AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

• The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala writes that with CB Chris Harris an impending free agent and 2019 free-agent signing Bryce Callahan still not healthy, cornerback is the top need for Denver this offseason. 
• Jhabvala also mentions offensive tackle, defensive line, wide receiver and inside linebacker as needs for Denver this offseason. 
• Jhabvala also lists options for the Broncos in free agency in 2020, starting with re-signing S Justin Simmons to either a top-of-the-market deal at more than $14 million annually or using the franchise tag at about $11.5 million in 2020.
• Steelers C B.J. Finney is an option for Denver in free agency given the Broncos’ needs at offensive line and Finney’s familiarity with Broncos OL coach Mike Munchak. Jhabvala also expects Denver to try to re-sign OL Connor McGovern.
• Jhabvala says to keep an eye on Browns LB Joe Schobert as a fit for the Broncos if he’s allowed to test free agency. Cowboys CB Byron Jones would also be an option given Denver’s need at corner and Jones’ positional versatility.

Chargers

• Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline identifies the Chargers and Raiders as the Dolphins’ biggest competition for Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa.
• The Athletic’s Daniel Popper mentions Lions G Graham Glasgow as a potential free-agent target for the Chargers this offseason.

Chiefs

Despite receiving high praise from his head coach Andy Reid and a promotion to offensive coordinator to try and get his name in the pipeline, Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy likely will go another year without a chance to prove himself as a head coach. Bieniemy interviewed with the Panthers, Giants and Browns, but only one of those jobs remains open — and Bieniemy doesn’t appear to be among Cleveland’s top choices. It continues the trend of teams not hiring minority head coaches, as only four of the NFL’s 32 head-coaching jobs are held by non-whites. 

“I think it’s discouraging, to say the least,” Bieniemy’s agent Brian Levy said via Terez Paylor of Yahoo Sports. “We’re really trying to find out what the standard is, and every year the standard changes. We’re just trying to swim against the current.”

Raiders

• Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline identifies the Chargers and Raiders as the Dolphins’ biggest competition for Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa.
• The Athletic’s Vic Tafur writes that given the Raiders’ love for Clemson players in GM Mike Mayock‘s first draft in 2019, Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons and WR Tee Higgins make a lot of sense as options for the team’s two first-round picks. 
• Tafur also mentions South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw and Penn State DE Yetur Gross-Matos as potential options if Simmons is gone.