know he's worth (JJ Watt money) before free agency opens and then use the tag on Brock or Malik? My preference is for Malik, but seems like the tag would be good for Brock to give him a oneyear audition. Thoughts? Jonah Kanter Jonah—Have you been listening to Big Al? Alfred Williams advocates getting a deal done with Miller and placing the franchise tag on Jackson. Here’s what I explained on the Big Al and DMac Show and what I’ll explain here: Arithmetic and business 101 say it only makes sense for the team to franchise Miller. Follow along. Miller is worth between $17 million and $20 a year. The franchise tag is considerably lower at $14 million. Jackson is worth between $12 million and $14 million. His franchise tag would be either estimated at $15.4 million (if he’s classified as a defensive end) or $13.4 million (if he falls into defensive tackle category). Osweiler is worth anywhere from $10 million to $15 million a year. His franchise tag salary would be a whopping $19.6 million. If a long-term deal can’t be worked out, the Broncos wouldn’t mind getting stuck with Miller’s $14 million salary. But it wouldn’t sit well if the Broncos had to pay a one-year salary of $19.6 million to Osweiler. The team has far greater bargaining leverage tagging the player whose estimated value exceeds the franchise tag salary. And so Von Miller is the slam-dunk choice for the franchise tag. Besides all that, the Broncos under no circumstances can take the risk of losing Miller. It would hurt to lose Jackson. Losing Miller may do irreparable damage to the franchise. I have not heard anyone give the kicker any kind of credit or praise for what he has done by putting the points he put on the board and how helpful and important his contribution was to the team in the games that we won. All the credit is going to our defense which Brock Osweiler should also get credit but in a lot of these games, if it wasn't for our kicker we would not have won. Thank you, Brandon McManus Paul Montoya Paul—We generally don’t pay attention to kickers unless they miss. I didn’t think any kicker was more underappreciated this season than New England’s Stephen Gostkowski. And then he missed. Missed in the AFC Championship to end his nine-year extra point streak of 523. McManus was huge for the Broncos early in the season. You can say he “won” four of the first six – Baltimore, Minnesota, Oakland and Cleveland. He was a little shaky in the final third of the season, but I was impressed with how he pulled it back together and was so clutch in the postseason. You can say he “won” all three postseason games. We gave him all kinds of credit for going 5 of 5 in field goals despite a strong crosswind against Pittsburgh. We made a point of crediting McManus in the Broncos defeat of New England – while Gostkowski missed what turned out to be a huge extra point -- in the AFC Championship Game. And McManus was perfect in Super Bowl 50, going 3 of 3 on field goals while his counterpart Graham Gano missed a 44-yard field goal that had a major impact on momentum. So there you go, Paul. Why do you think Elway hasn't won executive of the year, yet? His track record since taking over the Broncos speaks for itself. Even Jerry Jones won it a couple years ago and I consider him one of the worst GM's in the league. Charles Burnett Charles—The Sports News issues the award based on a poll of league executives. There may be some envy in Elway not getting the award. He really didn’t work his way up to the top of football operations ladder. He started there. And dominated. Peyton Manning might be another reason. The feeling there is anyone can win with Manning as your quarterback. Elway did nearly win the award in 2013 but he lost by one vote to Indianapolis’ Ryan Grigson, otherwise known as the #Deflategate snitch. It’s a silly award, really, because the Executive of the Year every single year should be the GM of the team that won the Super Bowl. Only then is there justification that a roster was built strong enough to overcome weaknesses. I’ve mentioned this before: What Elway did in transforming the Broncos from a wide-open offensive team that reached the Super Bowl in 2013 to a defensive dominated team that won the Super Bowl in 2015 is unprecedented. This year’s award won’t be announced until the owners meetings March 20-23 in Boca Raton, Fla. The Pro Football Writers Association gave its top executive award to Mike Maccagnon this year. My guess is Elway will let Maccagnon keep it and take his Super Bowl ring instead. Denver Broncos will focus on offensive linemen at the NFL combine By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com Feb. 23, 2016 A closer look at the positions the Denver Broncos could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis: Positions of need: With two left tackles coming off injured reserve (Ryan Clady and Ty Sambrailo) to go with two starters from this past season who will be unrestricted free agents (guard Evan Mathis and tackle Ryan Harris), it’s clear the Broncos’ top need position, even before the sometimes choppy performance of the offense is considered, is the offensive line. The Broncos entered the offseason a year ago trying to assemble a young line that they could keep together. And while that plan was shoved off the drawing board by injuries and other circumstances, it is again their goal this time around. The Broncos will also look hard at running backs, inside linebackers and, if Malik Jackson departs in free agency, every-down defensive ends. Three players the Broncos could focus on at combine: Taylor Decker (T), Ohio State: He’s durable, has shown quality movement skills and is just the kind of bigprogram prospect the Broncos like, especially early in the draft. Decker is a quality drive blocker who will need some work in pass protection, but he is a potential scheme fit for the Broncos. He played left tackle for the Buckeyes but might initially project better at right tackle. He was the Big Ten’s offensive lineman of the year and closed out his career with 42 consecutive starts. Cody Whitehair (G), Kansas State: There is always a leaguewide discussion about how high to take a guard in the draft. But with Mathis a free agent and Louis Vasquez having spent much of the season battling knee troubles, the Broncos do have a need on the interior. They like what Max Garcia brings and are looking at Robert Myers Jr., a rookie whom the Broncos signed off the Ravens’ practice squad this past season, as a player who could potentially get into the starting lineup at some point, but Whitehair offers proven versatility. He started 50 games for the Wildcats, both at guard and tackle. Alex Collins (RB), Arkansas: He had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons and performed well in the Razorbacks’ pro-style run game. The Broncos have used some draft capital at running back in John Elway’s tenure, with Montee Ball in the second round and Ronnie Hillman in the third. Hillman is a free agent, and a decisive runner like Collins fits their mold. He doesn’t waste time getting up the field and finishes runs with purpose. He also proved to be a reliable receiver when given the chance. He did have 16 lost fumbles in his career, but the game video shows a correctable technique issue when he’s battling for additional yardage in traffic. Three non-draft questions Denver will have to answer at the combine By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com Feb. 23, 2016 The Denver Broncos will move their football operations to Indianapolis this week for the league’s scouting combine. Though the combine is a draft-centric affair, it will be the first major public appearance in front of the football world's inquiring minds for executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway and coach Gary Kubiak since the team’s Super Bowl parade. With that will come at least some discussion about the team’s biggest non-draft concerns. Frankly, though the Broncos' success in every draft will determine if they remain competitive over the long haul, the team's non-draft questions are the big-ticket items of this offseason. So when Elway and Kubiak speak Thursday and Wednesday, respectively, it will offer at least a public glimpse of where things stand. But the Big Three are: Peyton Manning: Elway has consistently said Manning could, and should, "take some time" to make a decision about retirement, that there is no timeline. But make no mistake, the clock is ticking. The new league year officially opens at 2 p.m. (Mountain time) on March 9, and at that point Manning’s $19 million base salary becomes guaranteed. The Broncos have also operated under the premise in recent weeks that they have a chance to get a deal done with Brock