AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

• Per ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, Broncos second-round rookie QB Drew Lock said he’s going to approach this offseason like he’s the starter regardless of whether Denver commits to him this offseason: “I’m going to approach it like I’m the guy. Once I took my first step out on the field as a starter, that was my mentality, I wasn’t going to lose it, I was going to keep it, that was the mindset I had, that’s the kind of guy I want to be for this place, that’s the kind of guy this place deserves.”
• Broncos LB Bradley Chubb expects to start running next week as he continues his rehab from a torn ACL. (Nicki Jhabvala)

Chargers

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon is open about 2019 not being one of his better years. In addition to a holdout that failed to net him a contract extension from the Chargers, Gordon dealt with some deaths in the family that made that period even harder. Upon his return to the team, it also took him a few games to regain his stride in the offense. Now Gordon is entering the 2020 offseason still without a deal, though he says he would like to remain with the Chargers despite everything. 

“I’m trying to do what I can to stay here,” Gordon said via the Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “It’s not about putting on for other teams. It’s not about trying to showcase what I can do for other teams. I have film. You know? They know what type of player I am. It’s about doing what I need to do to stay here, because I want to. But not everyone is fortunate and blessed enough to have that chance. Hopefully, I do enough to stay here. That’s my goal.”

Raiders

• Regarding the Raiders’ quarterback position, Albert Breer expects them to go into the offseason with Derek Carr as their guy, but still keep an open mind about potential upgrades.
• Last year, the Raiders’ coaching staff took a look at a number of draft prospects including Dwayne Haskins and Kyler Murray. Breer reports that the Raiders ranked the top-four quarterback prospects as Murray, Drew Lock, Haskins, and Ryan Finley.
• Carr told reporters he was happy to see RB Marshawn Lynch back with the Seahawks, but he wished he could have played another year in Oakland: “I wish it was with us. I miss that guy, but it’s good to see him back. . . . I love Marshawn.” (Ryan Gorcey)
• Raiders HC Jon Gruden confirmed first-round rookie RB Josh Jacobs‘ surgery on his leg Wednesday has “nothing to do with his playing status Sunday.” The team is still evaluating Jacobs’ shoulder injury. (Vic Tafur)
• Per the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin, the Raiders could throw a ton of money to lure Patriots QB Tom Brady to Las Vegas if he hits free agency.