Denver Broncos

Former Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and New York Jets wide receiver Demaryius Thomas announced his retirement Monday.

Thomas is signing a contract with the Broncos in order to retire with the franchise where he spent eight of his 10 NFL seasons.

Thomas will serve as an honorary captain for Denver's home opener against the Jets on September 26, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

A five-time Pro Bowler in Denver, Thomas recorded 724 receptions for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns during his career. His greatest run of success came as Peyton Manning's top target, with Thomas setting the single-season franchise record with 1,619 receiving yards in 2014.

Thomas holds three of the five best single-season receiving totals in franchise history and two of the three best single-season catch totals. Only Rod Smith has more career receiving yards in a Broncos uniform.

Thomas' seemingly Hall of Fame-bound career slowed down his final few seasons amid the Broncos' struggles at quarterback after Manning's retirement in 2016. He was traded to Houston during the 2018 season and suffered a torn Achilles that ended his time with the franchise after only seven games.

An 11-game stint with the Jets followed in 2019, but Thomas' impact was diminished. He recorded just 36 receptions for 433 yards and a touchdown. He then went unsigned during the 2020 season.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson continues to be recruited "by former teammates and countless players across the NFL" as he seeks a trade, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Denver Broncos are considered a possible destination, but the three-time Pro Bowler "remains open to several options," per Rapoport.

Broncos safety Kareem Jackson told Aqib Talib on Wednesday's Catchin' Fades that Watson wants to join him in Denver:

Jackson spent the first nine years of his career with the Texans before joining the Broncos in 2019. He played alongside Watson in 2017-18 during the quarterback's first two years in the NFL.

Watson has been the subject of trade speculation since January, when he reportedly requested a move after he wasn't consulted during the hiring of general manager Nick Caserio.

In March and April, 22 lawsuits were filed against Watson by women who said he committed sexual assault or sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. He has denied the allegations.

The NFL is investigating the allegations under the league's personal-conduct policy and has spoken to multiple women who filed lawsuits. The Houston Police Department also said it is investigating a criminal complaint against Watson.

The 25-year-old still hopes to be traded, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported in May, and he skipped the team's OTAs.

Denver could be an option as it searches for a long-term answer at quarterback. The organization traded for Teddy Bridgewater this offseason and also has Drew Lock, but an upgrade is still possible. James Palmer of NFL Network reported last month the team could be a destination for Aaron Rodgers.

With weapons Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant and others, the Broncos could be an exciting team with the right player behind center.

The Denver Broncos announced Wednesday that retired quarterback Peyton Manning has been elected into the team's Ring of Fame.

Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis released the following statement on the news:

Manning spent four seasons with the Broncos from 2012-15 and led them to a win over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, which was his final NFL game.

While Manning is perhaps best known for what he accomplished during his first 13 NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, he has a special place in Broncos history.

In addition to winning a Super Bowl with Denver, Manning was a three-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro and one-time NFL MVP during his four-year run with the Broncos.

His 2013 season was historic, as he completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns, both of which still stand as single-season NFL records.

The Broncos reached the playoffs in each of Manning's four seasons with the team and went to the Super Bowl twice. The Super Bowl 50 victory marked the second Super Bowl win of Manning's illustrious career, as he previously won a title with the Colts.

All told, Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history with 14 Pro Bowl nods, seven first-team All-Pro selections, five NFL MVP awards and two Super Bowl triumphs to his credit.

He also ranks third in NFL history in career passing yards with 71,940 and third in passing touchdowns with 539, behind only Tom Brady and Drew Brees in both categories.

The 45-year-old Manning was chosen for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February and will officially be inducted in August.

He is also part of the Colts' Ring of Honor, had his No. 18 retired by the organization and has a statue of his likeness outside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Entering the Broncos' Ring of Fame was one of the final major accomplishments left for Manning, and he can now check that off his list.

Ja'Wuan James filed a $15 million grievance against the Denver Broncos Monday, saying the torn Achilles he suffered in May does not allow the team to use a "non-football injury" designation.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk obtained a copy of the grievance: 

'Claimant was not working out on his own,' the grievance says. 'Claimant was working out as expressly and/or impliedly authorized and/or instructed by Respondent's agents, including but not limited to the instructions and/or direction of the coach of Respondent and/or other agents of Respondent. Claimant was working out with other players on the team at the facility and mentoring younger players as requested and/or expressly and/or impliedly authorized by Respondent through its agent and/or agents.'

James is seeking his $10 million salary for 2021 and $5 million for 2022 in the complaint. The grievance will seek to prove James was working out under the guidance of the team despite not being at the facility. Florio noted that James may seek to demonstrate the Broncos facility did not meet the standards of COVID-19 safety in Colorado as well.