Osweiler, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year, and to do that it would help them greatly to know Manning's decision. Many with the team have said in recent days they believe those in Manning’s inner circle would like the future Hall of Famer to enjoy the rarity of a Super Bowl win in a player's last game and retire. Von Miller: March 1 is the last day a team can designate a franchise player and the Broncos are expected to do that for Miller before the deadline in an effort to sign Miller to a long-term deal. The franchise player salary for a linebacker is expected to be about $14 million, but could go up slightly when the final numbers on the salary cap for 2016 are released. Miller has said and publicly done all of the right things in his journey back from the 2013 season, which featured his six-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and a torn ACL, but an investment of a contract that will likely be north of $100 million means the Broncos will have to have a comfort level of Miller’s ability to maintain the focus and on-field impact he showed down the stretch and into the postseason. And Miller and his representatives will have to have the comfort level in the guaranteed money on the table. Though the Broncos might want something on the order of Justin Houston's $52.5 million guaranteed in that sixyear, $101 million deal, Miller and his representatives will likely want to start at the $60 million guaranteed in Marcel Dareus' six-year, $96.57 million deal. The free agent class: In addition to Miller and Osweiler, there are several players who helped comprise the selflessness and toughness the Broncos showed this past season who are poised for free agency. That group is led by defensive end Malik Jackson, linebacker Danny Trevathan, safety David Bruton Jr. -a team captain. Linebacker Brandon Marshall and running back C.J. Anderson are restricted free agents. The first rule of free agency for any team that wants to stay out of cap trouble is it simply can’t keep everybody. And the Broncos won’t keep everybody in that high-profile group, though they will try to do the best they can. Part of the issue, at least in the pre-bidding time, is that John Fox and Jack Del Rio are both head coaches with teams looking to upgrade on defense. Both know exactly what those Broncos players would bring to the table. That always put the price tags potentially in a place where the Broncos can’t, or won’t go. Tennessee wants Manning reference removed from lawsuit By AP Associated Press Feb. 23, 2016 The University of Tennessee has filed a motion to strike a reference to Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning from a lawsuit that alleges the school has violated Title IX policies in its handling of sexual assault complaints against athletes. The lawsuit filed Feb. 9 by six unidentified women focuses on five cases from 2013 to 2015, but also references incidents dating back to 1995 to show how the school has historically handled reports of player misconduct. One paragraph in the 64-page document mentions a sexual harassment complaint made by a Tennessee trainer in 1996 including an incident involving Manning, then the Volunteers quarterback. The motion filed Tuesday says the Manning reference should be struck "because of the utter lack of relevance" it has to the lawsuit. Nonprofits to NFL: Stop pushing fantasy sports on kids By Philip Marcelo Associated Press Feb. 23, 2016 Nonprofit groups are calling on the National Football League to stop offering fantasy sports competitions to children because they're concerned the games could lead some young sports fans down the path of gambling addiction. In letters being sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday, the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood complain the NFL "aggressively marketed" a fantasy sports game on "NFL Rush," its website and smartphone app for children, as well as on SIkids.com, Sports Illustrated's website for children, and through an elementary school curriculum based on the contest. The weekly "NFL Rush Fantasy" games ran throughout the football season and were open to children ages 6 to 12. Each week, an Xbox One console and Madden NFL 2016 video game was awarded to the contest's top performer. The two contest participants with the highest number of points at the end of the 17-week promotion also won a $5,000 check — which the league called a "scholarship" — plus a four-night trip to Hawaii to attend the Jan. 31 Pro Bowl game with up to two guests. "The high value of the prizes may send a message to children that playing fantasy sports is a good way to earn money for education," wrote Keith Whyte, executive director of the Washington, D.C-based National Council on Problem Gambling. "Even worse, it may encourage children to spend excessive amounts of time trying to win these prizes, thus planting the seeds of addiction." Josh Golin, executive director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, a Boston-based group that opposes child-targeted marketing, called the league's education curriculum based around the fantasy sports contest "particularly egregious." Like typical fantasy sports contests, the games required the young players to pick teams of real life athletes in order to rack up "fantasy" points based on how well those athletes did in games. "NFL Rush Fantasy--Learn, Play, Score!" was a math and language arts curriculum that required students to sign up for the NFL's fantasy football game in order to access lesson materials and complete assignments. "Educators should not be called upon to assist the NFL in promoting an activity which is potentially harmful and addictive when engaged in by children," Golin wrote to Goodell. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy, in response to questions from The Associated Press, said the curriculum initiative ended after the 2014 season. He declined to provide further details. Of concerns about the contest, McCarthy said parents had to provide consent before their children could play the games. He also maintained that the contest, which just completed its seventh year, is more like the free, season-long fantasy sports games than the daily versions that have increasingly come under scrutiny from policymakers. Those games, in which players pay entry fees for a chance to win weekly and daily cash prizes, are considered by some to be an end-run around sports betting bans imposed in a majority of states. Major contest operators like Boston's DraftKings and New York's FanDuel, however, say the contests aren't gambling because they require more skill than luck to win than sports betting. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood argued in its five-page letter to Goodell that the NFL's youth contest had many of the elements of a daily fantasy sports game, including lucrative prizes and frequent contests that required constant attention to team lineups. "Whether or not it constitutes daily fantasy sports, there is the bigger issue that it indoctrinates young children into a potentially harmful and addictive behavior," David Monahan, the group's campaign manager, said in an email. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood also suggested the contest's parental consent was easy to circumvent. The NFL asked each child to provide an email address of a parent or guardian so it could send them a form to verify their child's age and permission to play for prizes. McCarthy didn't address the campaign's concern about the parental consent requirement and declined to provide details about how many children participated in the contest. Instead, he noted that parents also had the option to let their child play without a chance for a prize. Video of Jaguars' Dante Fowler includes 'disturbing images' By Mark Long Associated Press Feb. 23, 2016 The NFL says video of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. apparently refereeing a fight between his girlfriend and the mother of his child includes "disturbing images." Fowler took responsibility "for everything that happened" in the 30-second video released by TMZ on Tuesday. The surveillance tape shows Fowler and the two women standing outside an elevator and talking. Fowler appears to offer a hand gesture for them to start fighting and then steps back. One of the women kicks off her flip flops before they exchange punches. Fowler eventually pulls them apart. "These are disturbing images and we will review the matter," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. Fowler says he is "embarrassed and have apologized for my actions to everyone involved." "As a family, we have been dealing with this moment and the conflict that led to it since this occurred," Fowler said