AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs

Broncos

The arrival of new Broncos OC Pat Shurmur is expected to have a major impact on RB Phillip Lindsay. Shurmur tends to feature his running backs in the passing game, and while Lindsay has had just 35 catches in each of the past two seasons, he had the third-most in FBS college football with 53 as a senior. He’s excited for a new facet of his game to hopefully be unlocked under Shurmur. 

“The fact is this: I want to be utilized in the passing game,” Lindsay said via the Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala. “I want to be utilized one-on-one, and coach Shurmur knows that. I think that what he did with (Saquon Barkley) shows what he wants to do here. Saquon had 90 catches one year and 50-something this year. That’s a lot, and I can do that. I’m capable of doing that. I don’t have to prove I can carry the load anymore. For me, it’s about what I can do to help the team, and it’s being one-on-one and getting in there rather than just running up the middle all day.”

• While Shurmur has come up as a candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Michigan State, his alma mater, KUSA’s Mike Klis reports he’s all in with the Broncos. 
• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes the Broncos are likely to cut QB Joe Flacco.
• Breer adds the Broncos could save $8.5 million by releasing G Ronald Leary.
• Breer mentions that Broncos HC Vic Fangio made the switch to Shurmur because he wanted more deep shots and chunk plays from his offense, while previous OC Rich Scangarello erred on the side of protecting 2019 second-round QB Drew Lock.
• As expected, the Broncos are not interested in Chargers QB Philip Rivers and will plan on Lock being the starter in 2020. (Klis) 

Chargers

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are a team that would definitely be interested in Patriots QB Tom Brady for a year or two if he indeed leaves New England. 
• Rapoport adds that the Chargers also could take a quarterback high in the draft, with HC Anthony Lynn preferring more mobile quarterbacks like current backup QB Tyrod Taylor. 

Chiefs

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes the Chiefs could cut WR Sammy Watkins to save $14 million, as his replacement, WR Mecole Hardman, would already be on the roster. 
• He also mentions to keep an eye on the interior offensive line as an area the Chiefs look to address this offseason.