Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right, welcome to it Broncos Country tonight, rolling along
here on KOA A f efty AM ninety four one FM,
Yours truly, Anthony Rodriguez, also known as A Rod, here
at KOA, filling in for Ben Albright. On the other
side of the glass, We've got Zach Seeger's producer extraordinary
here at KOA joining as well. I'm going to talk
(00:20):
a little Denver Broncos with you as again we fill
in for mister Albright. First off, Zach, what's going on, man?
How are you?
Speaker 2 (00:28):
I'm doing great. I'm doing great, A Rod, how are
you today?
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Well, man, I am pretty good. And I don't know
if I'll be on as glorious of a high horse
as Sean Payton was today, Zach. And I'd say that
with all due respect because in the Broncos end of
season press conference that was held today, of course we
heard from Broncos ad coach Sean Payton, who I just
alluded to, Broncos General manager George Payton, and then CEO
(00:54):
and owner Greg Penner, and lots to dive into on
those conversations. Though all those comments made by all of
the above, as just mentioned, it's gonna be quite quite
a fun hour here with you here on KOA excited
to dive into it, and I'll get right to my
comment there. Not as much of a high horse, if
(01:15):
you will, but kind of just some really interesting comments
that potentially meant meant a little bit more than just
the comments themselves from head coach Sean Payton. Of course,
we're you know, we're no stranger, I think to Peyton,
you know, Megan some comments that maybe raised some eyebrows
across you know, not just your locally, but nationwide as well.
(01:36):
Of course, his comments about the way that the Nathaniel
Hackett led demo Broncos were coached before Sean took over
and today made some made some interesting comments regarding the
difference in the off season. Going into the off season,
I should say, compared to when you knew that there's
going to be a change at quarterback with Russell Wilson
(01:59):
and knew that you're going to to make some kind
of change, whether that was going to get a vet
maybe like a Sam Darnold, or if you're going to
go into the draft and get what obviously turned into
them drafting bo Nick so misery and whatever other adjectives
even asked at one point for more adjectives about all
the about how tough the offseason was last year, but
(02:19):
a lot a lot better tone of an end of
season press conference. I think all would admit at the
end of the twenty twenty four campaign that we just had.
You know, when it comes to George Payton saying all
searching for the rookie quarterback who has franchise skills, I
think we have just that. On Sean Payton saying of
(02:39):
bo Nick and the rookie season, the importance of solidifying
the quarterback position quote, I think we found it. But
obviously all that, like I said, again highlighted by Sean
essentially saying, well, I'm want to enjoy this offseason a
whole lot more kind of having a direction and an understanding,
but just to get things started against Zach as we
roll into these comments, a lot to dive into here
(03:03):
here on Broncos Country denied this end of season press conference, Zach,
call direct you first, maybe something I just alluded to
or something else that kind of piqued your interest the most.
What was some of your biggest, if maybe your number
one biggest takeaway from that end of season press conference?
Either from Peyton and Peyton or from Greg Pinter.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
For me, it was them talking about the running backs
and then the run game in general and how they're
going to be looking to fix that this next season.
I think that's going to be critical. They absolutely have
to have a better running game than what they had
this past year, and I think the running backs are
going to be a big part of it. I think
some people might be disappointed by Peyton's answers saying, you know,
(03:42):
we're not gonna have a bell cow guy or a leedback.
I don't think that means they won't invest in the position.
You know, you look at Peyton's whole history in New Orleans,
they never really had a one, do it all back.
Even with Alvin Kamara. You had Latavius Murray or mark
Ingram ranking in the top, you know, thirty two of
the league. In terms of carries, they were getting more
(04:03):
carries than some team starters or you know, some teams
guys with the most carries on the team. He just
is going to lean on those backs a lot, whether
it be in the passing game or on the ground.
They're going to get a lot of touches in this offense.
Javonte had the fifth most targets of any running back
in the league this past year. And you know he's
fine in the passing game. He should not be having
(04:24):
that work load and we already know the problems with
him on the ground. The fact that they are looking
to add multiple guys this year Sean Payton made it
very clear they are going to load that room up
with backs. It's music to my ears because frankly, I
don't think any of them were good enough. I know
there was some clamoring for Baby at the or sorry
Bide at the end of the year, but you know,
(04:45):
I think the fact he only got two carries in
that that game was telling, you know, we're putting a
lot of faith in just fourteen carries from him. If
you know, you give him a roster spot next year,
I think it's clear Javantes over the hill. Julia McLoughlin.
Maybe as a number three back is something, but he
can't be the meat of the run game. And then
(05:05):
you look at estimate and I mean they took him
out of the lineup for the day, and running back's
not a position where you see some big learning curve
from the college to the pro game. So I'm very
concerned about his outlook. So I'm glad to hear it
they're looking to overhaul that room. That was my biggest
takeaway and something I'm very excited to see the next
step in.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
I'm very glad you want to go there, because that's
exactly where I want to spend a few minutes here.
And you delivered a great primer into this conversation because
the comment regarding not wanting to go with a lead
back moving forward, and they don't see a Bell cow
back as the way they want to go. What you
just said there and what John Payden said in the
(05:45):
press conference for me, I think, Zach, there has been
a pretty noticeable over correction in terms of the running
back position in the NFL today, because I'm taking a
look right now the twenty twenty four NFL running back
salary rankings, and on this list, there obviously are some
(06:06):
notable names that are not a part of the postseason
right now. Number one obviously Christian McCaffrey, a sixteen million
per with the Niners. Number two, you just mentioned Sean
Payton ad Alvin Kamara with the New Orleans saintskin paint
fifteen million per. Number three not in the postseason, Jonathan
Taylor with the gold fourteen million per. And then you
get into four, five, and six, who are very much
(06:31):
in the postseason and pretty good part of the of
the game plan. Number number four, number five, by the way,
just got bounced, and that of course is Josh Jacobs
with the Green Bay Packers, but was in the postseason
at twelve million per. Joe Mixon with the Texans nine
point nine million per, a vast underpaid based on how
successful of a season that he's had. Then Rimondre Stevenson
(06:53):
surprisingly there at seven. Derrick Henry is up there as well,
obviously not a big contract by my account, eight million
burges on a two year deal, So less than half
of the top running backs, and I think most of those,
especially obviously Saquon you know, Jacobs to a point, definitely
to a point, Joe Mixon, Derrick Henry Bell cow backs
(07:15):
aren't obviously a big part of today's offenses. But there
has been a big over correction based on what we
saw in a couple of years prior to this year.
I think obviously with a pass heavy offense, the NFL
has gone away from paying that well. Honestly, there's been
seemingly an unwritten rule, if you will, of paying running
(07:35):
backs big time money after even like the age of thirty.
We obviously, we're famously aware of Le'Veon Bell hold out,
the situation with him in Pittsburgh that obviously to not
go his way. But I think we've corrected though, even
though Zach, it's less than half of the running backs
on that top ten list I just mentioned that are
getting paid that I think arguably some of the most
(07:56):
successful teams right now, and not even with ones not
listed here on this list, with the top paid running back,
I'll have to look and see. I'm not sure what
James Cook is getting paid, but I think the top
teams right now in the NFL have that go to guy.
And for me, I understand the idea of a platoon
(08:18):
and and and I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm
gonna quote here what with Ben Albright said on X
Today outside of kamaraw we always had they always had
a three man platoon. Uh, there is something and this
is the most important part here, Zach, there is something
to be said for letting running backs get in a rhythm,
and that hasn't happened here in Denver. Again reminder and
(08:39):
Ben pointed this out too, the Broncos have not had
one hundred yard rush of the entire Sean Payton tenure.
And for me, it's been a combination of a lot
of different things. The reason why that's been I think
obviously the personnel themselves, but honestly, I think the scheme
and the lack of rhythm for these running backs has
been a big, big factor, especially with these running backs,
(09:03):
and obviously it's rotated a bit estimated new to the
room guys that have tried to get in that rhythm,
tried to get a feel for this offense. I think
Sean just knows roster wise, he doesn't have a guy
that he'd want to be the lead back. Like you mentioned,
Kamara had help. Okay, we obviously here in Denver familiar
like you mentioned Latavious Murray, you mentioned mark Ingram, but
Kamara was the guy. I understand it wasn't necessarily considered
(09:25):
a lead back, wasn't considered a bell cow back, a
three down back, but the talent is there. He could
have been that. He has the guy that he could
lean on. I think Sean just recognize you know that
guy just wasn't here this year. He even said, quote today,
I don't know that we ever found that right combo
at running back. He also said not ready to talk
about where he thinks the Broncos needs are and where
(09:46):
they aren't. Obviously, you don't want to tip your hand,
but Zach, what do you think about the fact that
what we saw on offense, the rotation and as Sean said,
not finding out right combination. Honestly, Zach, I think it's
more about the fact that they don't have the personnel
to do it. They don't have that guy that can
(10:07):
lean on. I think that honestly. I know Sean doesn't
have a history of doing so. But how vital it
would be if they had a Derrick Henry, if they
had a Joe Mixon, if they had a Josh Jacobs.
