Osweiler gets Denver reboot
Brock Osweiler is returning to Denver 18 months after jilting the Broncos in free agency.
The Broncos agreed to terms with Peyton Manning’s former apprentice last night on a one-year deal after the quarterback was cut by the Cleveland Browns. Provided he passes his physical tomorrow, Osweiler will serve as Trevor Siemian’s understudy in his second stint in Denver.
The Broncos needed another QB because Paxton Lynch, their 2016 first-round draft pick, will miss a month or more with a sprained throwing shoulder.
General manager John Elway said Osweiler will be the backup “until Lynch gets healthy,” and the Broncos will re-evaluate their QB situation at that time.
Among the cuts as Denver trimmed its roster was three-time Pro Bowl strong safety T.J. Ward, a move made possible by Denver’s depth in the secondary.
Backup QBs busy
Decisions on placekickers and backup quarterbacks dominated for several team with yesterday’s round of NFL moves as the league went to one day of cuts.
Lots of established players such as Kansas City linebacker Tamba Hali, Minnesota defensive linemen Sharrif Floyd and Datone Jones, New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich and Chicago defensive end Lamarr Houston and receiver Cam Meredith wound up on injured reserve.
Out on the street, at least for now, were the likes of receiver Victor Cruz, released by Chicago; running back C.J. Spiller, out in Kansas City; three-time All-Pro punter Andy Lee, set free by Carolina; wide receiver and kick-return specialist Josh Huff, gone from Tampa Bay; running back Matt Jones and safety Will Blackmon, gone from Washington; quarterback Kellen Clemens, released by the Chargers; receiver Jeremy Kerley, released by San Francisco; guard Alex Boone, out in Minnesota; and players’ union president Eric Winston, an offensive lineman let go by Cincinnati.
Among the placekickers winning competitions were Giants rookie Aldrick Rosas over veteran Mike Nugent; Zane Gonzalez, a seventhround pick, over Cody Parkey in Cleveland; undrafted free agent Younghoe Koo over Josh Lambo with the Chargers; and perhaps seventh-rounder Harrison Butker because Carolina is fielding trade calls for Graham Gano and kept two kickers on the roster.
Geno Smith won the job behind quarterback Eli Manning with the Giants. Rookie Cooper Rush is the guy behind 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year Dak Prescott for the Cowboys because Luke McCown and Kellen Moore were released. Veteran Matt Schaub beat out another vet, Matt Simms, to hold the clipboard in Atlanta. Colt McCoy will be staying with the Redskins to back up Kirk Cousins because Nate Sudfeld was cut.
The Eagles are going with two QBs after releasing Matt McGloin and Dane Evans, even though backup Nick Foles (elbow) didn’t play in the preseason. Derek Anderson will back up Cam Newton in Carolina with Joe Webb being cut.
Steelers, dealers
Anybody up for some trades? How about the archrival Browns and Steelers dealing with each other?
Pittsburgh sent wide receiver Sammie Coates to Cleveland, where the 2015 third-round pick will get a chance to revive his career.
Baltimore was busy, getting offensive lineman Tony Bergstrom from Arizona for a conditional seventh-round pick and center Luke Bowanko from Jacksonville for an undisclosed draft pick.
Carolina acquired cornerback Kevon Seymour from Buffalo for receiver Kaelin Clay and a 2019 seventh-round draft pick.