NFL Notes: Broncos, Lions, Patriots

Broncos

• Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post writes that it makes no sense for the Broncos to acquire QB Joe Flacco and then begin a rebuild, so it’s more likely Denver will be active this offseason in terms of retaining some veterans and adding free agent upgrades. 
• O’Halloran mentions that Flacco’s arrival could lead to the team bringing back WR Emmanuel Sanders, who stands to make $10.15 million for the 2019 season. 
• Interestingly enough, O’Halloran thinks the Broncos should explore adding two more quarterbacks to back up Flacco including a veteran and a mid-round pick such as Will Grier, Ryan Finley or Clayton Thorson. 
• According to O’Halloran, the lack of buzz about C Matt Paradis could be a sign the Broncos are unwilling to pay big money to bring him back or he prefers to test the open market. 
• Some speculative free agents targets for Denver, according to O’Halloran, include: CB Bryce Callahan, CB Darqueze Dennard, CB Morris Claiborne, OT Trent Brown, C Travis Swanson, OL Nick Eason, S Earl Thomas, S Lamarcus Joyner, S Landon Collins and S Tyrann Mathieu. 

Lions

• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press would be focused on taking one of LSU CB Greedy Williams, Houston DT Ed Oliver, Michigan DE Rashan Gary or Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell at No. 8 overall if he was in charge of the Lions.
• Birkett says Oliver is the player who intrigues him the most, given that he has “insane pass-rush ability inside.”
• Regarding the possibility of re-signing WR Golden Tate, Birkett wouldn’t completely rule out a reunion, considering Detroit could use some help at the position. However, he believes the odds of this happening are “relatively slim.”
• Instead, Birket thinks Jamison Crowder, Adam Humphries or Cole Beasley would be good targets for the Lions to consider. 
• If the Lions don’t re-sign Zach Zenner, Birkett could see them signing someone like Seahawks RB Mike Davis. 

Patriots

• Kevin Duffy of the Boston Herald takes a look at some speculative free agent options for the Patriots at the receiver position this offseason including Buccaneers WR Adam Humphries, Redskins WR Jamison Crowder, Steelers WR Eli Rogers, and Cowboys WR Cole Beasley.
• According to Duffy, Dolphins WR DeVante Parker and Buccaneers WR DeSean Jackson are also worth keeping an eye on, seeing as they could be release candidates this offseason. 
• Duffy adds that he wouldn’t rule out the possibility that New England could attempt to trade for a receiver either.