Obviously a guy like Saquon Jonathan Taylor who they could
trade for. If they had that guy, what that would
do for this offense, regardless of it becomes the lead
back or becomes the bell cow back. What that caliber
(10:30):
of a player would do for this offense? Zach, I think,
I mean, this offense would take a massively, would it not?
Speaker 3 (10:37):
It would definitely take a lead forward. But I also
think this idea of a lead back or a bell
cow back, frankly is kind of stuck in the nineteen
eighties or nineteen nineties. It's not a thing anymore because
teams just know it's not the best way to use
their running backs, even if you do have a superstar
highlighting Derrick Henry Justice Hill is a big part of
that backfield. You know, James Cook, not on a big deal,
but absolutely one of the better runbacks in the league,
(11:00):
which part of that offense. They did invest a good
bit to get him. They spent a second round pick
to make sure they acquired him.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
He's great.
Speaker 3 (11:06):
Rey Ray Davis another solid draft pick of theirs. It
gets a lot of work in that backfield. SAQ one
is probably the closest thing we have right now to
a lead back, and there's a reason why there's just
one of them. I mean, there's not many saques out
there growing on trees, so certainly they need some better backs.
I think when you look at the structure of this offense,
(11:28):
what you see is actually the bones for a good
running game are there. The Broncos rank eleventh in the
NFL in terms of yards before contact per attempt. So
the yards are there for a top ten run game,
you know, before the running back has even seen a defender,
they're on pace for you know, top ten ish, top
eleven ish production.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
This has also seen in the success rate numbers.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
They're eleventh in rushing success rate, which is looking at
you know, are you picking up are you staying ahead
of the sticks on a down? You know, picking up
three four yards per carry is kind of the evidence
of strong offensive line blocking or strong schematics in the
run game. When you get the big twenty thirty forty
yard carries, right, That's what a Saquan's doing for you,
(12:13):
That's what a Derek Henry's doing for you.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Is those explosive games.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Pronco's yards after contact per carry they rank thirtieth. They're
just they don't have any of that pop or explosive ability.
And I think you are dead on saying, you know,
I don't think this is a Sean Payne phenomenon. I
think it is a matter of who they have in
the backfield. Now, some of it is Sean Payton. Alvin
(12:39):
Kamara hasn't had in one thousand yard season rushing season
in his entire career. Clearly is a talented enough back
to rush for one thousand yards in a season. But
I think it's also good to keep mark Ingram and
Alvin Kamia both fresh and look at how dynamic that
run game is. You had Latavius Murray is the third guy,
and they were all getting usage. But this idea of
(13:00):
messing up their rhythm or whatever, it wasn't a problem.
They were all gaining yards consistently. Why because they were
good running backs. I don't think the problem with Javonte
Williams and Julia McLoughlin and Audrick Estimate and Tyler Bidet
and Blake Watson whoever, is that you know, they haven't
had enough carries to get in rhythm. I mean, what
Chavante had fifteen yards on twenty carries in the month
of October it was laughable, or November it was laughable.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
It's not a rhythm thing. It's a lack of talent issue.
Speaker 3 (13:27):
And I think we're going to see that room overhauled
for that exact reason this offseason.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
It has to be. And honestly, to your point, you know,
even if we were living in the era of full
On Bell Cow full On three down, which obviously we don't.
By the way I mentioned, you know over correction, they're
definitely never gonna over correct all the way back to that,
but there has been a regression I think, back to
clearly giving these talented lead guys, you know, a good
chunk of the of the touch. It's definitely not a
(13:53):
certainly one percent majority, but you know, honestly, Zach, the
current room we wouldn't trust as the Bell cow Shawn
wouldn't trust says the bellca win trust is being the
lead back. That's why the rotation was there. Rodre asten
Man didn't even suit up for the playoff game, and
he obviously I think at times show showed the most promise.
I think we love what Julia McLaughlin brings to the table.
(14:16):
I think he's a gadget guy. I think some people
I would you know, there's differences clearly there. But if
poor Man's Alvin Kamara, maybe, but there's no one there
that would we would want up in that position anyway.
So it comes down to it whether whether they go
and to whether whether Sean would like to prefer to
have a guy be the lead guy. Guy's not on
the roster now with all the respect of the current room.
What we saw in twenty twenty four, that guy isn't
(14:37):
on the team anyway, So whether they wanted to go
to that or not, the guy's not there, The Derrick
Henry's not there, the Joe Mix is not there. Jonathan
Taylor's on the market, he would get sixty seventy eighty
percent of touches. Honestly, Zach real quick, just to me
a percent. If Jonathan Taylor is traded for him, he
becomes at Denver Bronco percentage of touches in twenty twenty five.
What do you think that would be?
Speaker 3 (14:56):
Oh, that's tough a talent of that level. I think
you're looking at sixty seventy percent. Yeah, and that's what
we've seen from you know, the Alvin Kamares and to
your point, these other.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
Backs around the league.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
We all know that defenses have gotten more conservative in
this Mahomes Josh Allen air to stop those explosive passing games,
and it's opened up stuff underneath to where now you
you want one of those super talented backs. To your point, thankfully,
this draft has a lot of them.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
It does have a lot of them. I gotta say Zach,
I'm telling you, I know they're at twenty. I really
want Ashton Janty or I want them to target Cam
Scataboo in the second round. I know that it's deep,
and trust me, I get it. I'm usually that guy.
If the position is deep, don't use a premium pick
where you don't have to, but in this offense and
how it would just catapult what we can do offensively.
(15:46):
I want that premium pick to be at running back
this year. I do. I want it. I want I
want one of the top guys. Yes, the class is deep,
but I want them to walk away in one of
the top guys. Will they honestly, probably not, because today
I think I think they could. They definitely would have
to trade it for Janty. I don't think Jant's going
to be the target. I think Cam Skyta moves a
lot more likely. You gotta make sure you go get
(16:08):
in though, future guy. Anyway, we're gonna move on. We're
gonna talk a lot more about the comments from this
end of season press conference today. I want to talk
a little bit about what Greg Penner, the Broncos CEO
and owner, said about the stadium future. Where would we
want to have this thing be. Is there anything to
read between the lines there? George Paydon obviously that that
partnership with him and Shine has just gotten more and
more cohesive, more and more of a healthy relationship. He
(16:29):
had some great things to say as well. We'll talk
about that. This is Broncos Country Night. I'm Anthony Rodriguez,
Hey rod filling in for Ben Albright. He's Zack Segers.
Were back talking more Denver, Broncos Broncos Country Tonight here
on KYO A. I'm Anthon or Rodriguez filling in for
Ben Albright Tonight. Zach Seger is on the other side
(16:50):
of the glass with you for one more segments, breaking
down all kinds of things. In the first segment there,
we chatted about the end of season press conference today
with Broncos, said Sean Payton, general manager George Peyton, and
CEO and owner Greg Penner. We're going to get more
into that. We chat a bit about the running back
position and chat about Sean Payton's comments kind of maybe
(17:13):
teasing a little bit of a shot there going into
the last year's offseason with the question mark of Russell
Wilson in that contract. Now obviously a lot more positivity understandably,
so chatting about going into free agency now, kind of
knowing that you've got your quarterback in bo Nix, and
kind of fine tuning what the Broncos were able to
do in twenty twenty four going into twenty twenty five.
(17:37):
We'll talk about the stadium a bit here in just
a minute after what Greg Penner said, maybe I have
a little fun with the jab at one of the
combinations for the uniforms as well. But I think I
want to start out by talking about upcoming free agency
because it happens faster than you know, Zach. I don't
know if you knew, but NFL's year round. There is
no off season. If anyone ever says the word off
(17:57):
season in the NFL, you can give him a little
eyebrow raise and say, really, because when exactly is that?