in a statement. "The video surfacing is a sad reminder that emotions got the best of all of us. I take 100 percent responsibility for everything that happened." The Jaguars said Fowler made them aware of the video before it was released. "Dante brought the incident to our attention prior to the video being released and was embarrassed and remorseful," the team said. "Violence of this type against others is unacceptable in our society and to our organization. We will continue to look into the incident while offering resources and providing support to Dante and his family to help them through this private matter." The Jaguars selected Fowler with the third overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. The former Florida standout tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the first hour of a rookie minicamp the following week and missed the entire season. The Jaguars expect him to be fully recovered before the offseason program this year and make a significant impact in 2016. Arbitration ruling leads to bigger NFL salary cap in 2016 By Barry Wilner Associated Press Feb. 23, 2016 The NFL's salary cap will get an additional boost of more than $1.5 million per team next season following an arbitration victory by the players union. An additional $50 million or so will be available for teams to spend. The official salary cap has not been determined, but before the ruling it was expected to rise by at least $10 million from the $143.5 million ceiling of last season. The arbitrator's ruling was made last week but not announced until Tuesday. The NFL calls the adjustment a technical accounting matter. The NFL Players Association contends the league miscalculated or was hiding money due the players. "Our union will always look to enforce our economic rights under the collective bargaining agreement," the NFLPA said in a statement. The issue was whether specific revenue the league called exempt from being applied toward the salary cap actually should be counted. The NFL said the decision will "increase the number of seasons over which the league's investments in stadium projects will be recouped from local stadium revenues." "The decision should have no effect on the league's long-standing commitment to stadium improvements," the league added. "That commitment was most recently reflected in the league's decision to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in financial support for the Rams' new stadium in Los Angeles as well as financial support for new stadiums in Oakland and San Diego." The union calculated the money excluded exceeded $100 million over three years. A new salary cap figure will be announced before the NFL's business year begins March 9. If it increases by more than $11 million, it would be the biggest rise since 2006, when the cap went from $85.5 million to $102 million. 10 players who could stand out at the NFL scouting combine By Michael Middlehusrt-Schwart USA Today Feb. 23, 2016 For many NFL teams and draft prospects, the scouting combine is more about confirmation that revelation. Drills act as one piece of the evaluation process and won't trump all the previous scouting and research. And information gleamed from medical evaluations and interviews can be even more important than the testing. Still, with individual workouts beginning Friday in Indianapolis, we decided to highlight some of the players who might be talked about after the combine. Here's a look at 10 prospects who could stand out: DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon: Buckner would stand out for his 6-7, 300-pound physique alone. But his strength and movement make him one of the most disruptive defenders in the draft. A more developed prospect than former teammate and current San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead, Buckner offers a tantalizing package for an NFL defensive line coach to bring along. Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State: The do-everything defensive back's athleticism has been evident since his freshman season. Now he has the chance to showcase why he was a long jump champion and track standout. If teams are convinced he can play cornerback, his build (6-1, 202 pounds) will give him an advantage over his mostly diminutive competition in this class. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State: Elliott's well-rounded skill-set should stand out in a group of running backs filled with specialists. He should test well across the board, and his versatility as a ball-carrier puts him well ahead of his peers. Though they are distinct players, Elliott likely will draw comparisons to Todd Gurley as a running back worth an early first-round selection. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis: Don't expect to establish even a preliminary pecking order among Lynch, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz based off the quarterbacks' performances in Indianapolis. Still, the combine format should be a good showcase for the 6-foot-7 Lynch. His strong arm and ability to throw on the run should be evident, but he'll need to convince teams in interviews he's not just a long-term project. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor: Coleman won't run the 40-yard dash, according to an NFL Network report, as he recovers from a sports hernia injury. But even if he's hampered, the speedy receiver could put on a show. Coleman is the draft's leading deep threat, and his listed vertical of 45.1 inches would put him among the combine's best performers of all time. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss: This list could have been filled with defensive tackles, as the group is arguably the draft's strongest and deepest position. But Nkemdiche will be in the spotlight regardless of how he performs. Even if he impresses with his power and initial burst, he has to answer for a marijuana possession arrest and subsequent suspension from his team's bowl game. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia: Floyd has already displayed the bend and speed that 3-4 teams desire from their outside linebackers. The big question is how he'll fill out his wiry frame. With playing strength being a potentially significant stumbling block, Floyd can demonstrate he's shoring up his biggest weakness. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson: A late bloomer, Dodd made a strong impression in his lone year as a starter and now stands with teammate Shaq Lawson as a potential first-round pick. His combination of strength and initial burst at 6-5, 275 pounds makes him a unique prospect as a defensive end. Teams also should appreciate his relentless approach. Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State: It was difficult to limit the number of Buckeye products on this list, as many of the school's 14 combine invitees appear headed for early-round selections. But Miller surely will catch attention, as he continues to impress after playing just one year at wide receiver. With his long speed and agility, Miller can build a strong case for himself if he shows more refinement at the combine. Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State: Fackrell is already 24 and suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in 2014, but he offers intriguing value for a 3-4 team. His comfort level in rushing the passer and working in space should make him a natural fit at linebacker on the next level. Fackrell will need to hold his own athletically next to the draft's other top edge players, but he should measure up. Tracking the careers of the combine’s fastest 40-yard dashers By Will Laws Sports Illustrated Feb. 23, 2016 Since electronic timing was instituted at the NFL combine in 1999, eight players have cracked the 4.3second mark and landed a spot near the top of the record books at the most hyped scouting event of the year. Though those extraordinary athletes turned heads at the combine, not all of them developed into capable NFL players. In fact, one of them never played a regular season down in the league. PointAfter tracked the careers of the combine’s eight fastest runners to help ground you before this weekend’s 40-yard dash results inevitably set the NFL world atwitter. Remember: The quickest straightline runners rarely make the best football players, even in the ruthlessly speedy environment of the NFL. T-5. Champ Bailey, CB Time: 4.28 Draft pick (year): First round, No. 7 (1999) Champ Bailey is easily the most accomplished NFL player in this group, though that’d likely be true even if you dropped him in a pool of randomly selected No. 1 picks. Before Bailey was a 12-time Pro Bowler— a record for defensive backs—he was a dangerous triple threat at the University of Georgia, totaling 