AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos HC Vance Joseph believes that the acquisition of QB Case Keenum gives the team a chance to win since quarterback was their biggest need coming into the offseason.

“In a league that is very competitive, most of the teams are the same outside of the quarterback position,” said Joseph, via Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today. “So if you don’t have that guy, from a leadership perspective, from a play-making perspective, it’s hard to win games in this league. The rest you can fix. You can coach your way through the rest.

“I think having Case gives us a honest hope that, if I do my job from a coach’s perspective, and the players do their job, we can win football games.”

• Nicki Jhabvala reports that “things are looking good” for OLB Shane Ray to participate in training camp.
• Jhabvala adds that WR Jordan Taylor, who underwent hip surgeries this offseason, will begin camp on PUP list.
• The Broncos signed WR Mark Chapman to a one-year deal. (Nicki Jhabvala)

Chargers

Chargers GM Tom Telesco acknowledged that they’re in ongoing talks with free agent TE Antonio Gates’ representation, but there’s no deal at this point.

“I’ve got nothing new for you, but if we ever do anything I’ll let you guys know,” Gates said, per Eric D. Williams.

Telesco did say that he believes Gates can still be an effective tight end in the Chargers’ offense.

Raiders

Raiders HC Jon Gruden, who signed a 10-year, $100 million contract, insists that he will not accept the money received from the deal if he is not successful.

“If I can’t get it done, I’m not going to take their money,” Gruden said, via Jarrett Bell of USA Today.

Gruden added that there is no guarantee he makes it all 10 years of his contract and mentioned that people “don’t know” how the deal is structured.

“Who guarantees I’m going to live 10 years?” said Gruden. “So I don’t think about that. You start thinking about a 10-year contract – people don’t know how it’s structured and it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is, ‘Is Khalil Mack going to be here? Is Donald Penn going to be ready to play?’ I’ve got more important things to worry about than eight years of my contract.”