Because for the players there's an offseason, but for the
coach as general manager, of the ownership, and really the
fans when it comes down to it, especially when you
have this much excitement for the Denver Broncos for the
first time in a long time, I think this legitimate
excitement of talking about becoming a contender. If they aren't
(18:18):
already obviously having just had a playoff berth for the
first time since they won Super Bowl fifty. But when
you're this good that there really is no offseason, we
immediately want to talk about the moves they're going to make.
You know, who are they going to be looking at
the combine and who should we be looking at in
the Senior Bowl. What free agents are they going to
be leaving or staying here, What big ticket item free
agents can they get in unrestricted free agency? And then
(18:41):
obviously the NFL drafts, which just captures the entire fan
base for so long. But moving ahead first to NFL
free agency. Before the draft, we did chat a little
bit about potential to draft of running back, but in
free agency, George Payton said today, and I think this
is kind of right on the money, especially when you're
talking about piggybacking on What made them successful in twenty
(19:03):
twenty four was hitting on the right free agents, not
just throwing a lot of money out there, which obviously
have to be very measured in doing. Need I mean,
let me tell you this, you need a good general
manager when you have as much dead cap as they
did with the Russell Wilson contract. And obviously they're going
to have about I think I've heard about twenty million
more to play with roughly in dead cap than they
(19:24):
did in year one. That took the bigger hit with
the Russell Wilson contract in year one than they will
here in the final year two. But George Peyton said,
I think will be measured. It worked out well for
us last year. You can't go crazy every year. And
that last part of the sentence is is notable with
what I just said, you really can't go crazy because
of the Russell Wilson contract, what that's going to be
(19:45):
tied up in. And so the measured moves is exactly
what they did in twenty twenty four. One of the
guys that's an unrestricted free agent here that was a
money signing was obviously was obviously Cody Barton. And linebacker
obviously is a very notable position of I think many
would say need of them needing to kind of shore
up that position. You know, Alex Singleton, will he be back?
(20:07):
You would you would think he might, but you know
there's obviously a potential question mark there. Justin Sternaud an
unrestricted free agent as well, And so the linebacker positions
that could could could keep, could be very, very heavily overhauled.
There's an argument to be made that in terms of
overhaul that position, uh, an inside linebacker, it might make
the argument to be more overhauled than running back. I
(20:30):
think it will be wind up being the running back
position that's more overhaul But uh, Zach, I'll get your take.
Specifically at linebackers we start to dive into free agency here,
a little bit of a preview, a primer, if you will,
as the as the as the front office is getting
ready for this thing, knowing that they already are in
conversation about what to do. But at linebacker, how do
you kind of feel like they're going to address that?
Specifically Barton in Sternaud you know obviously Singleton as well
(20:51):
in the mix. What do you what do you think
their their plan of attack will be there?
Speaker 2 (20:55):
You know, I think you want to bring Barton back.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
I think he had a really strong you know, it
didn't close it the way you want, but I think
he's that ideal coverage linebacker the Broncos have wanted for
so long. I think a little too much got put
on his plate when when Singleton went down that was
an intriguing pairing because you know, Barton's always struggled against
the run in his career. He's a lighter linebacker. He
moves really well, but he's a lighter linebacker and can
(21:19):
get pushed around on the ground. Some really great coverage guy,
and we saw that this season. He had a lot
of you know, big splash plays in terms of takeaways
or fumbles or whatever.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
In part because of that.
Speaker 3 (21:29):
It was a good blitzer for the Broncos as well,
but Singleton, as that kind of tackle monster, was supposed
to balance him out. Now, Singleton's going to be turning
thirty two next season, is coming off into ACL tear
and is you know, one of the most poorest linebackers
in the league in coverage. He also has ranked top
ten among linebackers in missed tackle rate I should say
(21:51):
bottom ten and one of the ten highest rates missed
tackle rates in the league each of the last two seasons. Now,
just hasn't been the same guy really since that first
year in Denver. The tackle numbers have been there, but
he's been missing so many of the opportunities. He's great
at flying around getting to the ball, but he doesn't
always finish the job. I think you want a more
reliable compliment to Cody Barton. So I think you bring
(22:12):
back Cody Barton, maybe even Sternad as a special teamer.
Though I agree with you, I think he's maybe elevated
his value too much to just be in that role.
He might be gone, and so then the Broncos are
gonna have to overhaul their depth as well. So I
think it's going to be Barton, probably a vet linebacker
signing of some sort. Bobby Wagner honestly could be interesting
there if you want to look at a big name
(22:33):
option who also shouldn't be too expensive because he's on
the back nine of his career. But I think you
go there and then I think, you know, maybe a
Lavelle Bailey or a Day three draft pick or something
else is rounding out the room in that justin Surnod spot.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
I think the like everything you said there. I think
the one thing I would add is you find the
biggest pair of pliers you can find. You head on
out to Philadelphia and you find in a way to
pry away Zach Bond. How about that that was going
to move that is a three. I think his meteoric
rise with Philly is probably going to wind up having
(23:11):
him stay there, but that would be that would be
something special as well. The other position, and it's not
one of the ones I've mentioned yet, but I gotta
I gotta get a primer on this conversation with you, Zach,
because he's not he's not a free agent. There's the
void year in twenty six on the books for twenty
five Courtland Sutton, how do you envision the Broncos tackling
their courtland? And I'm not going to call it problem
(23:32):
because the guy had an amazing year him and bo Nicks.
Obviously he created a great connection. But based on what
we think that they want to do a wide receiver
with the history of Sean Payton, what he's done at
wide receiver, I mean, we have part of that history
right here in Denver with little Jordan Humphrey, who we
don't know is going to be back. But what what
I'll ask you first, I want to get your take first.
How do you think that they're going to tackle their courtland? Sutton? Uh,
(23:53):
I'll say dilemma.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
I feel like they'll bring him back on a new deal,
and you know, I don't have the sourcing on that
of but it just it would not make sense to
me to let him go at this juncture. He was
Bonix his favorite target. He was Bonix's best target. And
so much of the off season conversation we just did
a good bit of it in that first segment. So
much of the offseason conversation is how can we upgrade
(24:16):
the weapons around bow Right.
Speaker 2 (24:18):
He's got a great line, he had great.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
Pass protection all year, but the weapons at running back,
at tight end, at wide receiver were pretty lackluster. That said,
I think far and away the best option he had
at any of those three positions was Cortland Sutton. So
I think ultimately the Broncos and they do somewhat have
their hands tied still from that Russell Wilson dead money,
you know, as they attack this offseason. Also an offseason
(24:41):
where there aren't a lot of great wide receiver options
out there. There's really just the one in T Higgins,
and he's going to have a crazy market as a result.
Only one team is going to win the T. Higg
And Sweepstakes, and there are eight nine ten that would
love to win those sweepstakes. Outside of that, there's not
a great you know, first round receiver in the draft,
there's not a great VET option. You know, same kind
(25:01):
of goes for a tight end and running back. On
the VET markets, they're very strong in the draft. But okay,
so if we're addressing those positions through the draft, there's
not really a great VET option at wide receiver. How
are you going to prevent the wide receiver drop off
for bon Nicks in his second year. I think they
should be focusing on upgrading, you know, the overall depth
of the room so he's not having to lean on
a little Jordan Humphrey so harder at Troy Franklin so
(25:25):
hard next season. I think that should be the goal
rather than trying to mess with something that ain't broken
right now.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
Well, I'll say this, the best thing that happened for
the Denver Broncos in terms of this possibility to bring
back coldon Sun is to have the season that they
just had because I don't think Courtland is going to
want to walk. In terms of if the Broncos once
again visit remember they they already restructured this deal. He
obviously you know, with those incentives, aren't could have or
(25:55):
and I believe that those incentives probably pushed him to
that number of fifteen point two mil in this twenty
twenty four season, obviously on the books for twenty twenty
five cap hit of twenty mil. Like you just said,
if they're they're gonna walk up to him with the
possibility of another new RESK structure, you're gonna obviously have
maybe maybe adds more years out, a bit more money
on the back end, do what you got to do.
But the best part of this conversation that's going to
(26:15):
going to be had you would assume is going to
be had, is the fact that I think Courtland wants
to be a part of this now. He's got a
quarterback he wants he was he was tracted as a
Denver Bronco. He clearly if you listen to him, he
loved being here, he loved this season that they had.
