AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

• KUSA’s Mike Klis says cornerback, defensive line and potentially inside linebacker will be the top priorities for the Broncos in free agency.
• Klis says the word is Broncos FB Andy Janovich is recovering well from his elbow injury and is expected to be ready for the offseason program. 

Chargers

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon is slated to be an unrestricted free agent, and after holding out for the first three games of the past season in a contract dispute, most are pessimistic on his chances of returning in 2020. However, Gordon said he expects to be back in Los Angeles and wants to help the team win its first-ever Super Bowl. 

“I expect to be back with the Chargers, but man, this business is so crazy, as I learned last year,” Gordon said in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio. 

“Let’s bring this ‘ship to L.A., man. You know, stop playing,” Gordon added.

Raiders

Raiders GM Mike Mayock said their new Director of Pro Personnel Dwayne Joseph was hired to help with the scouting of free agents and current players.  

“He was a perfect complement to me because my background was much stronger on the college side,” Mayock said, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic. “When I took the job, I knew I had to get a real strong pro guy in there. I had some heavy recommendations from people I have trusted throughout the league for the last 18-20 years.”

Mayock believes Joseph is “one of the best” personnel executives in the league and was a priority hire for him. 

“DJ is one of the best in the business,” Mayock said. “He became a priority early for me to get him.”

• As for potential free agents to keep an eye on for the Raiders, Vic Tafur of The Athletic writes that Titans QB Marcus Mariota would be an intriguing backup option for Derek Carr. 
• Tafur mentions that DeShone Kizer and Mike Glennon are not expected to return to the Raiders next year while Nathan Peterman is still considered a project.
• Tafur, citing league sources, reports that the Raiders are interested in Broncos’ impending free-agent S Justin Simmons.
• Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the grievance between WR Antonio Brown and the Raiders over $30 million in guarantees will be heard by an arbitrator in May.