1,138 all-purpose yards as a cornerback, wide receiver and occasional kick/punt returner during his final season. Bailey showcased his elite speed at the 1999 combine with a 4.28 40-yard dash, prompting Washington to make him the highest-selected defensive back in that year’s draft. It was a sound decision, though the same cannot be said of trading him away in 2004 for Clinton Portis and a second-round pick. Bailey went on to be a first-team All-Pro three consecutive years with the Broncos and was eventually named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Though Bailey clearly possessed remarkable speed out of college, it was his outstanding defensive instincts and first-rate hands (52 career interceptions) that helped him maintain a sterling reputation well into his 30s. T-5. J.J. Nelson, WR Time: 4.28 Draft pick (year): Fifth round, No. 159 (2015) It’s probably too soon to write the book on J.J. Nelson’s professional career after just one season. But it’s off to a rather pedestrian start, which can be partially attributed to the loaded Cardinals receiving corps he was drafted into. To be fair, Nelson’s average of 27.2 yards per reception in 2015 was spectacular. But he only had 11 receptions, 299 yards and two touchdowns while being blocked by fellow speedster John Brown (who ran a 4.34 40 at the 2014 combine), Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd in Arizona’s wideout pecking order. The 5' 10" UAB product could still distinguish himself in Arizona’s pass-heavy offense next season. He could also be overshadowed by Brown, who had a breakout 1,000-yard campaign as Carson Palmer’s favorite long-ball target. T-5. DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB Time: 4.28 Draft pick (year): Third round, No. 81 (2011) It should come as no surprise that Van Dyke was drafted by the Raiders out of Miami. Former Raiders owner Al Davis had a famous penchant for speed, and the 2011 NFL draft was Davis’s final go-round in the war room before his death in October 2011. Unfortunately, like so many Oakland speedsters before him, Van Dyke didn’t live up to his impressive measurables. He recorded one interception and 10 tackles during his rookie season before being cut by a new front office regime led by GM Reggie McKenzie late in the following preseason. Van Dyke hasn’t made the cut for another regular season roster since, most recently appearing at Vikings training camp in 2015. T-5. Jacoby Ford, WR Time: 4.28 Draft pick (year): Fourth round, No. 108 (2010) Ford was a decorated track star coming out of Clemson, compiling numerous honors in both indoor and outdoor seasons, including several All-America nods and the ACC indoor record in the 60-meter dash (6.52 seconds). He added to his résumé by logging the fastest 40 time at the 2010 NFL combine, and was then drafted by—guess who—the Raiders. Ford looked primed to buck the trend of underachieving track-star Raiders during his rookie year. He finished with 470 receiving yards and two touchdowns to go along with three kickoff return scores, a franchise record. Unfortunately, Ford wouldn’t total those marks over the rest of his NFL career. He recently signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. 4. Marquise Goodwin, WR/KR Time: 4.27 Draft pick (year): Third round, No. 78 (2013) Goodwin enjoyed a promising rookie campaign amid Buffalo’s nightmarish quarterback situation in 2013. But he’s recorded just three receptions over the last two seasons while battling a laundry list of injuries and losing his job as Buffalo’s kick returner. Another distinguished track and field athlete, Goodwin represented the United States in the 2012 Olympics and 2015 Pan Am Games in the long jump. In fact, he’s good enough in the event to contend for a spot in the Rio Olympics, which could jeopardize his NFL career. At this point, that might be the best career path for Goodwin. He never consistently produced as a wideout at Texas, collecting 1,364 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over four years. 3. Dri Archer, RB/KR Time: 4.26 Draft pick (year): Third round, No. 97 (2014) Kent State was the only FBS program to offer Archer a football scholarship, and he rewarded the school’s faith by averaging a gaudy 7.2 yards per carry over his collegiate career. The diminutive tailback (5' 8", 173 pounds) has yet to find a foothold in the NFL since he wowed scouts at the combine, however. He netted just 63 all-purpose yards on 17 offensive touches as a rookie with the Steelers in 2014, then was purely a return specialist last season. His average of 25.3 yards per kick return was actually good for third best in the league, but Pittsburgh released him in November to sign another return man, Jacoby Jones. The Jets, who could very well lose Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell in free agency, signed Archer to a futures contract earlier this month. Perhaps the 24-year-old will help to fill the void in 2016. T-1. Chris Johnson, RB Time: 4.24 Draft pick (year): First round, No. 24 (2008) Johnson is the ultimate success story for 40-yard dash specialists among offensive players. He parlayed one good season at East Carolina and a record-setting performance in the 40 into a first-round draft selection in 2008. Johnson went on to set a record for the most yards from scrimmage (2,509) in a season in 2009, including an output of 2,006 yards on the ground that earned him the nickname “CJ2K.” Johnson’s otherworldly speed is evident in the numerous other NFL records he owns. He’s had six touchdown runs of 80-plus yards (no other player has three) and he’s the only player in league history to score on plays of 50, 60 and 90 yards in a single game. Though Johnson’s impressive bounce-back campaign in Arizona last year was cut short by a fractured tibia, he still earned the fourth Pro Bowl nod of his career. His professional future is unclear as a pending free agent coming off a major injury, but he’s long proven since that legendary combine performance eight years ago that he’s more than just your average workout warrior. T-1. Rondel Menendez, WR/PR Time: 4.24 Draft pick (year): Seventh round, No. 247 (1999) Most NFL fans recognize Johnson as the unquestioned 40-yard dash champion, but that’s doing a disservice to Rondel Menendez. A product of FCS school Eastern Kentucky, Menendez participated in the combine during its first year using electronic timing. He capitalized on that with a 4.24 40-yard dash, which was credited with newfound legitimacy. The Falcons gambled a seventh-round pick on the 5' 9" Menendez, who showcased his promise during the preseason with a dizzying punt return touchdown against the Lions. Alas, an NFL career simply wasn’t in the cards. Menendez suffered a torn meniscus during Atlanta’s final preseason game and was cut thereafter. He had several short stints with various teams over the next couple years and sat out a season to care for his mother after she required two brain surgeries. When Menendez finally returned to the field, however, he found the injury had sapped some of his gamebreaking lateral quickness. The former No. 247 pick retired soon after, and has reportedly owned a rental car business in Georgia for more than a decade. Though entering the rental car industry isn’t quite as flashy as carrying on a professional football career, at least Menendez can claim a spot in NFL history. That is, until someone runs a 4.23. Report: Broncos offer Malik Jackson long-term deal north of $10M per year By Jared Dubin CBSSports.com Feb. 23, 2016 The Denver Broncos have reportedly made their first offer of this offseason's free agent period. The Denver Post reported on Tuesday evening that the Broncos have made a long-term offer to defensive end Malik Jackson worth north of $10 million per year. The parameters of the current offer make sense based on comparables. San Diego's Corey Liuget signed a five-year, $51.5 million contract extension with $30.4 million guaranteed last June. And the Pittsburgh Steelers' Cam Heyward agreed to a six-year, $59.2 million contract on the eve of training camp a year ago, taking less in guaranteed money ($15 million), but a higher signing bonus than Liuget ($12 million compared to $7.5 million). Mile High Sports' Eric Goodman first reported Tuesday an offer of "five-year, $50-million-ish," saying Jackson is seeking $75 million. Jackson, 26, was a fifth-round pick of the Broncos in 2012 and is coming off an excellent season -- his first as a full-time starter -- and terrific playoff run. With 5.5 sacks and 60 total quarterback pressures (sacks + hits + hurries), Jackson ranked ninth in Pro Football Focus' 3-4 defensive end grades and finished sixth among the same group of players in Pro-Football-Reference's