So it's gonna be exciting to kind of watch. I
one hundred percent agree with you. If you're looking to
upgrade the weapons, you know, there's something to the saying
(26:38):
of take two steps you know, one step back, take
two steps forward, But with weapons, we've got to be
a lot more steps backwards, and it'd be hard to
reach par in par was what the weapons we already
had in twenty twenty four with Courtland's and the Lean
the way. So I'm with you. I think you try
your best to bring Courtland back. Now. If he's going
to ask for a whole lot more money that you
just can't you can't afford, then you know this conversation
to be had. But I think you broach it just
(26:59):
like that. And Courtly wants to be here, and you
and you, and you start that conversation with that, and
you obviously take care of him, and and and on
Courtland's side, obviously he wants to be taken care of.
But I think the Broncos will do that. They know
how vital he was to this offense and what they're
able to do. Obviously, a possession receiver, and you want
to you want to upgrade with some speed. You want
to get a guy that you know, not necessarily a
gadget guy. You know, we kind of potentially have that
(27:19):
already here with with Marvin Wimms. But you know, you
got to find a different uh position. Uh you know,
Jerry Judy's not here anymore. Ironically, that'd be kind of
a really could fit for this wide receiver room. But
moving forward, Obviously we got a lot more time to
talk about free agency, but a limited time here in
this seme. I want to get dive into a couple
more things here. We talked a bit about free agency,
talked a bit about wide receiver. The last two things
(27:40):
on the docket here, UH number one this stadium future
and Bronco CEO owner Greg Penner. UH chatted about this
today basically addressing kind of what we've been when seeing
Mike Cliss does a great job governing the Denver Broncos
had had thrown out, you know, possibility of loan Tree
and Greg Penner, you know, in addition with not just loansry,
(28:02):
but you know current site or possibly to the east,
not not specifically mentioning that one there, but overall, quote,
we haven't ruled out anything. Anything is on the table
for the Denver Broncos in their new stadium. Obviously they
are super early in this process, Zach, I mean we're
we're long long ways away, I will say, by the
way they chat about the construction process on this new
(28:27):
training facility, I think you said they're roughly about ten
percent into this thing. Ninety percent of the plan has done,
but outside of a couple of snow days. It sounds
like they're running basically round year on this thing. So
when they get to this stadium, when they solidify the land,
they solidify the plans. I don't think that's honestly the
longest hold up. I think that's the preliminary stages right now,
the research that is going to take equally as amount
(28:48):
of time and years that it will be also to
build this thing. But the fun question, because no one
knows anything, and obviously they are still in the preliminary process,
but we're gonna have a little bit fun with it
real quick for a minute here, Zach, before we talk
about the divisional round for a minute, ideally, where would
you want to have the new stadium and why I.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Love it right where it is.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
Honestly, I'm sure there's some people that don't like it,
but I think having it right there by I twenty
five by I seventy where it's fairly accessible for most
anywhere you know, downtown or you know, if you're coming
up from the springs or down from Fort Collins, or
you know, heading west from the plains or you know,
east from the ski towns, it's pretty accessible. And I'm
(29:29):
a big fan of that right now. I think it
represents our state well. An alternative that I would also
be a big fan of, and I don't think it's
super likely, but I think it is on the table,
would be that stadium district idea where Elages might be
on its way out here in the coming years. That land,
I think is owned by the Walmart family, but on
the kronky side of things, but it's possible. Maybe they
(29:51):
work something out there and the Broncos build on that
new Eliges Land or former Elages land, I should say,
and you get kind of this stadium district thing going.
I would that idea, I think could be really really fun.
I think it would be a pain in the butt
for a good number of reasons too, and I understand
why some people might protest it, but I think just
the atmosphere, like Bronco's atmosphere is already amazing. I think
(30:13):
allowing that to trickle in some more to like the
Aves and Nuggets, who have a great growing fan base
and culture, but I think it would only further bolster
that and Denver's becoming or it's such a sports town
and I just think, I don't know, getting that culture
to all mix and mesh and it would just be
a really cool part of the town I feel to have.
Speaker 2 (30:33):
So that's my backup plan. I'd either keep it.
Speaker 3 (30:35):
Where it is, or if you are going to mess
with something, and mess with it in that way that
maybe has the potential to improve it, don't throw it
out by the airport or in the middle of nowhere.
Speaker 1 (30:44):
Prior to the last couple of months, I probably would
have been with you. But I think the kron Keys
are moving ahead based on the plans that they had
talked about in the last couple of months about what
they're looking to do, I think those are already heavily
in motion. Around ball Arena and where Ilitch is is
now going to be no longer. I think that's kind
of already in motion. So selfishly, I'm going to say, selfishly,
(31:04):
admittedly selfishly, please bring it up north towards me. Please,
for the love of Pearl, bring it up north towards me.
Do not code south. I mean, it would make so
much sense to go near Loan Tree and be close
to the train facility, have it all kind of be
in the same area, But please bring it north. Honestly, though,
if I had to say likelihood, I think I based
on nothing, nothing in all, no insight. Go east towards
(31:25):
the airport, Jerry Jones, Jerry World two point zero. Just
make it a whole, big old thing. So much money
is available, people would come. I don't want to hear
anyone say I won't go to the games anymore, or
I'd rather not be there. You're gonna go, You're gonna go.
You're gonna enjoy all the festivities they're gonna have, The
big old buildings are gonna have all around it, with
all the cool new businesses, and it's gonna be Jerry
(31:45):
World two point oh. That's why I think the most
likelihood is But but we'll obviously have to see a
couple more minutes here real quick. I want to get
into just again, a bit of a midweek primer talking
about the divisional round, Chiefs and Texans, Bills and Ravens, Lions, Commanders,
Eagles and Rams. In the time we have, Zach, I'll
ask you which game for you has the absolute most
intrigue for you in the divisional round.
Speaker 3 (32:07):
I feel like there's only one right answer here, and
there's some good games. There's definitely some good games. The
man Buffalo Baltimore. I mean the battle of the two MVPs,
the battle to see who can be the quarterback to
potentially dethrown Patrick Mahmes. I think they'll probably take this
care of business against the Texans this week, making that
AFC Championship a big marking moment. And I think Josh
(32:30):
Allen and Lamar Jackson both have this specter hanging over
their careers right now about their playoff successes or lack thereof.
Josh Allen has had a little more playoff success but
still hasn't gotten over the hump to the Super Bowl.
I think he's only played in one or two conference
championship games, so he's got some things to prove on
(32:50):
that front. Everyone knows how much Lamar Jackson has to
prove on that front. It would be a big point,
especially if he gets this third MVP. People are going
to be looking at him like they did early career
paid Manning. You know, hey, this guy's great in the
regular season, great numbers, great accolades, can't get it done
in the postseason. Both these guys have a chance to
pen a new chapter in their legacy with the performance
(33:12):
this weekend. I can't wait to see which one of
the which one of them is the one to seize
that opportunity.
Speaker 1 (33:17):
Projected real feel in that game of minus three with
a fifty chance of snow, that's gonna be nuts. By
the way, I asked that tongue in cheek. People, Yeah,
for sure, people might think I'm crazy by asking that question.
Which one is most injury? Obviously it's Bill Ravens, But
Zach I asked that tongue in cheek because of the
result I think is going to be in another game,
the Rams are beating the Eagles. I think the Rams
are going to beat the Eagles. When did they play
it against Minnesota. I do not think the Eagles offense
(33:40):
led by Jalen hurts you. By the way, Dave Logan's
even said Jalen does not look the same. I don't
know what's going on there. I don't know if he
is missing Shane Stichen, whatever is going on there, even
with Sakwan Barkley. I'm telling you because of the intrigue
in that one. For me is because I think the
Rams are gonna take that game and then bounce the
Eagles and then go to the conference championship to play
the lines and that going and be a mat So
I asked that little tongue and g obviously it's Bill's rams.
(34:02):
A battle over the MVP, I'd say, whoever wins the game,
just wins the MVP. Let's just put it down right now. Anyway,
this has been Broncos Country Night. You can listen to
the full show, of course by searching for Broncos Country Night,
and they're very free to use. An awesome iHeartRadio app
he is Zach Segers. I have been Anthony Rodriguez filling
in for you tonight Broncos Country Night right here on KOA.
Thanks for listening. We'll be back another time.
