It is finally being reported that the Denver Broncos and center Kevin Mawae have mutual interest, though talks between the two sides are not even in the infancy stage in terms of talking contract as far as we know. Jason La Canfora first reported it today, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reiterated that Mawae and the Broncos are a "natural match".
The Broncos, who recently released Casey Wiegmann, are in the market for a starting center this year. The only true center on the roster is Dustin Fry, who was signed to a futures contract and has never started for an NFL team.
It is assumed the Broncos will target a C/G early in the draft, as they feel Seth Olsen is capable of taking over one of the spots.
Josh McDaniels made it clear that the Broncos are looking to get bigger this offseason, which makes their preliminary interest in Kevin Mawae very intriguing. Mawae is 289 pounds, a mere four pounds heavier than Casey Wiegmann's listed playing weight.
Still, the Broncos' interest in Mawae is no shocker, as they are most definitely in the market for a starting center right now, and this seven time Pro Bowler could come at a very cheap price.
Mawae is a 16-year NFL veteran, and played his college ball at LSU. The first four years of his career were spent with the Seattle Seahawks, where he became the full time starter in his second season. After his time in Seattle, he moved on to the New York Jets, where he spent eight seasons as the full time starter and was named to six Pro Bowls.
After his eight seasons in New York, Mawae moved on to the Tennessee Titans where he has been the captain and anchor of one of the more successful running games in the NFL. In 2008, he had arguably his best season as a professional when he was named to his seventh Pro Bowl and was selected as a first team All-Pro selection.
In addition to his prowess on the field, Mawae has had a great influence off the field as the NFLPA President. He is a very well-respected player in this league, and is like a coach on the field.
In his career, Mawae has started more games than any other active offensive lineman. He has also blocked for 13 1,000 yard running backs, including Chris Johnson's spectacular 2,000 yard season in 2009.
The former second round pick is part of the Louisiana State University athletic Hall of Fame, and is one of the more decorated centers in NFL history.