AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Colts

Broncos

• Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post expects Broncos S Justin Simmons to sign his franchise tender if the two sides don’t agree to a long-term deal before July 15. Given the impacts of the pandemic, O’Halloran thinks it’s more likely Simmons plays out 2020 on the tag. 
• O’Halloran believes the Broncos will keep G Dalton Risner locked in at guard and not tackle for a multitude of reasons, including the presence of swing tackle Elijah Wilkinson, Risner’s steadying influence on LT Garett Bolles, and the ability to have Risner and G Graham Glasgow sandwiching presumptive starting third-round rookie C Lloyd Cushenberry. 
• O’Halloran thinks the odds are good Broncos LB Von Miller will have a bounceback 2020 season. 
• Broncos CB Bryce Callahan is ready to put 2019 behind him after missing the entire season while recovering from a broken foot: “I’m full-go with no limitations. I’m not really even thinking about my foot. Everything is moving in the right direction. I just want to play all 16 games, stay healthy and ball out.” (Aaron Wilson)

Chargers

• The Athletic’s Daniel Popper says while Chargers CB Desmond King has come up as a trade candidate because of the team’s depth in the secondary and the team’s biggest need is offensive tackle, the team does strongly believe in 2019 third-round OT Trey Pipkins.
• Popper adds that even though there’s not a defined role for King in the secondary, the team values the versatility he brings to help them match up with opposing passing attacks. 
• Given the long-term financial uncertainty from the pandemic, Popper doesn’t expect any movement on extensions for DE Joey Bosa, WR Keenan Allen or TE Hunter Henry until next offseason. 

Colts

• 1075TheFan.com’s Kevin Bowen forecasts if the Colts average 29 carries a game again in 2020 and break that up with two for RB Nyheim Hines, one for WR Parris Campbell and one for FB Roosevelt Nix, that leaves 25 carries to split between RB Marlon Mack and second-round RB Jonathan Taylor.
• Bowen points out Colts RB Jordan Wilkins is firmly on the roster bubble and likely will need to establish himself on special teams to justify a spot on the final roster.