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. @alexmarvez reported #Broncos are trying to lure C Ryan Lilja out of retirement. True. He's thinking it over. Should know in a few days.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2013
According to Foxsports.com Alex Marvez the Broncos are reaching out to a former teammate of Quarterback Peyton Manning. That teammate being center/guard Ryan Lilja.
Lilja 31, is currently retired but the Broncos hope to lure him out of retirement. Foxsports.com reports that Lilja is currently mulling an offer from the Broncos. Lilja retired at the end of the 2012 season after finishing up his third season for the division rival Kansas City Cheifs. Lilja started 59 games for Peyton Manning in Indianapolis from 2004-2009. So Lilja knows all about Peyton Manning and how he works the line.
The interest in Lilja comes after the Broncos lost 2012 starter Dan Koppen for the season to a ACL tear. Also the initial 2012 starter J.D Walton is still recovering from ankle surgery, and will be sidelined until at least October. The interest in Lilja shows the Broncos aren't too thrilled with their current depth at Center, and may show they aren't too keen on Manny Ramirez being their starter at center.
What do you guys think?
EDIT
According to pro football focus, Lilja was the 14th rated center in the league with an overall grade of 7.8. He scored a -3.1 in the pass blocking department and a 9.5 in the run blocking department. In 375 pass blocking snaps, Lilja allowed one sack and 13 total pressures for an overall 97.3# pass blocking efficiency. Koppen allowed 1 sack and 7 pressures and Manny Ramirez allowed 6 sacks and 13 total pressures.