AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

New Broncos TE Albert Okwuegbunam is already well-versed with the guy who’s going to be throwing him the ball in Denver. Okwuegbunam played his first two years at Missouri with Broncos QB Drew Lock and totaled 72 catches for 881 yards and 17 touchdowns with Lock. The two were talking right before the draft about potentially reuniting when Denver drafted Okwuegbunam in the fourth round. 

“Me and Drew had kind of joked before the draft about ending up on the same team and how cool that would be,” Okwuegbunam said via the Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala. “Next thing you know I’m sitting waiting for the call. I had actually talked to Drew that morning and he actually told me that he had talked to [Broncos GM John] Elway about me and that they were interested. It wasn’t confirmed or anything, but just waiting. And when their pick was up, about two picks before, I got a call from them and they let me know I was going to be a Denver Bronco and I was really excited. My first thought was that I can’t believe I’m going to be reunited with Drew and I’m really excited about that, just because that chemistry and confidence is already there. Just used to each other, so I’m excited.”

• The Broncos also submitted a waiver claim for LB Austin Calitro after he was cut by the Jaguars. Calitro was awarded to the Bengals. (Field Yates)

Chargers

• Per the Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Chargers TE Hunter Henry revealed he and the team were “kind of getting close” on an extension but the shutdowns from the pandemic and preparing for the draft “put a delay on everything.” 
• Henry said he’s not sure what the status of talks are right now. He’s on the franchise tag and the two sides have until July 15 to reach agreement on a long-term deal. 
• Henry confirmed he would like to re-sign with the Chargers and won’t hold out. (Popper)
• Chargers OC Shane Steichen confirmed Tyrod Taylor is the starting quarterback for now despite Los Angeles drafting Justin Herbert No. 6 overall: “They’re going to compete. Tyrod’s the guy right now, and Justin’s going to learn.” (Omar Ruiz)
• Steichen highlighted Herbert’s mobility as a facet of his game the team loves: “He’s very athletic for his size. And the things he did at his size on film are rare.” (Popper)
• Adding a quarterbacks coach to work with Herbert is something the Chargers are considering, per Steichen, who filled the position last year before his promotion. (Jeff Miller)
• Steichen mentioned Chargers OTs Sam Tevi, Trey Pipkins, Trent Scott and Forrest Lamp in that order as the team’s options to start at left tackle: “We’ve got guys over there that are going to compete.” (Popper)

Chiefs

• No surprise here, but Tom Pelissero mentions the Chiefs will exercise Patrick Mahomes‘ fifth-year option for 2021 as they prepare to negotiate a long-term extension.
• Pelissero says that the Chiefs and Mahomes were expected to pick up contract talks after the 2020 NFL Draft, but Kansas City remains “tight” on cap space and must address franchise DT Chris Jones‘ contract situation as well. 
• Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star says other teams were aware of a potential four-game suspension for Chiefs CB Bashaud Breeland, which is why his market was limited this offseason. 

Raiders

• The Raiders also submitted a waiver claim for LB Austin Calitro after he was cut by the Jaguars. Calitro was awarded to the Bengals. (Field Yates)