Perhaps more concerning for the NFL, the grievance strongly hints the league and the Broncos were in cahoots regarding his status. The filing cites a memo sent to teams May 5 following James' injury that said any injuries when "a player is working out 'on his own' in a location other than an NFL facility are considered 'non-football injuries' and are outside the scope of typical skill, injury and cap guarantee."

James may argue that the Broncos released him amid collusion with the NFL, which would double his potential compensation.

The NFLPA led widespread boycotts of voluntary offseason workouts over its desire to lessen the wear and tear on players' bodies.

James reportedly signed a two-year contract worth $9 million with the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Per Schefter, James will have to pass a physical, but it won't include the Achilles injury, and there are "no issues expected."

The Denver Broncos are the oddsmakers' clear favorite to land Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers if he's traded before the start of the 2021 NFL season.

DraftKings Sportsbook provided updated betting lines Tuesday for Rodgers' future, with a return to the Packers still listed as the most likely outcome, followed by a trade to the Broncos or Las Vegas Raiders:

Where Rodgers will open the new campaign has become a hot-button topic since ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in late April the reigning NFL MVP had "told some within the organization that he does not want to return to the team."

The 37-year-old Cal product hasn't publicly requested a trade, but he confirmed during an interview with longtime SportsCenter anchor Kenny Mayne, who hosted his last edition of the show Monday, there's a disagreement with the organization about "philosophy:"

"With my situation, look it's never been about the draft pick, picking Jordan [Love]. I love Jordan; he's a great kid. [We've had] a lot of fun to work together. Love the coaching staff, love my teammates, love the fan base in Green Bay. An incredible 16 years. It's just kind of about a philosophy and maybe forgetting that it is about the people that make the thing go. It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way."

Green Bay selected Love in the first round of the 2020 draft without informing Rodgers about the intention to add his potential heir apparent.

The nine-time Pro Bowl selection declined to say during his interview with Mayne how he wanted to resolve the lingering issues with the franchise:

"I think sometimes people forget what really makes an organization. History is important, legacy of so many people who've come before you. But the people, that's the most important thing. People make an organization, people make a business and sometimes that gets forgotten. Culture is built brick by brick, the foundation of it by the people, not by the organization, not by the building, not by the corporation. It's built by the people.

"I've been fortunate enough to play with a number of amazing, amazing people and got to work for some amazing people as well. It's those people that build the foundation of those entities. I think sometimes we forget that."

Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson reported in early May that Rodgers "remains adamant that he won't return to the team under the current stewardship of general manager Brian Gutekunst," but the leader of the Packers' front office has been steadfast in his own stance.

"We're not going to trade Aaron Rodgers," Gutekunst said April 29 after the team drafted cornerback Eric Stokes in the first round of the draft.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have been unable to find a long-term answer at quarterback. Rodgers could step in and transform the team into a championship contender in much the same way Peyton Manning did during the final years of his career after his long tenure with the Indianapolis Colts.

Mark Schlereth, a former Denver offensive lineman and current 104.3 The Fan radio host, posted on the first day of the draft that a Rodgers-to-Broncos trade was “close to a done deal,” but nothing has materialized.

The team did pass on the available quarterbacks with the ninth overall pick in the draft, instead opting for Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II, so the need for a QB is still there. As it stands, Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater, who was acquired the day before the draft began, would compete for the starting job.

All of the other possible landing spots, including the Raiders, are long shots based on the current odds.

Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio is expecting big things from Von Miller this season. 

Fangio told reporters on Monday that he has "no doubt" the eight-time Pro Bowler can still play at a high level after missing all of 2020 with a dislocated peroneal tendon. 

Miller suffered the injury during practice on Sept. 8, six days before Denver's season-opener against the Tennessee Titans. He underwent ankle surgery on Sept. 11 and was given a four-to-six month recovery timetable. 

There was speculation about Miller's future with the Broncos during the offseason, but general manager George Paton told reporters in March they wanted to bring him back. 

Denver ultimately exercised the 2021 option on Miller's contract. The 32-year-old will earn a $17.5 million base salary this season. 

"I have totally bought into being a Coloradoan for life, let alone a Denver Bronco," Miller wrote on Instagram when the team picked up his option. "I want to be here forever through the thick, the thin, the Super Bowl seasons, the losing seasons. I want to be here forever."

A 10-year veteran, Miller has spent his entire career with the Broncos. He is the franchise's all-time leader with 106 career sacks and 26 forced fumbles. 

Miller recorded 46 combined tackles, 20 quarterback hits and eight sacks in 15 games during the 2019 season. 

As speculation grows about a possible Aaron Rodgers trade to the Denver Broncos, veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater won't lose focus on preparing for the upcoming season.

