NFL Notes: Broncos, Eagles, Packers, & Titans

Broncos

Broncos executive VP John Elway tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report that they were surprised with how things played out in regards to QB Brock Osweiler departing in free agency.

“There are challenges every year. That’s why this year in free agency and all that, there are challenges every year trying to keep things together,” Elway said. “So that’s always a challenge. Was it a big surprise that we were in that situation? Yeah, because I thought…we drafted Brock [Osweiler] when we got Peyton [Manning] because we didn’t know exactly what Peyton was going to be. But also, if [Manning] wasn’t in good shape, we were going to a guy who was going to be here for a long, long time. Now, that didn’t work out, so it was a matter of, you have to fix the issue. There are going to be issues every year.”

Elway added that they feel good about Mark Sanchez and happen to be a lot higher on him than many people are.

“Well, the first thing we did is we got Mark [Sanchez] and I feel good about Mark,” Elway said. “So by getting Mark—and we’re a lot higher on him than a lot of people are—so once we landed Mark and he was here, we felt better about the situation. It was a matter of bringing somebody in for competition. But of the guys who were out there at the time, there were no difference-makers. So why would I overpay for a guy who wasn’t going to be a difference-maker?”

Eagles

• A source tells Adam Caplan reports of Eagles WR Rueben Randle, who underwent surgery to have his gallbladder removed: “He’s ok, just extremely sore. 2-3 weeks (for recovery).”

Packers

Packers HC Mike McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday that the door isn’t closed in regards to bringing veteran FB John Kuhn back this year. However, McCarthy said that they remain focused on the players currently taking part in offseason workouts.

“Player acquisition is year round so I would never say doors are closed, especially on any of our former players, especially John Kuhn,” McCarthy said, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “As far as his situation, we’re still focused on the players we have right now. So as far as John and his future, those are probably questions for other people. But I don’t think you ever close the door. But guys filled out our roster and right now we’re working and focusing on these young players.”

Titans

• According to Terry McCormick, the Titans are planning to use a rotation of players at guard this offseason to determine their starters for 2016, particularly at left guard.
• Second-year G Quinton Spain took first-team duties at left guard on Tuesday after starting the final six games of last season at that spot, while Chance Warmack continued on the right side.
• McCormick also insists that the Titans may look into moving Warmack to left guard.
• Second-year RT Jeremiah Poutasi and sixth-round G Sebastian Tretola are also in the competition at guard.