Approximate Value. He's about to head into his physical prime (typically age 27-29), so he should be able to maintain a high level of play over at least the next few seasons. Along with fellow defensive end Derek Wolfe and linebackers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, he was part of the core of one of the NFL's best pass rushes this past season. Coming off their Super Bowl win, the Broncos have multiple pieces from that dominant defense set to hit the open market on March 9 if they are not re-signed before then. In addition to Jackson, fellow defensive end Antonio Smith, linebackers Von Miller, Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall, and safeties David Bruton and Omar Bolden are all free agents. The Broncos currently have just over $11 million in cap space, per Spotrac, which means they'll have to do some maneuvering in order to keep everyone in house. Peyton Manning moving on from the Broncos would save approximately $19 million on the cap, and restructuring the contracts of players like Ware, Ryan Clady, Aqib Talib, and Louis Vasquez could save a bit more. Talib himself recently said it was crucial that every single member of the defense be brought back in free agency, and that he trusts John Elway to figure out how to make that happen. Starting off by signing Jackson to a long-term deal (presumably with a sizable signing bonus but a low base salary in Year 1 so as to leave room for other players to be retained) makes sense, especially since Von Miller is considered likely to receive the franchise tag. Getting a bit of cost certainty on any of their defensive free agents would allow the Broncos to sketch out a firmer plan for how to proceed through the offseason, so it's likely they'll try to get a deal done as soon as possible. Agent's Take: How familiarity could impact 19 teams' free-agency plans By Joel Corry CBSSports.com Feb. 23, 2016 Familiarity can bring comfort. That was a recurring theme during my time as an agent. When we had meetings to discuss upcoming free agency with clients, we would explore the type of relationships the players had with former coaches and team executives that were around the NFL. A strong tie or negative experience would be a factor in finalizing a free agency game plan for the clients. A recent example of this concept is the connection between Owen Daniels and Gary Kubiak. Daniels played under Kubiak for eight years with the Houston Texans and joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2014 for Kubiak's lone season as offensive coordinator. After the Broncos hired Kubiak, he again turned to Daniels after the Jacksonville Jaguars made Julius Thomas the NFL's second highest-paid tight end last offseason. Daniels received a three-year, $12.5 million contract from the Broncos to become their pass catching tight end. Here's a look at some of the key connections between Pete Prisco's top 50 free agents and head coaches and high-ranking team executives. The most obvious franchise tag candidates (Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman and New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson) are not included as free agents. Arizona Cardinals Taking care of their own and improving the pass rush are bigger priorities but Coby Fleener, who had head coach Bruce Arians as his offensive coordinator during his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, would be an upgrade at tight end. Fleener's price tag may be too high for a reunion to take place. Atlanta Falcons The Falcons need to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks after generating a league-worst 19 sacks in 2015. Outside linebacker Bruce Irvin could be on head coach Dan Quinn's radar screen. The Atlanta native expressed a desire to reunite with Quinn, his former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator, last offseason shortly after his 2016 fifth-year option for $7.751 million wasn't picked up. The hole at strong safety became more pronounced with the release of William Moore. If Eric Berry isn't franchised by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Falcons could make a run at him since assistant general manager Scott Pioli drafted him when he was running the Chiefs. The interior of the offensive line also needs to be addressed. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan had center Alex Mack, who is expected to void the three remaining years of his contract worth $24 million, during his one year as the Cleveland Browns' play caller in 2014. Pioli also used a second-round pick in 2012 on offensive guard Jeff Allen as Kansas City's general manager. Baltimore Ravens The Ravens won't have the salary cap room to be major players in free agency even if quarterback Joe Flacco renegotiates his contract to lower his $28.55 million cap number, which is third-highest in the NFL for 2016. Evan Mathis, who has expressed a desire to remain with the Broncos, could be a much cheaper option at left guard if Kelechi Osemele lands a mega contract elsewhere in free agency. Quarterbacks coach Marty Mornhinweg and offensive line coach Juan Castillo were offensive and defensive coordinator respectively during the early part of Mathis' tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. Carolina Panthers Jason Pierre-Paul departing the Big Apple for the NFC champions would allow Dave Gettleman, who was a front office executive with the New York Giants prior to becoming general manager in 2013, to get younger at defensive end. Strong safety Roman Harper is a free agent because the last two years of his contract voided. Head coach Ron Rivera was free safety Eric Weddle's defensive coordinator with the San Diego Chargers for three seasons (2008-2010). Signing Weddle would require Kurt Coleman to move into Harper's slot. Although the five-time All-Pro is 31 years old, it's hard to imagine him being interested in a deal less than the $8 million per year in his expiring contract that was signed five years ago. Chicago Bears A roster purge took place last offseason after the regime change because the existing personnel wasn't a good match under general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox. The roster makeover will continue this offseason. Pace has suggested that he isn't going to make splash signings in free agency despite having close to $60 million in cap space. Fox may look to raid the Super Bowl 50 champion Broncos by targeting some of his former players. Defensive end Malik Jackson's asking price might be too rich for Pace's blood since his salary floor should be the $10.25 million per year Mike Daniels and Corey Liuget received on their extensions with the Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers. Unrestricted free agent inside linebacker Shea McClellin wouldn't be missed if Danny Trevathan was signed to take his place. Cleveland Browns New head coach Hue Jackson would like the migration from Cincinnati to Cleveland to be more than just him. Marvin Jones or Mohamed Sanu would immediately become Cleveland's best wide receiver by signing with the in-state rival. Andre Smith could be an option if Mitchell Schwartz becomes one of the highest-paid right tackles elsewhere. Cleveland's new emphasis on analytics may prevent a pursuit of free safety Reggie Nelson because he is seven years older than Tashaun Gipson. The 25-year-old reportedly would like to stay in Cleveland but is prepared to move on since there hasn't been much dialogue between the team and his agent. Denver Broncos Besides keeping as much of the defense together as possible and re-signing quarterback Brock Osweiler, upgrading the offensive line should be the priority. Signing Ravens left guard Osemele, who had Kubiak as offensive coordinator in 2014, is probably just wishful thinking considering the five-year, $40 million contract (which includes $22.5 million in guarantees) that Mike Iupati received from the Arizona Cardinals in free agency last year may be an important salary benchmark for him. Two of Kubiak's offensive linemen, guard Brandon Brooks and center Ben Jones, from his eight-year stint with the Houston Texans are also available. Houston Texans Safety has been an issue ever since signing an aging Ed Reed in free agency was a priority over retaining Glover Quin three years ago. Landing Eric Berry, who had defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel as head coach in Kansas City during the 2012 season, would be a very expensive solution to the problem at safety. It may require making Berry the NFL's highest-paid safety, which is currently Earl Thomas (Seahawks) at $10 million per year. Indianapolis Colts Younger pass-rushing outside linebackers are needed as Trent Cole, who was a disappointment as a free