AFC West Rumors: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

• According to Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, veteran CB Prince Amukamara could make sense as a cheaper option for the Broncos, who reportedly have an interest in Cowboys free-agent CB Byron Jones.
• Amukamara previously played for Broncos HC Vic Fangio while they were together with the Bears.
• Mike Klis hears that the Broncos are “kicking tires” on some potential free agent running backs. 
• Troy Renck reports that the Broncos had “positive dialogue” with DL Derek Wolfe’s agent at the Combine last week.
• League sources tell Renck that as many as 10 teams are showing strong interest in Broncos DB Will Parks.
• The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala expects the Broncos to use the $3.3 million second-round tender on restricted free agent DT Mike Purcell. 

Chargers

• Utah RB Zack Moss had a formal interview with the Chargers at the Combine. (Josh Newman)

Chiefs

The only thing that’s derailed Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes as he’s racked up an MVP award and a Super Bowl win in his first two seasons as a starter has been a dislocated kneecap earlier this season. Mahomes even bounced back from that injury in an abnormal amount of time, as it sidelined him for just a few weeks after looking like it could have been much worse live. Mahomes said that injury prevention will be one of his main focuses this offseason. 

“These first few weeks, I’ve really kind of been building the injury prevention stuff,” Mahomes said via SiriusXM NFL Radio. “The stuff I dealt with this year, with the ankle and with the knee, I’ve really been getting after that and trying to make sure that I can be 100 percent going into this next season, 120 percent, and ready to take on the impact of another entire football season. Every year is different, you’ve got to find ways to go out there and win football games. As of right now, (the offseason) has been about my body and getting myself in the best shape possible.”

Mahomes is also eligible for an extension for the first time in his career this offseason. However, he’s not worried about rushing the timing and says he’s optimistic he’ll remain in Kansas City “for a long time.”

• According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs and WR Sammy Watkins are working on a way to lower his 2020 cap hit, including potentially an extension. 

Raiders

• Per NBC Sports’ Tom Curran, while Raiders HC Jon Gruden won’t give Patriots QB Tom Brady the cold shoulder if his camp reaches out, the Raiders aren’t planning to exert a lot of effort to chase Brady. 
• The Athletic’s Vic Tafur expects the Raiders to go hard after a No. 1 cornerback in free agency, listing Cowboys CB Byron Jones, Panthers CB James Bradberry and Broncos CB Chris Harris as some options. 
• Tafur adds the team sees DB Lamarcus Joyner as a nickel corner, not a safety. They also will let DB Daryl Worley test the free-agent market before bringing him back. 
• Raiders GM Mike Mayock says the team wants RB Josh Jacobs to improve his pass protection in his second season so they can use him more on third down: “You’ve got to understand to catch the football in Jon Gruden’s offense as a running back, not only do you have to run routes, but you have to protect your quarterback. He’s got the physical capabilities and the toughness to pass-protect. We just have to make sure in Stage 2 this year, this development of him as a receiver, that he can do all of it.”
• ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler mention Rams LB Cory Littleton and Bears LB Nick Kwiatkoski as two free agents who the Raiders could have interest in. 
• Raiders LB Will Compton revealed on Twitter the Raiders will also let him test the free-agent market, though they haven’t ruled out bringing him back. (Twitter)
• Fresno State OL Netane Muti has met with 27 teams, of which the Raiders are one of the ones that’s shown the most interest. (Thor Nystrom)