All right, welcome to it Broncos Country tonight, rolling along
here on KOA A f efty AM ninety four one FM,
Yours truly, Anthony Rodriguez, also known as A Rod, here
at KOA, filling in for Ben Albright. On the other
side of the glass, We've got Zach Seeger's producer extraordinary
here at KOA joining as well. I'm going to talk
(00:20):
a little Denver Broncos with you as again we fill
in for mister Albright. First off, Zach, what's going on, man?
How are you?
Speaker 2 (00:28):
I'm doing great. I'm doing great, A Rod, how are
you today?
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Well, man, I am pretty good. And I don't know
if I'll be on as glorious of a high horse
as Sean Payton was today, Zach. And I'd say that
with all due respect because in the Broncos end of
season press conference that was held today, of course we
heard from Broncos ad coach Sean Payton, who I just
alluded to, Broncos General manager George Payton, and then CEO
(00:54):
and owner Greg Penner, and lots to dive into on
those conversations. Though all those comments made by all of
the above, as just mentioned, it's gonna be quite quite
a fun hour here with you here on KOA excited
to dive into it, and I'll get right to my
comment there. Not as much of a high horse, if
(01:15):
you will, but kind of just some really interesting comments
that potentially meant meant a little bit more than just
the comments themselves from head coach Sean Payton. Of course,
we're you know, we're no stranger, I think to Peyton,
you know, Megan some comments that maybe raised some eyebrows
across you know, not just your locally, but nationwide as well.
(01:36):
Of course, his comments about the way that the Nathaniel
Hackett led demo Broncos were coached before Sean took over
and today made some made some interesting comments regarding the
difference in the off season. Going into the off season,
I should say, compared to when you knew that there's
going to be a change at quarterback with Russell Wilson
(01:59):
and knew that you're going to to make some kind
of change, whether that was going to get a vet
maybe like a Sam Darnold, or if you're going to
go into the draft and get what obviously turned into
them drafting bo Nick so misery and whatever other adjectives
even asked at one point for more adjectives about all
the about how tough the offseason was last year, but
(02:19):
a lot a lot better tone of an end of
season press conference. I think all would admit at the
end of the twenty twenty four campaign that we just had.
You know, when it comes to George Payton saying all
searching for the rookie quarterback who has franchise skills, I
think we have just that. On Sean Payton saying of
(02:39):
bo Nick and the rookie season, the importance of solidifying
the quarterback position quote, I think we found it. But
obviously all that, like I said, again highlighted by Sean
essentially saying, well, I'm want to enjoy this offseason a
whole lot more kind of having a direction and an understanding,
but just to get things started against Zach as we
roll into these comments, a lot to dive into here
(03:03):
here on Broncos Country denied this end of season press conference, Zach,
call direct you first, maybe something I just alluded to
or something else that kind of piqued your interest the most.
What was some of your biggest, if maybe your number
one biggest takeaway from that end of season press conference?
Either from Peyton and Peyton or from Greg Pinter.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
For me, it was them talking about the running backs
and then the run game in general and how they're
going to be looking to fix that this next season.
I think that's going to be critical. They absolutely have
to have a better running game than what they had
this past year, and I think the running backs are
going to be a big part of it. I think
some people might be disappointed by Peyton's answers saying, you know,
(03:42):
we're not gonna have a bell cow guy or a leedback.
I don't think that means they won't invest in the position.
You know, you look at Peyton's whole history in New Orleans,
they never really had a one, do it all back.
Even with Alvin Kamara. You had Latavius Murray or mark
Ingram ranking in the top, you know, thirty two of
the league. In terms of carries, they were getting more
(04:03):
carries than some team starters or you know, some teams
guys with the most carries on the team. He just
is going to lean on those backs a lot, whether
it be in the passing game or on the ground.
They're going to get a lot of touches in this offense.
Javonte had the fifth most targets of any running back
in the league this past year. And you know he's
fine in the passing game. He should not be having
(04:24):
that work load and we already know the problems with
him on the ground. The fact that they are looking
to add multiple guys this year Sean Payton made it
very clear they are going to load that room up
with backs. It's music to my ears because frankly, I
don't think any of them were good enough. I know
there was some clamoring for Baby at the or sorry
Bide at the end of the year, but you know,
(04:45):
I think the fact he only got two carries in
that that game was telling, you know, we're putting a
lot of faith in just fourteen carries from him. If
you know, you give him a roster spot next year,
I think it's clear Javantes over the hill. Julia McLoughlin.
Maybe as a number three back is something, but he
can't be the meat of the run game. And then
(05:05):
you look at estimate and I mean they took him
out of the lineup for the day, and running back's
not a position where you see some big learning curve
from the college to the pro game. So I'm very
concerned about his outlook. So I'm glad to hear it
they're looking to overhaul that room. That was my biggest
takeaway and something I'm very excited to see the next
step in.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
I'm very glad you want to go there, because that's
exactly where I want to spend a few minutes here.
And you delivered a great primer into this conversation because
the comment regarding not wanting to go with a lead
back moving forward, and they don't see a Bell cow
back as the way they want to go. What you
just said there and what John Payden said in the
(05:45):
press conference for me, I think, Zach, there has been
a pretty noticeable over correction in terms of the running
back position in the NFL today, because I'm taking a
look right now the twenty twenty four NFL running back
salary rankings, and on this list, there obviously are some
(06:06):
notable names that are not a part of the postseason
right now. Number one obviously Christian McCaffrey, a sixteen million
per with the Niners. Number two, you just mentioned Sean
Payton ad Alvin Kamara with the New Orleans saintskin paint
fifteen million per. Number three not in the postseason, Jonathan
Taylor with the gold fourteen million per. And then you
get into four, five, and six, who are very much
(06:31):
in the postseason and pretty good part of the of
the game plan. Number number four, number five, by the way,
just got bounced, and that of course is Josh Jacobs
with the Green Bay Packers, but was in the postseason
at twelve million per. Joe Mixon with the Texans nine
point nine million per, a vast underpaid based on how
successful of a season that he's had. Then Rimondre Stevenson
(06:53):
surprisingly there at seven. Derrick Henry is up there as well,
obviously not a big contract by my account, eight million
burges on a two year deal, So less than half
of the top running backs, and I think most of those,
especially obviously Saquon you know, Jacobs to a point, definitely
to a point, Joe Mixon, Derrick Henry Bell cow backs
(07:15):
aren't obviously a big part of today's offenses. But there
has been a big over correction based on what we
saw in a couple of years prior to this year.
I think obviously with a pass heavy offense, the NFL
has gone away from paying that well. Honestly, there's been
seemingly an unwritten rule, if you will, of paying running
(07:35):
backs big time money after even like the age of thirty.
We obviously, we're famously aware of Le'Veon Bell hold out,
the situation with him in Pittsburgh that obviously to not
go his way. But I think we've corrected though, even
though Zach, it's less than half of the running backs
on that top ten list I just mentioned that are
getting paid that I think arguably some of the most
(07:56):
successful teams right now, and not even with ones not
listed here on this list, with the top paid running back,
I'll have to look and see. I'm not sure what
James Cook is getting paid, but I think the top
teams right now in the NFL have that go to guy.
And for me, I understand the idea of a platoon
(08:18):
and and and I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm
gonna quote here what with Ben Albright said on X
Today outside of kamaraw we always had they always had
a three man platoon. Uh, there is something and this
is the most important part here, Zach, there is something
to be said for letting running backs get in a rhythm,
and that hasn't happened here in Denver. Again reminder and
(08:39):
Ben pointed this out too, the Broncos have not had
one hundred yard rush of the entire Sean Payton tenure.
And for me, it's been a combination of a lot
of different things. The reason why that's been I think
obviously the personnel themselves, but honestly, I think the scheme
and the lack of rhythm for these running backs has
been a big, big factor, especially with these running backs,
(09:03):
and obviously it's rotated a bit estimated new to the
room guys that have tried to get in that rhythm,
tried to get a feel for this offense. I think
Sean just knows roster wise, he doesn't have a guy
that he'd want to be the lead back. Like you mentioned,
Kamara had help. Okay, we obviously here in Denver familiar
like you mentioned Latavious Murray, you mentioned mark Ingram, but
Kamara was the guy. I understand it wasn't necessarily considered
(09:25):
a lead back, wasn't considered a bell cow back, a
three down back, but the talent is there. He could
have been that. He has the guy that he could
lean on. I think Sean just recognize you know that
guy just wasn't here this year. He even said, quote today,
I don't know that we ever found that right combo
at running back. He also said not ready to talk
about where he thinks the Broncos needs are and where
(09:46):
they aren't. Obviously, you don't want to tip your hand,
but Zach, what do you think about the fact that
what we saw on offense, the rotation and as Sean said,
not finding out right combination. Honestly, Zach, I think it's
more about the fact that they don't have the personnel
to do it. They don't have that guy that can
(10:07):
lean on. I think that honestly. I know Sean doesn't
have a history of doing so. But how vital it
would be if they had a Derrick Henry, if they
had a Joe Mixon, if they had a Josh Jacobs.