agent signee last offseason, and Robert Mathis are in their mid-thirties. Courtney Upshaw would have an easy transition since Ted Monachino, his position coach with the Ravens, is Indianapolis' new defensive coordinator. Jacksonville Jaguars It wouldn't be a surprise if the Jaguars continued their trend of reuniting head coach Gus Bradley with the players he had as defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks to try to fix a porous defense. Irvin will likely price himself out of the Pacific Northwest if the five-year, $46.25 million deal that defensive end Vinny Curry recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles is an important data point to him. Kansas City Chiefs Offensive guard is an issue because Ben Grubbs may be forced to retire because of neck problems and Allen is a free agent. Andy Reid was Mathis' head coach in Philadelphia for two seasons (2011 and 2012). Cornerback becomes a need for 2015's third-best defense in points allowed if Sean Smith leaves. General manager John Dorsey could reach back to his Green Bay Packers roots by replacing Smith with Casey Hayward. Miami Dolphins Lamar Miller wants to be a workhorse running back, which may not be possible under new head coach Adam Gase with 2015 fifth-round pick Jay Ajayi waiting in the wings. Matt Forte could be a short-term solution to pair with Ajayi provided he is comfortable with the same type of role he had last season in Chicago with Gase calling the plays once he returned from an MCL sprain. His contract should make him the league's highest-paid running back to sign after turning 30 but probably won't be much more than the three-year, $12 million contract Frank Gore received last offseason from the Colts as a free agent. A cheaper alternative would be Ronnie Hillman, who had Gase as offensive coordinator in Denver for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Cornerback Brent Grimes becoming a cap casualty could open the door for Adam Jones to follow defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who was his position coach in Cincinnati the last two seasons, to Miami. Although Jones had one of his finest seasons in 2015, the move would be swapping one aging cornerback for another. Minnesota Vikings George Iloka could fit the bill if finding a safety to pair with Harrison Smith is on Minnesota's free agency to-do list. Head coach Mike Zimmer was his defensive coordinator in Cincinnati during his first two NFL seasons. Guard Richie Incognito would upgrade an offensive line that helped Adrian Peterson win the NFL rushing title. New offensive line coach Tony Sparano was Incognito's head coach in 2010 and 2011 when he was with the Dolphins. It remains to be seen whether Minnesota will move on from Mike Wallace, who was acquired from the Dolphins last offseason. His $11.5 million salary and cap number could be used to convince Cincinnati speedster Jones to join the fold. New Orleans Saints It's hard to imagine the Saints being aggressive in free agency because of poor results with high-end signings in recent years and quarterback Drew Brees' league high $30 million cap number as another restraint. Assistant general manager/college scouting director Jeff Ireland drafted cornerback Sean Smith and defensive end Olivier Vernon, who may be franchised, when he was Miami's general manager. Both players are probably out of the Saints' price range. Offensive guard should be addressed after Jahri Evans' refusal to take a pay cut led to his release. Incognito got the richest deal of his career at $4.3 million per year in 2011 during Ireland's tenure with the Dolphins. New York Giants The release of tackle William Beatty and guard Geoff Schwartz practically ensures that the offensive line will be given attention in free agency. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was Incognito's head coach in his final year with the Rams in 2009. Incognito seems to have matured since wearing out his welcome with Spagnuolo. At 32 years old, left tackle Donald Penn may be a little long in the tooth but offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan held the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Penn's last two seasons (2012 and 2013) with the club. The defense needs to be remade after ranking last in the NFL in total and pass defense. Former Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew was recently added as director of football operations/special projects. It may speak volumes that re-signing defensive tackle Nick Fairley wasn't a top priority when it became apparent that Ndamukong Suh was leaving last offseason. Mayhew might recommend that the Giants pursue 2015 Lions defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker or outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead instead. New York Jets General Manager Mike Maccagnan could look to his former employer, the Texans, to address his needs at guard. Brooks is arguably the second-best free agent guard on an expiring rookie contract. There doesn't appear to be cap room to find a high quality cornerback to replace Antonio Cromartie, who was given his walking papers. Head coach Todd Bowles was Smith's position coach in Miami for his first three seasons in the NFL. Oakland Raiders Improving the secondary should be a focus of general manager Reggie McKenzie. The Raiders would be getting younger at free safety by signing the 32-year-old Nelson, who played for head coach Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville, to replace the recently retired Charles Woodson. It may be necessary to find another pass rusher because of linebacker Aldon Smith's year-long suspension that runs through the middle of November. Irvin could be on Oakland's radar screen since defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr. was his position coach for three years in Seattle. With over $65 million in cap space, Oakland can get in the Jackson sweepstakes even though he isn't an edge rusher. Del Rio was his defensive coordinator for three years in Denver. Philadelphia Eagles The focus has been on extending the contracts of core players (tight end Zach Ertz, safety Malcolm Jenkins, offensive tackle Lane Johnson, etc.) long before free agency becomes an issue. Quarterback Chase Daniel becomes a viable option if the Eagles decide Sam Bradford is too expensive. He was new head coach Doug Pederson's backup signal caller for the three years he was Kansas City's offensive coordinator. The interior of the offensive line needs to be addressed as former head coach Chip Kelly released Mathis last offseason because of a contract dispute. Allen, whose rookie contract with the Chiefs is expiring, had his best NFL season in 2015. Tennessee Titans Doug Martin took advantage of the Buccaneers declining to pick up his 2016 fifth year option for $5.621 million with a career rebirth. He was second in the NFL last season with 1,402 rushing yards. After seeing how Martin took pressure off first overall pick Jameis Winston as Tampa Bay's director of player personnel, new general manager Jon Robinson might feel using some of Tennessee's almost $50 million in cap space on the running back could do the same for 2014 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota. Andre Johnson done in Indy; retirement next? By Dan Hanzus NFL.com Feb. 23, 2016 Andre Johnson is one-and-done in Indianapolis. Could this be it for the star? NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the veteran wide receiver has played his final down for the Colts, leaving his future unclear after 14 oft-excellent NFL seasons. Retirement is an option, but Johnson could also force the Colts to cut him, paving the way for an opportunity to continue his career. Rapoport reports that Johnson has not made a decision on his future. If the Colts cut Johnson, they will endure an unpleasant $7.5 million cap hit. Johnson was a player in obvious decline last season with the Colts, who signed the seven-time Pro Bowler last March to a three-year, $21 million deal after he was released by the Texans. Johnson was one of the NFL's best receivers for a decade in Houston, but he was unable to make the same type of impact in Indianapolis. Johnson struggled to gain separation on routes and never developed a rapport with Andrew Luck. Even if Johnson does decide he wants to keep playing, there's no guarantee he gets a job. A depressed wide receiver free agent market doesn't change the fact that Johnson looks like a player whose best days are behind him at age 34. If this is indeed it, Canton should be up next. Broncos offering Malik Jackson more than $10 million a year By Michael David Smith Pro Football Talk Feb. 23, 2016 The Broncos are making a strong push to convince defensive lineman Malik