AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

• Troy Renck notes on Twitter that the Broncos stance on CB Chris Harris has not changed and it is unlikely that Denver would match any offer he receives in free agency.  With the team recently trading for CB A.J. Bouye and using the franchise tag on S Justin Simmons, Harris is unlikely to be on the team next season.
• Nicki Jhabvala notes that Harris has said the “door has been closed” on him returning next season.

Chargers 

• According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Chargers GM Tom Telesco and HC Anthony Lynn are serious about starting QB Tyrod Taylor next season.
• The team signed Taylor to a two-year deal last offseason, which has allowed them to move on from QB Philip Rivers. Popper notes that Taylor gives the Chargers a starting-caliber quarterback for a $7.5 million cap hit.
• Popper still believes that the Chargers need to add a backup quarterback, as Easton Stick is not yet ready for the job. Popper suggests the team could sign a free agent such as QB Marcus Mariota, or draft a future franchise quarterback with the No. 6 pick and start Taylor.
• Despite the team trading LT Russell Okung, Popper still thinks that the team should draft Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa, Oregon QB Justin Herbert, or Utah State QB Jordan Love at No. 6 instead of drafting one of several good tackles that will be available.
• Popper also notes that quarterbacks Tom Brady and Teddy Bridgewater may not be worth the money that the Chargers would have to pay them in free agency. Brady is unlikely to give any teams that are in the market for him a discount, and this will likely take the Chargers out of the running for him, according to Popper.
• Another trade may be on the horizon for Los Angeles according to Popper, who believes Telesco would be willing to trade for a starting tackle such as Redskins LT Trent Williams. He also doesn’t rule out the team drafting a tackle at No.6 or signing a free agent such as RT Bryan Bulaga.
• Popper notes that C Mike Pouncey still hasn’t been cleared by team doctors. If he is unable to resume his career, Popper says that LG Dan Feeney would likely move to center and Forrest Lamp, who has struggled to stay healthy, would play left guard.
• Popper doesn’t see the Chargers trading up in the draft, noting Telesco likely won’t overpay for a franchise quarterback and the team would be able to get value out of drafting a tackle at No.6.
• Oregon QB Justin Herbert is a more realistic option at the No. 6 pick for the Chargers, as Popper notes that Utah State QB Jordan Love threw 17 interceptions, and Los Angeles has already committed to moving on from gunslinging QB Philip Rivers.
• Popper says that Telesco and Lynn are comfortable entering 2020 with running backs Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, and that the re-signing of Melvin Gordon is unlikely. Popper expects another team to offer him a long-term deal of around four years for $35 million.

Raiders

• Vic Tafur of The Athletic notes that there is growing buzz that the Raiders might draft a quarterback with their second first-round pick at No. 19.
• According to Tafur, Utah State QB Jordan Love is a possibility or the team could trade down to select Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts, whom the team is very high on.