AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, some logical candidates for the Broncos general manager opening include 49ers VP of player personnel Adam Peters, Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly and Buccaneers executive Jon Spytek.
• Per KUSA’s Mike Klis, Broncos LT Garett Bolles said OT Ja’Wuan James has some work to do to get back in the team’s good graces after not playing much for the first two seasons of his deal: “He knows what he has to do to earn our trust back. At the same time we’re going to open up our arms and love him and take care of him. But at the same time he has a lot of work to do to get to where he needs to be and I know he’ll do that.”
• Broncos S Justin Simmons didn’t say if he would play out a second season under the franchise tag if it came to that in 2021: “I haven’t had the chance to sit down and have a conversation with my agent yet so … don’t really have an answer.” (Klis)
• Broncos WR Tim Patrick avoided a break and just has a sprained foot. (Klis)

Chargers

• NFL Media’s Jim Trotter says the Chargers will interview 10-12 candidates for their head coaching vacancy and owner Dean Spanos will be more involved in this search than he was last time. 
• Trotter says the composition of the new staff will be a major factor and he expects the Chargers to look more for a CEO-type overseer rather than specific offensive or defensive expertise. 
• NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo notes Chargers first-round QB Justin Herbert really likes OC Shane Steichen and it’s not out of the question he sticks on the next staff. 
• Per the Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Chargers LB Drue Tranquill said he’s at about 80-85 percent health and could play if Los Angeles was in the playoffs. 
• Chargers S Derwin James told reporters he’s about a month away from getting back to 100 percent health. (Jeff Miller)

Chiefs

• Per the Athletic’s Nate Taylor, Chiefs HC Andy Reid said CB Deandre Baker had successful surgery on his broken femur: “We look forward to getting him back.”

Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders and HC Jon Gruden don’t want to lose WR Nelson Agholor and are hoping that he returns next season.

“I think he can be one of the best receivers in football,” Gruden said, via Vincent Bonsignore of Las Vegas Review-Journal.“He can run. He’s tough. He’s smart and he’s become one of the true leaders on this football team. He’s got it all.”

Gruden also mentioned LB Vic Beasley as another player he hopes will bring experience and leadership, possibly beyond this season.

“His availability and his background in the league as a pass rusher is exciting,” Gruden said, via Bonsignore. “Hopefully he can answer the bell and be a big part of our future here.”

• While Raiders DL coach Rod Marinelli might not stay as the defensive coordinator next season, he’s still expected to have a role on the staff. (Bonsignore)
• Raiders LB Cory Littleton said his hope is a full offseason and OTAs will help him feel less like a chicken with its head cut off, which is what he says the first half of the season was like. (Bosnignore)
• Raiders HC Jon Gruden said he wants to stay in a 4-3 defense and sees Littleton becoming a big part of that: “The greatness in Littleton is yet to be seen as a Raider…I think he can be a centerpiece here.” (Paul Gutierrez)
• Gruden said the big needs on defense are continuity in the secondary from young players like CB Damon Arnette, S Johnathan Abram and CB Trayvon Mullen as well as inside and outside pass rushers. (Vic Tafur)