Obviously a guy like Saquon Jonathan Taylor who they could
trade for. If they had that guy, what that would
do for this offense, regardless of it becomes the lead
back or becomes the bell cow back. What that caliber
(10:30):
of a player would do for this offense? Zach, I think,
I mean, this offense would take a massively, would it not?
Speaker 3 (10:37):
It would definitely take a lead forward. But I also
think this idea of a lead back or a bell
cow back, frankly is kind of stuck in the nineteen
eighties or nineteen nineties. It's not a thing anymore because
teams just know it's not the best way to use
their running backs, even if you do have a superstar
highlighting Derrick Henry Justice Hill is a big part of
that backfield. You know, James Cook, not on a big deal,
but absolutely one of the better runbacks in the league,
(11:00):
which part of that offense. They did invest a good
bit to get him. They spent a second round pick
to make sure they acquired him.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
He's great.
Speaker 3 (11:06):
Rey Ray Davis another solid draft pick of theirs. It
gets a lot of work in that backfield. SAQ one
is probably the closest thing we have right now to
a lead back, and there's a reason why there's just
one of them. I mean, there's not many saques out
there growing on trees, so certainly they need some better backs.
I think when you look at the structure of this offense,
(11:28):
what you see is actually the bones for a good
running game are there. The Broncos rank eleventh in the
NFL in terms of yards before contact per attempt. So
the yards are there for a top ten run game,
you know, before the running back has even seen a defender,
they're on pace for you know, top ten ish, top
eleven ish production.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
This has also seen in the success rate numbers.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
They're eleventh in rushing success rate, which is looking at
you know, are you picking up are you staying ahead
of the sticks on a down? You know, picking up
three four yards per carry is kind of the evidence
of strong offensive line blocking or strong schematics in the
run game. When you get the big twenty thirty forty
yard carries, right, That's what a Saquan's doing for you,
(12:13):
That's what a Derek Henry's doing for you.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Is those explosive games.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Pronco's yards after contact per carry they rank thirtieth. They're
just they don't have any of that pop or explosive ability.
And I think you are dead on saying, you know,
I don't think this is a Sean Payne phenomenon. I
think it is a matter of who they have in
the backfield. Now, some of it is Sean Payton. Alvin
(12:39):
Kamara hasn't had in one thousand yard season rushing season
in his entire career. Clearly is a talented enough back
to rush for one thousand yards in a season. But
I think it's also good to keep mark Ingram and
Alvin Kamia both fresh and look at how dynamic that
run game is. You had Latavius Murray is the third guy,
and they were all getting usage. But this idea of
(13:00):
messing up their rhythm or whatever, it wasn't a problem.
They were all gaining yards consistently. Why because they were
good running backs. I don't think the problem with Javonte
Williams and Julia McLoughlin and Audrick Estimate and Tyler Bidet
and Blake Watson whoever, is that you know, they haven't
had enough carries to get in rhythm. I mean, what
Chavante had fifteen yards on twenty carries in the month
of October it was laughable, or November it was laughable.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
It's not a rhythm thing. It's a lack of talent issue.
Speaker 3 (13:27):
And I think we're going to see that room overhauled
for that exact reason this offseason.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
It has to be. And honestly, to your point, you know,
even if we were living in the era of full
On Bell Cow full On three down, which obviously we don't.
By the way I mentioned, you know over correction, they're
definitely never gonna over correct all the way back to that,
but there has been a regression I think, back to
clearly giving these talented lead guys, you know, a good
chunk of the of the touch. It's definitely not a
(13:53):
certainly one percent majority, but you know, honestly, Zach, the
current room we wouldn't trust as the Bell cow Shawn
wouldn't trust says the bellca win trust is being the
lead back. That's why the rotation was there. Rodre asten
Man didn't even suit up for the playoff game, and
he obviously I think at times show showed the most promise.
I think we love what Julia McLaughlin brings to the table.
(14:16):
I think he's a gadget guy. I think some people
I would you know, there's differences clearly there. But if
poor Man's Alvin Kamara, maybe, but there's no one there
that would we would want up in that position anyway.
So it comes down to it whether whether they go
and to whether whether Sean would like to prefer to
have a guy be the lead guy. Guy's not on
the roster now with all the respect of the current room.
What we saw in twenty twenty four, that guy isn't
(14:37):
on the team anyway, So whether they wanted to go
to that or not, the guy's not there, The Derrick
Henry's not there, the Joe Mix is not there. Jonathan
Taylor's on the market, he would get sixty seventy eighty
percent of touches. Honestly, Zach real quick, just to me
a percent. If Jonathan Taylor is traded for him, he
becomes at Denver Bronco percentage of touches in twenty twenty five.
What do you think that would be?
Speaker 3 (14:56):
Oh, that's tough a talent of that level. I think
you're looking at sixty seventy percent. Yeah, and that's what
we've seen from you know, the Alvin Kamares and to
your point, these other.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
Backs around the league.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
We all know that defenses have gotten more conservative in
this Mahomes Josh Allen air to stop those explosive passing games,
and it's opened up stuff underneath to where now you
you want one of those super talented backs. To your point, thankfully,
this draft has a lot of them.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
It does have a lot of them. I gotta say Zach,
I'm telling you, I know they're at twenty. I really
want Ashton Janty or I want them to target Cam
Scataboo in the second round. I know that it's deep,
and trust me, I get it. I'm usually that guy.
If the position is deep, don't use a premium pick
where you don't have to, but in this offense and
how it would just catapult what we can do offensively.
(15:46):
I want that premium pick to be at running back
this year. I do. I want it. I want I
want one of the top guys. Yes, the class is deep,
but I want them to walk away in one of
the top guys. Will they honestly, probably not, because today
I think I think they could. They definitely would have
to trade it for Janty. I don't think Jant's going
to be the target. I think Cam Skyta moves a
lot more likely. You gotta make sure you go get
(16:08):
in though, future guy. Anyway, we're gonna move on. We're
gonna talk a lot more about the comments from this
end of season press conference today. I want to talk
a little bit about what Greg Penner, the Broncos CEO
and owner, said about the stadium future. Where would we
want to have this thing be. Is there anything to
read between the lines there? George Paydon obviously that that
partnership with him and Shine has just gotten more and
more cohesive, more and more of a healthy relationship. He
(16:29):
had some great things to say as well. We'll talk
about that. This is Broncos Country Night. I'm Anthony Rodriguez,
Hey rod filling in for Ben Albright. He's Zack Segers.
Were back talking more Denver, Broncos Broncos Country Tonight here
on KYO A. I'm Anthon or Rodriguez filling in for
Ben Albright Tonight. Zach Seger is on the other side
(16:50):
of the glass with you for one more segments, breaking
down all kinds of things. In the first segment there,
we chatted about the end of season press conference today
with Broncos, said Sean Payton, general manager George Peyton, and
CEO and owner Greg Penner. We're going to get more
into that. We chat a bit about the running back
position and chat about Sean Payton's comments kind of maybe
(17:13):
teasing a little bit of a shot there going into
the last year's offseason with the question mark of Russell
Wilson in that contract. Now obviously a lot more positivity understandably,
so chatting about going into free agency now, kind of
knowing that you've got your quarterback in bo Nix, and
kind of fine tuning what the Broncos were able to
do in twenty twenty four going into twenty twenty five.
(17:37):
We'll talk about the stadium a bit here in just
a minute after what Greg Penner said, maybe I have
a little fun with the jab at one of the
combinations for the uniforms as well. But I think I
want to start out by talking about upcoming free agency
because it happens faster than you know, Zach. I don't
know if you knew, but NFL's year round. There is
no off season. If anyone ever says the word off
(17:57):
season in the NFL, you can give him a little
eyebrow raise and say, really, because when exactly is that?
