BOOST FOR O-LINE
Veldheer acquired from Arizona
The Broncos believe they’ve finally found the help they’ve sorely needed on the offensive line.
The team on Friday acquired veteran tackle Jared Veldheer from Arizona in exchange for a 2018 sixth-round draft pick (No. 182). Although Veldheer’s natural position is left tackle, the plan is to have him start at right tackle, leave Garett Bolles on the left side and shift Ron Leary to left guard, where he is most comfortable.
A shuffle on the offensive line was considered at the start of the offseason, as the Broncos sought ways to improve not only the protection of their quarterback, but to also aid the running game. Doing so became especially vital when the team signed quarterback Case Keenum to a hefty $36 million deal.
With Menelik Watson returning (his $5.5 million salary was fully guaranteed last Sunday) and Billy Turner re-signed to a one-year contract, the team is confident it not only has the right pieces now, but also the depth at tackle.
What’s more: The trade for Veldheer gives the Broncos’ options after 2018; Veldheer, 30, has one year remaining on his contract, with a base salary of $6.5 million.
An eight-year veteran, Veldheer was selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2010 draft and spent his first four years in Oakland before signing with the Cardinals as a free agent in 2014. Last season, Veldheer started the first nine games at right tackle, then switched to the left side for four games before suffering an ankle fracture. He was placed on injured reserve after the team’s win against Tennessee in Week 14.
On the year, he allowed five sacks and was flagged for four penalties (three false starts and one holding), according to Stats LLC.
Though the Broncos are hopeful the changes eliminate many of the 52 sacks on their quarterbacks last year (tied with Arizona for the third-most in the NFL), they leave the right guard spot in question. Max Garcia, who has one year left on his deal, manned the left guard position last year, but could face competition from Connor McGovern and maybe a newcomer. The Broncos now have nine selections in the 2018 draft.