AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

Chargers

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer asked Chargers HC Anthony Lynn how he and GM Tom Telesco decided on drafting QB Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick.

“It just made sense,” Lynn said. “Losing a franchise guy, a guy that’s been the guy here for 15, 16 years, and picking sixth? Hell, I don’t want to ever be picking sixth again. So if I’m already picking this high, and there’s a quarterback we like, we might as well just get the quarterback now. We knew Phil was towards the end. And you say the end, Tom Brady’s 43—these guys are playing until they’re senior citizens. We felt like with the crop that was coming out this year, this would be the time to get a young quarterback in here, and even if Phil was here, he could sit behind Phil for a year or two and learn.”

  • There were no shortage of draft rumors this year, but Telesco told Pat McAfee they really didn’t affect the team as they were locked in on a quarterback: “We felt great about all three quarterbacks who went in the Top 6. If you’re going to pick this high and there’s a potential franchise quarterback, you have to take him.”
  • The Dolphins were linked to both eventual No. 5 pick, QB Tua Tagovailoa, Herbert, and even trading up for an offensive tackle, which kept Telesco busy preparing for different scenarios: “Every rumor I heard, I went through my head of how would we handle this if this happened. Now, the whole, Miami taking a tackle at 3, maybe they really were, I just didn’t believe that one.”
  • ESPN’s Bill Barnwell writes the Chargers’ move to trade up for LB Kenneth Murray could mean LB Denzel Perryman is on his way out. 
  • Barnwell adds Los Angeles could save $1.7 million in cap space by cutting Perryman but the team might be able to find a trade partner. 

Chiefs

Raiders

  • According to Albert Breer, the Raiders attempted to trade down from No. 19 overall, but a good enough offer never materialized and they opted to select CB Damon Arnette.
  • With Las Vegas overhauling its receiving corps this offseason, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell says Raiders WR Zay Jones is firmly on the roster bubble despite just being acquired for a fifth-round pick last season. 
  • The Raiders signed TE Nick Bowers to deal that includes $100,000 guaranteed and a $50,000 signing bonus. (Aaron Wilson)

Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?

Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!

Leave a Reply