"Honestly, man, I just keep my head down and control what I control," Bridgewater said Monday, per Troy Renck of Denver7. "These days are an opportunity for me to get better as a teammate and a person. This is a business. I understand the nature of it."

Rodgers reportedly doesn't want to return to the Packers and skipped the start of organized team activities Monday, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN. 

Pro Football Talk reported in April the reigning MVP wants to land with either the Broncos, San Francisco 49ers or Las Vegas Raiders.

James Palmer of NFL Network reported on May 10 that Rodgers going to the Broncos is a "real possibility."

Such a trade could ruin Bridgewater's chances to earn a starting job with Denver after entering organized team activities in what was described by head coach Vic Fangio as a "50-50" battle with Drew Lock.

Bridgewater has already seen the harsh business side of the NFL over the past year.

The 28-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers last offseason and produced a respectable 92.1 quarterback rating and 64.2 Total QBR in 15 starts. The team was still seeking a long-term upgrade at the position after a 5-11 season and acquired Sam Darnold in a trade with the New York Jets. Three weeks later, Bridgewater was sent to Denver in exchange for a sixth-round pick.

It now appears his team is once again eyeing a potential replacement on the trade market, but Bridgewater seems focused on winning the starting job.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb reportedly won't be available for organized team activities due to an ankle injury. 

Per Mike Klis of 9News, Chubb had a "minor" surgical procedure done on his ankle this week. He is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in July. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported the procedure was to remove a bone spur. 

Chubb missed Denver's final two games last season due to an ankle injury.

The Broncos took Chubb with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. The former North Carolina State star was named the ACC's 2017 Defensive Player of the Year and won the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation's top collegiate defensive end.

Chubb made an immediate impact as a rookie, amassing 12 sacks, 21 quarterback hits and 60 tackles in 16 games.

Unfortunately, Chubb's 2019 season ended after four games because of a partially torn left ACL against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Chubb returned to the field in 2020 and continued his pass-rushing prowess with 7.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits and 42 combined tackles in 14 games. He started every contest until Dec. 27 when his ankle flared up. 

Patrick Surtain II has reportedly signed his rookie deal with the Denver Broncos, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

The expected terms of the standard deal were reported by Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac on draft night:

The Alabama product was drafted by the Broncos with the No. 9 overall pick. 

The 6'2", 208-pound star was the second cornerback drafted after South Carolina's Jaycee Horn and became the first defensive player drafted in the first round by the Broncos since 2018.

He was a three-year starter at Alabama. In 13 games en route to the national title, he broke up 12 passes and returned a pick for a touchdown. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year earned unanimous first-team All-American honors. 

Prior to that, he had 10 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions in 2019. 

He'll slot into a cornerback group that is currently headlined by Ronald Darby, Kyle Fuller and Bryce Callahan. He's also prepared to work for his spot on the team, telling reporters at the team's rookie minicamp that he never considered skipping out on the event even though the NFL Players Association urged rookies to do so amid the boycott of an in-person offseason. 

"I'm a rookie, and I don't have the advantage for me to talk or even miss minicamp. I don't have any proven ability to miss minicamp," he said. "I just have to go out here and practice and compete every day and get right with the playbook. There were no plans of missing minicamp."

Aric DiLalla of the team's official website reported Friday that five other members of the Broncos' 2021 draft class had signed their rookie deals, including safeties Caden Sterns and Jamar Jackson, wideout Seth Williams, cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. and defensive end Marquiss Spencer.  

The Denver Broncos have hired Kelly Kleine to serve as the executive director of football operations/special advisor to the general manager, the team announced Monday. 

General manager George Paton released the following statement on the hiring:

"Kelly is a rising star in the NFL, and we're fortunate to add someone of her caliber to the Denver Broncos. Having worked with her for nine years in Minnesota, Kelly has a strong understanding of all aspects of football operations and player evaluation along with outstanding leadership qualities. She will be a tremendous resource with her experience on the pro and college sides as well as her knowledge of our grading scale and football calendar."

With her hiring, Kleine is believed to be the highest-ranking woman in an NFL scouting department in league history. 

Per the Broncos' press release, Kleine will serve as a "primary liaison for the team's football operations while also holding significant responsibilities in both pro and college scouting." 

Responsibilities will include "player evaluation, day-to-day football administration and preparation for the NFL Draft and free agency," along with overseeing the video and equipment departments. 

Kleine spent the previous 10 years with the Minnesota Vikings, rising to the position of manager of player personnel/college scout the past two seasons. She also served as a college scouting coordinator (2015-18), scouting assistant (2014) and scouting administration intern (2013).