Because for the players there's an offseason, but for the
coach as general manager, of the ownership, and really the
fans when it comes down to it, especially when you
have this much excitement for the Denver Broncos for the
first time in a long time, I think this legitimate
excitement of talking about becoming a contender. If they aren't
(18:18):
already obviously having just had a playoff berth for the
first time since they won Super Bowl fifty. But when
you're this good that there really is no offseason, we
immediately want to talk about the moves they're going to make.
You know, who are they going to be looking at
the combine and who should we be looking at in
the Senior Bowl. What free agents are they going to
be leaving or staying here, What big ticket item free
agents can they get in unrestricted free agency? And then
(18:41):
obviously the NFL drafts, which just captures the entire fan
base for so long. But moving ahead first to NFL
free agency. Before the draft, we did chat a little
bit about potential to draft of running back, but in
free agency, George Payton said today, and I think this
is kind of right on the money, especially when you're
talking about piggybacking on What made them successful in twenty
(19:03):
twenty four was hitting on the right free agents, not
just throwing a lot of money out there, which obviously
have to be very measured in doing. Need I mean,
let me tell you this, you need a good general
manager when you have as much dead cap as they
did with the Russell Wilson contract. And obviously they're going
to have about I think I've heard about twenty million
more to play with roughly in dead cap than they
(19:24):
did in year one. That took the bigger hit with
the Russell Wilson contract in year one than they will
here in the final year two. But George Peyton said,
I think will be measured. It worked out well for
us last year. You can't go crazy every year. And
that last part of the sentence is is notable with
what I just said, you really can't go crazy because
of the Russell Wilson contract, what that's going to be
(19:45):
tied up in. And so the measured moves is exactly
what they did in twenty twenty four. One of the
guys that's an unrestricted free agent here that was a
money signing was obviously was obviously Cody Barton. And linebacker
obviously is a very notable position of I think many
would say need of them needing to kind of shore
up that position. You know, Alex Singleton, will he be back?
(20:07):
You would you would think he might, but you know
there's obviously a potential question mark there. Justin Sternaud an
unrestricted free agent as well, And so the linebacker positions
that could could could keep, could be very, very heavily overhauled.
There's an argument to be made that in terms of
overhaul that position, uh, an inside linebacker, it might make
the argument to be more overhauled than running back. I
(20:30):
think it will be wind up being the running back
position that's more overhaul But uh, Zach, I'll get your take.
Specifically at linebackers we start to dive into free agency here,
a little bit of a preview, a primer, if you will,
as the as the as the front office is getting
ready for this thing, knowing that they already are in
conversation about what to do. But at linebacker, how do
you kind of feel like they're going to address that?
Specifically Barton in Sternaud you know obviously Singleton as well
(20:51):
in the mix. What do you what do you think
their their plan of attack will be there?
Speaker 2 (20:55):
You know, I think you want to bring Barton back.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
I think he had a really strong you know, it
didn't close it the way you want, but I think
he's that ideal coverage linebacker the Broncos have wanted for
so long. I think a little too much got put
on his plate when when Singleton went down that was
an intriguing pairing because you know, Barton's always struggled against
the run in his career. He's a lighter linebacker. He
moves really well, but he's a lighter linebacker and can
(21:19):
get pushed around on the ground. Some really great coverage guy,
and we saw that this season. He had a lot
of you know, big splash plays in terms of takeaways
or fumbles or whatever.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
In part because of that.
Speaker 3 (21:29):
It was a good blitzer for the Broncos as well,
but Singleton, as that kind of tackle monster, was supposed
to balance him out. Now, Singleton's going to be turning
thirty two next season, is coming off into ACL tear
and is you know, one of the most poorest linebackers
in the league in coverage. He also has ranked top
ten among linebackers in missed tackle rate I should say
(21:51):
bottom ten and one of the ten highest rates missed
tackle rates in the league each of the last two seasons. Now,
just hasn't been the same guy really since that first
year in Denver. The tackle numbers have been there, but
he's been missing so many of the opportunities. He's great
at flying around getting to the ball, but he doesn't
always finish the job. I think you want a more
reliable compliment to Cody Barton. So I think you bring
(22:12):
back Cody Barton, maybe even Sternad as a special teamer.
Though I agree with you, I think he's maybe elevated
his value too much to just be in that role.
He might be gone, and so then the Broncos are
gonna have to overhaul their depth as well. So I
think it's going to be Barton, probably a vet linebacker
signing of some sort. Bobby Wagner honestly could be interesting
there if you want to look at a big name
(22:33):
option who also shouldn't be too expensive because he's on
the back nine of his career. But I think you
go there and then I think, you know, maybe a
Lavelle Bailey or a Day three draft pick or something
else is rounding out the room in that justin Surnod spot.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
I think the like everything you said there. I think
the one thing I would add is you find the
biggest pair of pliers you can find. You head on
out to Philadelphia and you find in a way to
pry away Zach Bond. How about that that was going
to move that is a three. I think his meteoric
rise with Philly is probably going to wind up having
(23:11):
him stay there, but that would be that would be
something special as well. The other position, and it's not
one of the ones I've mentioned yet, but I gotta
I gotta get a primer on this conversation with you, Zach,
because he's not he's not a free agent. There's the
void year in twenty six on the books for twenty
five Courtland Sutton, how do you envision the Broncos tackling
their courtland? And I'm not going to call it problem
(23:32):
because the guy had an amazing year him and bo Nicks.
Obviously he created a great connection. But based on what
we think that they want to do a wide receiver
with the history of Sean Payton, what he's done at
wide receiver, I mean, we have part of that history
right here in Denver with little Jordan Humphrey, who we
don't know is going to be back. But what what
I'll ask you first, I want to get your take first.
How do you think that they're going to tackle their courtland? Sutton? Uh,
(23:53):
I'll say dilemma.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
I feel like they'll bring him back on a new deal,
and you know, I don't have the sourcing on that
of but it just it would not make sense to
me to let him go at this juncture. He was
Bonix his favorite target. He was Bonix's best target. And
so much of the off season conversation we just did
a good bit of it in that first segment. So
much of the offseason conversation is how can we upgrade
(24:16):
the weapons around bow Right.
Speaker 2 (24:18):
He's got a great line, he had great.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
Pass protection all year, but the weapons at running back,
at tight end, at wide receiver were pretty lackluster. That said,
I think far and away the best option he had
at any of those three positions was Cortland Sutton. So
I think ultimately the Broncos and they do somewhat have
their hands tied still from that Russell Wilson dead money,
you know, as they attack this offseason. Also an offseason
(24:41):
where there aren't a lot of great wide receiver options
out there. There's really just the one in T Higgins,
and he's going to have a crazy market as a result.
Only one team is going to win the T. Higg
And Sweepstakes, and there are eight nine ten that would
love to win those sweepstakes. Outside of that, there's not
a great you know, first round receiver in the draft,
there's not a great VET option. You know, same kind
(25:01):
of goes for a tight end and running back. On
the VET markets, they're very strong in the draft. But okay,
so if we're addressing those positions through the draft, there's
not really a great VET option at wide receiver. How
are you going to prevent the wide receiver drop off
for bon Nicks in his second year. I think they
should be focusing on upgrading, you know, the overall depth
of the room so he's not having to lean on
a little Jordan Humphrey so harder at Troy Franklin so
(25:25):
hard next season. I think that should be the goal
rather than trying to mess with something that ain't broken
right now.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
Well, I'll say this, the best thing that happened for
the Denver Broncos in terms of this possibility to bring
back coldon Sun is to have the season that they
just had because I don't think Courtland is going to
want to walk. In terms of if the Broncos once
again visit remember they they already restructured this deal. He
obviously you know, with those incentives, aren't could have or
(25:55):
and I believe that those incentives probably pushed him to
that number of fifteen point two mil in this twenty
twenty four season, obviously on the books for twenty twenty
five cap hit of twenty mil. Like you just said,
if they're they're gonna walk up to him with the
possibility of another new RESK structure, you're gonna obviously have
maybe maybe adds more years out, a bit more money
on the back end, do what you got to do.
But the best part of this conversation that's going to
(26:15):
going to be had you would assume is going to
be had, is the fact that I think Courtland wants
to be a part of this now. He's got a
quarterback he wants he was he was tracted as a
Denver Bronco. He clearly if you listen to him, he
loved being here, he loved this season that they had.