Jackson to stay in Denver, without waiting to test free agency. Jackson, set to become a free agent on March 9, has been offered a long-term deal worth more than $10 million a year, the Denver Post reports. But Jackson hasn’t accepted the deal, and probably won’t, at least not until he’s been able to test the market first. There’s no reason for Jackson to rush to sign something when he knows he’s about to become an unrestricted free agent. The Broncos are planning to use the franchise tag on Von Miller, which means they can’t tag Jackson. Jackson played well in the regular season and even better in the playoffs, helping the Broncos win the Super Bowl. He’s about to cash in for that strong play, whether he leaves Denver or stays. The Broncos hope he stays. Broncos, Brock Osweiler expected to open talks this week By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk Feb. 23, 2016 Earlier this month, the word out of Denver was that the Broncos were holding off on contract talks with quarterback Brock Osweiler “out of respect” to Peyton Manning while Manning waited to make his intentions for the 2016 season known. Manning hasn’t made his plans about returning for another season public at this point, but it appears the wait for talks with Osweiler is coming to an end. Teams often meet with representatives for their impending free agents during the Scouting Combine and Mike Klis of KUSA in Denver reports that is just what the Broncos will do with Osweiler. The Broncos need to know what Manning is doing before March 9 so that they can decide if they want him back at any price, but they can’t wait that long to make inroads with Osweiler on a new deal if, as expected, they want him to remain with the team. The “legal tampering” window that opens ahead of the start of the new league year would give other teams a chance to talk openly with Osweiler and the Broncos can’t let their exclusive opportunity to negotiate with Osweiler lapse without at least a clear idea of the quarterback’s plans. Klis adds that talks continue with defensive end Malik Jackson and that there’s little discussion with linebacker Von Miller, who is expected to receive the franchise tag. Broncos sign a guy with more addresses than receptions By Darin Gantt Pro Football Talk Feb. 23, 2016 Richard Gordon has more teams than catches in his NFL career. But that should also tell you something about the role teams want him to play. The Broncos signed the journeyman blocking tight end yesterday, bringing him back after a short stint with the team last year. He has four receptions for 14 yards and a touchdown (from then-Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer in a comeback win over the Steelers in 2012) in his five NFL seasons. He began with the Raiders as a sixth-round pick, and has also spent time with the Steelers, Chiefs, Titans, Chiefs again, Broncos, Ravens and now Broncos again. Gordon was with the Broncos for five games last season, but was waived in December when injuries left them short at other positions. He then did a short stint with the Ravens but was cut the week before Christmas. Five Broncos storylines to watch at the 2016 Combine By Andrew Mason DenverBroncos.com Feb. 23, 2016 What the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine lacks in its ability to create a media circus, it will make up for in intriguing storylines. There is no consensus, slam-dunk No. 1 overall pick, although there are compelling cases for Mississippi OT Laremy Tunsil and Ohio State DE Joey Bosa, both of of whom would fill pressing needs for the Tennessee Titans, who possess the top overall selection. The Broncos don't select until the 31st pick, but they will be busy working to try and keep as much of their championship equation together as possible. Here are five storylines for the days ahead, which will kick off with Head Coach Gary Kubiak's press conference at 8:15 a.m. MST Wednesday, which you can watch live right here on DenverBroncos.com: 1. Preparing to play "tag"? If the Broncos can't strike a long-term deal with Von Miller by 2 p.m. MST on March 1 -- just seven days away -- they will have to use the franchise tag on him in order to prevent him from being on the open market. At that point it would be a question of whether the Broncos use the non-exclusive tag -- which is typical -- or the exclusive tag, which chews up more salary-cap room. 2. Getting up to speed. The only downside to winning a Super Bowl is a constricted offseason. Head Coach Gary Kubiak and Broncos brass began descending on Indianapolis on Tuesday -- just two weeks after hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy in front of over a million fans in downtown Denver for the parade and rally at Civic Center Park. Because the coaches were busy preparing for Super Bowl 50, none of them were at the Senior Bowl as would ordinarily be the case, so the Combine marks the first chance the coaches will have to see many of this year's draft prospects in person and meet them face to face. One advantage the coaches will have is a staff that returns virtually intact, with the only change being Brian Callahan's departure to become the Lions' quarterbacks coach. Klint Kubiak, Callahan's replacement as offensive assistant, is already on hand and settling into his job. 3. Preparing for free agency. With a lengthy unrestricted free-agent list that includes five Super Bowl 50 starters and key restricted free agents in C.J. Anderson and Brandon Marshall, Executive Vice President/General Manager John Elway and salary-cap/contracts guru Mike Sullivan have a task list nearly as long as that of the players participating in the Combine. Brock Osweiler's pending free-agent status and the waiting in regards to Peyton Manning as he makes a decision on his future also loom over the Broncos, who must prepare for every possible contingency in what will be a busy start to the league year. The Scouting Combine is typically a venue for contract negotiations to be kick-started, and that will again be the case, with reports circulating that the Broncos will talk with Osweiler's agent in Indianapolis. 4. Winning "from now on." Elway always says this is the goal, so now the Broncos' task becomes sustaining and building upon their third world championship. Although a bit of regression from the defense is a near certainty from a statistical perspective, the offense has plenty of room for improvement, particularly after accepting for just 20 points in the final six quarters of the season -- with its only touchdown coming on a four-yard drive. Some of the potential answers are already on the roster in the form of young players who will be asked to step into larger roles, but for the Broncos to make their ninth Super Bowl appearance next winter, they'll have to find some help and depth in this year's draft class. 5. Part of the process. The Combine provides a standard for measurables, but it is not the be-all, end-all. It can confirm previous observations, or compel a closer look at a player that outperforms the work he put on film. There will be plenty of chatter over the days ahead, but it's important to remember that this is just one part of the Broncos' evaluation. Broncos Championship Stories: The safeties By Ben Swanson DenverBroncos.com Feb. 23, 2016 T.J. Ward A dynamic hard-hitting defender that's somewhere between a safety and linebacker, T.J. Ward presented an enormous problem for opposing offenses. His versatility made him a sound and speedy tackler, as well as a ball-hawking defensive back that could attack the pass and run with equal destructive ability, which earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2013 and 2014. But because of a ruptured patellar tendon early in his senior year of high school, he wasn't recruited as the blue-chip prospect he should have been. He worked hard to become a starter at De La Salle High School, one of the nation's best high school football programs, but his future became clouded because of the untimely injury, which meant that much of his tape was as a reserve on the team before he became a starter. Ward decided to enroll at the University of Oregon, as part of a promise with a group of high school teammates and friends to stick together. He hadn't been recruited, but he had his heart set on walking on to the football team The group was largely centered around one of Ward's closest friends, Terrance Kelly. Kelly was a highly recruited linebacker and committed to Oregon, and the group of friends wanted to stick together with him. Ward had planned a workout with Kelly a few days before he was set to report to Oregon's training camp, but Kelly didn't make it. He had been shot and killed in his car while waiting to see a friend. The loss of a promising