AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers

Broncos

• Charles Robinson mentions Broncos’ undrafted TE Austin Fort as someone who could make the team’s active roster due to his combination of speed, agility, ability to make plays. Robinson adds it’s unlikely the Broncos would be able to stash him on their practice squad. 
• Robinson points out that Broncos OLB Bradley Chubb has taken a “big leadership step” this offseason and HC Vic Fangio is expected to play him in the role Khalil Mack had last year.
• The Broncos reportedly feel WR Courtland Sutton has a “big up arrow“, while DE DeMarcus Walker has been the “most pleasant surprise” of their offseason program. 
• Robinson also says the Broncos’ staff feels “really good” about RB Royce Freeman and are hoping to establish the “true split-touch situation” that they wanted last season between Freeman and Phillip Lindsay last season.
• According to Robinson, the Broncos’ front office is “amped” to see how players are responding to Fangio and new OL coach Mike Munchak.

Chargers

• According to Chris Mortensen, the Chargers are open to trading RB Melvin Gordon, but want to control the situation.
• Mortensen says the Chargers have no plans to grant Gordon and his agent permission to line up a trade on their own.
• Mortenson confirms that the Chargers have offered Gordon around $10 million per year and believe that’s the market for his services. Los Angeles reportedly wants to keep Gordon to aid a potential Super Bowl run.
• If the Chargers end up trading Gordon, Mortensen wouldn’t be shocked. He lists the Packers and Buccaneers and two speculative teams that could make some sense for Gordon.

Chiefs

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes the Chiefs could still look to make an addition at cornerback. Breer notes the Chiefs considered trading up in the second round for a corner, but all their targets were off the board. 
• Breer notes the Chiefs are using second-round WR Mecole Hardman in similar ways to Tyreek Hill.
• Breer mentions third-round S Juan Thornhill as another player that’s stood out and could replace S Daniel Sorensen as a starter this season.