AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

• The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala writes that while the Broncos like DL Shelby Harris, the fact they haven’t already re-signed him indicates they haven’t yet been willing to meet the estimated $11-$12 million annual salary he could command in free agency. 
• Jhabvala says while Broncos DE Derek Wolfe would like to be back in Denver, he’s expected to test the market before potentially returning if he doesn’t find what he likes. 
• Broncos OL Connor McGovern is a strong candidate to be re-signed given his positional versatility, per Jhabvala. 
• Jhabvala mentions the Broncos have been quiet about their plans for restricted free agent QB Brandon Allen, which is rarely a good sign. 
• Other players unlikely to be back include S Will Parks, DE Adam Gotsis and LB Corey Nelson.

Chargers

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler has come a long way since he entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Western State — a D-2 school in Colorado. He made the team as a rookie and has grown his role every year since then. His stint as the Chargers’ lead back during Melvin Gordon‘s holdout in 2019 gave the team enough confidence to reward him this offseason with a four-year, $24.5 million deal, including more than $15 million guaranteed. When his agent told him about the deal, all Ekeler could do was laugh and ask, “Are you serious?” 

“One of the things that’s crazy about the NFL is when I got to camp, I’m sitting in a room with guys who make $10 million a year,” Ekeler said via NBC Sports’ Peter King. “I see what everyone’s making, and I said, ‘Dang! That’s a lot of money!’ That’s why I’m laughing when Cameron [Weiss, his agent] tells me about the deal — it just didn’t seem real that I’d be making that money.

“You know how people say, ‘More money, more problems.’ I think money exemplifies your true character. It’s going to bring out the person I truly am. I live in the moment. The best chance you have to succeed is living in the moment—nothing matters except what you do to be better now. That’s who I am. That’s who I’ll continue to be.”

• According to CBS Sports Jason La Canfora, a well-connected NFL source expects the Chargers to draft either Oregon QB Justin Herbert or Utah State QB Jordan Love in the first round. 

Raiders

• According to CBS Sports Jason La Canfora, a well-connected NFL source expects the Raiders to move on from QB Derek Carr this offseason.
• The source mentions Panthers QB Cam Newton would be a great scheme fit for Raiders HC Jon Gruden if he’s healthy and the team could even trade Carr for Newton. 
• Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston could also be another option for the Raiders, as Gruden wants to become more aggressive and push the ball downfield.