AFC West Notes: Broncos, Raiders, Antonio Brown

Broncos

The Broncos are trying the veteran quarterback route again in 2019 with Joe Flacco after striking out with Case Keenum last year. Denver is hoping Flacco can recapture his early career form now that he’s running an offense similar to one he threw 27 touchdowns in under Gary Kubiak in 2015.

“Joe has been great,” OC Rich Scangarello said via Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post. “We’re excited about everything he brings. He’s a veteran. He’s a great student in the room. He’s competitive, he’s savvy and he’s an elite arm talent.”

If he’s healthy, there’s no question that Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders is Denver’s No. 1 threat out wide. However, health is a major question as he works his way back from an Achilles injury. 

“Emmanuel he just has another … he’s just very good,” Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr. said via Mike Klis of KUSA. “I think he’s faster. He’s one of the faster receivers that we’ve got. We got the big physical guys in Sutton and Tim Patrick but none of them have the kind of speed like Emmanuel does. So if he’s able to get back to where he was with his route-running and his hands, Flacco is going to love him.”

• Klis writes that fifth-round WR Juwann Winfree has the inside track for the No. 5 wide receiver spot. 

Antonio Brown

Raiders WR Antonio Brown apologized on Twitter for an incident settled back in April involving furniture thrown from a condo in Miami.

“The legal dispute between Ophir Sternberg and me has been resolved, with a confidential sum of funds being donated to charity,” Brown wrote. “I am sorry that an incident occurred. I apologize for any statements we made in court filings or otherwise to Mr. Sternberg and family. I with Mr. Sternberg my best with regard to future endeavors and through this settlement, seek to make amends with Mr. Sternberg and family.”

Raiders

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano says it’s a make-or-break year for Raiders QB Derek Carr, as the veteran hasn’t yet taken the next step as a passer aside from the 2016 season. 
• Graziano writes that while Carr is signed through 2022, the guaranteed money on his deal expires after the 2019 season, meaning the Raiders could move on if they have their eyes on a quarterback in the 2020 draft.