So it's gonna be exciting to kind of watch. I
one hundred percent agree with you. If you're looking to
upgrade the weapons, you know, there's something to the saying
(26:38):
of take two steps you know, one step back, take
two steps forward, But with weapons, we've got to be
a lot more steps backwards, and it'd be hard to
reach par in par was what the weapons we already
had in twenty twenty four with Courtland's and the Lean
the way. So I'm with you. I think you try
your best to bring Courtland back. Now. If he's going
to ask for a whole lot more money that you
just can't you can't afford, then you know this conversation
to be had. But I think you broach it just
(26:59):
like that. And Courtly wants to be here, and you
and you, and you start that conversation with that, and
you obviously take care of him, and and and on
Courtland's side, obviously he wants to be taken care of.
But I think the Broncos will do that. They know
how vital he was to this offense and what they're
able to do. Obviously, a possession receiver, and you want
to you want to upgrade with some speed. You want
to get a guy that you know, not necessarily a
gadget guy. You know, we kind of potentially have that
(27:19):
already here with with Marvin Wimms. But you know, you
got to find a different uh position. Uh you know,
Jerry Judy's not here anymore. Ironically, that'd be kind of
a really could fit for this wide receiver room. But
moving forward, Obviously we got a lot more time to
talk about free agency, but a limited time here in
this seme. I want to get dive into a couple
more things here. We talked a bit about free agency,
talked a bit about wide receiver. The last two things
(27:40):
on the docket here, UH number one this stadium future
and Bronco CEO owner Greg Penner. UH chatted about this
today basically addressing kind of what we've been when seeing
Mike Cliss does a great job governing the Denver Broncos
had had thrown out, you know, possibility of loan Tree
and Greg Penner, you know, in addition with not just loansry,
(28:02):
but you know current site or possibly to the east,
not not specifically mentioning that one there, but overall, quote,
we haven't ruled out anything. Anything is on the table
for the Denver Broncos in their new stadium. Obviously they
are super early in this process, Zach, I mean we're
we're long long ways away, I will say, by the
way they chat about the construction process on this new
(28:27):
training facility, I think you said they're roughly about ten
percent into this thing. Ninety percent of the plan has done,
but outside of a couple of snow days. It sounds
like they're running basically round year on this thing. So
when they get to this stadium, when they solidify the land,
they solidify the plans. I don't think that's honestly the
longest hold up. I think that's the preliminary stages right now,
the research that is going to take equally as amount
(28:48):
of time and years that it will be also to
build this thing. But the fun question, because no one
knows anything, and obviously they are still in the preliminary process,
but we're gonna have a little bit fun with it
real quick for a minute here, Zach, before we talk
about the divisional round for a minute, ideally, where would
you want to have the new stadium and why I.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Love it right where it is.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
Honestly, I'm sure there's some people that don't like it,
but I think having it right there by I twenty
five by I seventy where it's fairly accessible for most
anywhere you know, downtown or you know, if you're coming
up from the springs or down from Fort Collins, or
you know, heading west from the plains or you know,
east from the ski towns, it's pretty accessible. And I'm
(29:29):
a big fan of that right now. I think it
represents our state well. An alternative that I would also
be a big fan of, and I don't think it's
super likely, but I think it is on the table,
would be that stadium district idea where Elages might be
on its way out here in the coming years. That land,
I think is owned by the Walmart family, but on
the kronky side of things, but it's possible. Maybe they
(29:51):
work something out there and the Broncos build on that
new Eliges Land or former Elages land, I should say,
and you get kind of this stadium district thing going.
I would that idea, I think could be really really fun.
I think it would be a pain in the butt
for a good number of reasons too, and I understand
why some people might protest it, but I think just
the atmosphere, like Bronco's atmosphere is already amazing. I think
(30:13):
allowing that to trickle in some more to like the
Aves and Nuggets, who have a great growing fan base
and culture, but I think it would only further bolster
that and Denver's becoming or it's such a sports town
and I just think, I don't know, getting that culture
to all mix and mesh and it would just be
a really cool part of the town I feel to have.
Speaker 2 (30:33):
So that's my backup plan. I'd either keep it.
Speaker 3 (30:35):
Where it is, or if you are going to mess
with something, and mess with it in that way that
maybe has the potential to improve it, don't throw it
out by the airport or in the middle of nowhere.
Speaker 1 (30:44):
Prior to the last couple of months, I probably would
have been with you. But I think the kron Keys
are moving ahead based on the plans that they had
talked about in the last couple of months about what
they're looking to do, I think those are already heavily
in motion. Around ball Arena and where Ilitch is is
now going to be no longer. I think that's kind
of already in motion. So selfishly, I'm going to say, selfishly,
(31:04):
admittedly selfishly, please bring it up north towards me. Please,
for the love of Pearl, bring it up north towards me.
Do not code south. I mean, it would make so
much sense to go near Loan Tree and be close
to the train facility, have it all kind of be
in the same area, But please bring it north. Honestly, though,
if I had to say likelihood, I think I based
on nothing, nothing in all, no insight. Go east towards
(31:25):
the airport, Jerry Jones, Jerry World two point zero. Just
make it a whole, big old thing. So much money
is available, people would come. I don't want to hear
anyone say I won't go to the games anymore, or
I'd rather not be there. You're gonna go, You're gonna go.
You're gonna enjoy all the festivities they're gonna have, The
big old buildings are gonna have all around it, with
all the cool new businesses, and it's gonna be Jerry
(31:45):
World two point oh. That's why I think the most
likelihood is But but we'll obviously have to see a
couple more minutes here real quick. I want to get
into just again, a bit of a midweek primer talking
about the divisional round, Chiefs and Texans, Bills and Ravens, Lions, Commanders,
Eagles and Rams. In the time we have, Zach, I'll
ask you which game for you has the absolute most
intrigue for you in the divisional round.
Speaker 3 (32:07):
I feel like there's only one right answer here, and
there's some good games. There's definitely some good games. The
man Buffalo Baltimore. I mean the battle of the two MVPs,
the battle to see who can be the quarterback to
potentially dethrown Patrick Mahmes. I think they'll probably take this
care of business against the Texans this week, making that
AFC Championship a big marking moment. And I think Josh
(32:30):
Allen and Lamar Jackson both have this specter hanging over
their careers right now about their playoff successes or lack thereof.
Josh Allen has had a little more playoff success but
still hasn't gotten over the hump to the Super Bowl.
I think he's only played in one or two conference
championship games, so he's got some things to prove on
(32:50):
that front. Everyone knows how much Lamar Jackson has to
prove on that front. It would be a big point,
especially if he gets this third MVP. People are going
to be looking at him like they did early career
paid Manning. You know, hey, this guy's great in the
regular season, great numbers, great accolades, can't get it done
in the postseason. Both these guys have a chance to
pen a new chapter in their legacy with the performance
(33:12):
this weekend. I can't wait to see which one of
the which one of them is the one to seize
that opportunity.
Speaker 1 (33:17):
Projected real feel in that game of minus three with
a fifty chance of snow, that's gonna be nuts. By
the way, I asked that tongue in cheek. People, Yeah,
for sure, people might think I'm crazy by asking that question.
Which one is most injury? Obviously it's Bill Ravens, But
Zach I asked that tongue in cheek because of the
result I think is going to be in another game,
the Rams are beating the Eagles. I think the Rams
are going to beat the Eagles. When did they play
it against Minnesota. I do not think the Eagles offense
(33:40):
led by Jalen hurts you. By the way, Dave Logan's
even said Jalen does not look the same. I don't
know what's going on there. I don't know if he
is missing Shane Stichen, whatever is going on there, even
with Sakwan Barkley. I'm telling you because of the intrigue
in that one. For me is because I think the
Rams are gonna take that game and then bounce the
Eagles and then go to the conference championship to play
the lines and that going and be a mat So
I asked that little tongue and g obviously it's Bill's rams.
(34:02):
A battle over the MVP, I'd say, whoever wins the game,
just wins the MVP. Let's just put it down right now. Anyway,
this has been Broncos Country Night. You can listen to
the full show, of course by searching for Broncos Country Night,
and they're very free to use. An awesome iHeartRadio app
he is Zach Segers. I have been Anthony Rodriguez filling
in for you tonight Broncos Country Night right here on KOA.
Thanks for listening. We'll be back another time.
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