young man, friend and son with a bright future was crushing. In his memory, Kelly's father, Landrin, founded the Terrance Kelly Youth Foundation, devoted to community outreach. Ward got a tattoo of Kelly's likeness on his arm in remembrance. Ward continued his path to the NFL always thinking of Kelly and how he should have been right there with him. Eventually Ward earned a scholarship to play for the Ducks, became an outstanding reserve in the secondary and on special teams, and became a starter as a junior, leading Oregon in tackles. An ankle injuries knocked his senior season off-track, but he was still pegged as a great NFL prospect. The Cleveland Browns would select him with the 38th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. As a Brown, Ward was an immediate starter who made an immediate impact, totaling 123 tackles (95) solo, two interceptions, 10 passes defensed and one forced fumble in his first year. He followed that season up with three more solid years before signing with the Broncos as a free agent after being selected to his first Pro Bowl. In his first year in Denver, Ward earned a Pro Bowl encore with 74 total tackles, two sacks, five passes defensed and two interceptions. With Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips at the helm of the defense in 2015, Ward was a key cog that could make an impact anywhere on the field. With two sacks, six tackles and a forced fumble that halted the Vikings during a potential game-tying or game-winning drive, Ward earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He would miss three games with an ankle injury late in the season, but his return in time for the playoffs was vital. One could argue that Ward's best game of the year was in the Super Bowl. He secured two takeaways— intercepting Cam Newton once and recovering Newton's second fumble, which led to a C.J. Anderson touchdown—as well as seven total tackles. Darian Stewart A soft-spoken safety with a rich southern drawl, Stewart was a bit of an unknown coming into his first season with the Broncos. He had spent his first four seasons in St. Louis, but started in just 19 of his 53 games with the Rams. The Baltimore Ravens picked up on his skills and signed him to a one-year contract. When former Broncos safety Rahim Moore departed to sign with the Texans in free agency, Denver looked to Stewart as their new starter. He brought a similar type of ferocity as Ward, and with his fearlessness, the Broncos had a hard-hitting safety that could make plays in the secondary and lay the wood when coming up to stop the run. His resounding impact showed in the season opener when he ensured victory for the Broncos against his former team in the closing minutes of the game. With 36 seconds left in regulation, the Ravens were down six points but had driven into the red zone. Quarterback Joe Flacco threw a strike to tight end Crockett Gillmore down the seam in the end zone, but safety David Bruton Jr. tipped the pass up and Stewart came down with it to give the Broncos possession. Stewart continued to make big plays throughout the season, posting 59 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one quarterback hit and 10 passes defensed, in addition to his aforementioned interception. In the playoffs, Stewart's presence was instrumental to the defense. He had an interception on Tom Brady against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, and had a huge game against the Panthers in the Super Bowl, with a sack on Newton, two passes defensed and a forced fumble. Combined with Ward and other members of the secondary, Stewart had helped take away Newton's favorite target, tight end Greg Olsen, and forced Newton into one of the roughest days of his career as the Broncos defense shined as one of the best in NFL history. Shiloh Keo Keo's path to the Super Bowl might be one of the most well-known because of how he offered his pitch to Phillips publicly on Twitter. Much was made of how effective it might have been (he was signed about a week after his initial tweet with the Broncos looking for safety depth) but Keo had experience in Phillips' system and had played for him and Kubiak in 42 games (11 starts) over three seasons with the Houston Texans. Keo was a standout at the University of Idaho, earning numerous accolades during his time as a Vandal, including 2010 Idaho Most Valuable Player and 2009 first-team All-Western Athletic Conference. Keo also finished his time at Idaho as the school's all-time punt return yardage leader. After his time with Houston, Keo competed on the Cincinnati Bengals training camp roster, but was not retained for the regular season. However, with T.J. Ward (ankle), David Bruton Jr. (knee) and Omar Bolden (hamstring) all battling injuries late in the season, the Broncos signed Keo to bolster their depth before Week 14's game against the Raiders. Keo would help at safety and special teams, adding veteran experience to those units. One of his biggest plays helped secure an AFC Championship victory. The Patriots had been denied on their two-point conversion attempt that could have tied the game at 20. Down two points, New England attempted an onside kick. A recovery by the Patriots would have given them the ball near midfield with about 12 seconds left, though they had no timeouts remaining. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski got the ball bouncing with a good trajectory, but Keo courageously dove into the ball's path and the Broncos walked away with the narrow victory. Josh Bush Added to the roster shortly before Keo as the Broncos continued to nurse myriad injuries at safety, Bush was a Broncos target for his talent and familiarity with the defense stemming from his experience on the roster earlier in the season and during training camp. Bush had spent a little time with the Broncos in 2014 as a late-season signing and then stayed through the preseason and three games at the beginning of the season. He returned to the team in time for Week 13's game against San Diego and, like pretty much any member of the defense has, made impact plays when he got the chance. He forced a fumble against the Chargers and intercepted Ben Roethlisberger two weeks later. In the playoffs, Bush added two passes defensed and eight total tackles. David Bruton Jr. Bruton was a major part of the heart and soul of the Broncos defense, and the team. Just look to his Week 15 game against the Steelers in which he played through a fractured fibula to see a shining example of his determination. The broken leg would send Bruton to injured reserve, but he was still a source of advice and inspiration for the team throughout the postseason. The seventh-year safety came into the season looking to fight for a starting spot, or at least a more integral role on defense. He had long been a key figure on special teams, but he yearned for more. He did that and plenty more, beginning with his start in the season opener in place of Ware, who was serving a one-game suspension. Bruton totaled 43 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, seven passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He had a nose for creating takeaways and delivering momentum-halting hits, which was always an appreciated addition to the defense. He's also embraced Colorado life as an active member of the community and as an avid biker and outdoors enthusiast. In 2014, Bruton started Bruton's Books, an initiative focused on helping underprivileged children develop necessary reading skills. As the Fuel Up to Play 60 ambassador from the Broncos, Bruton also encouraged children to be active to foster healthy lifestyles. Omar Bolden With an explosiveness and vision with the ball like no one else on the roster, Bolden was a perfect fit as the Broncos' return specialist. Though increased playing time on defense and minor injuries pulled him out of the spot from time to time, Bolden was a dynamic player when he got the ball in his hands, providing a spark to the offense whenever he could. His 83-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Colts got the Broncos back into the game after falling behind 17-0. Though the Broncos would fall in Indianapolis, it was Bolden's return that began the run to tie the game. He also returned a kickoff for 41 yards in that game. He showed his skills in the playoffs on his first opportunity when the Steelers punted after a three-andout on their first drive. Bolden took the punt up the sideline, returning it 42 yards to the Pittsburgh 30yard line. Unfortunately, Bolden's season ended later that quarter when he suffered a knee injury, but he still had a resounding impact on the team throughout the season as part of the safety depth and as an electrifying return threat.