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Horse Tracks: Let the free agency bidding wars begin!

A myriad of big name agreed in principle to deals last night, but those deals cannot become official until 4:00 PM (EST) today. Expect more major moves to happen in the course of the next 24 hours.

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Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Good Morning, Country.

Christmas came early for a handful of teams and desired players before the advent of free agency. Last night with a handful of major moves making waves through the media, including several acquisitions that will make the AFC West more competitive next season.

The Oakland Raiders have agreed in principal to deals with star free agents Kelechi Osemele and Bruce Irvin, who will undoubtedly have significant impact for the Silver and Black next year and make the lives of their division opponents a bit harder immediately and for years to come.

But they weren't the only team in the division to make moves. The San Diego Chargers re-signed veteran offensive tackle Joe Barksdale to a four-year deal and the Denver Broncos made a move of their own and are expected to sign former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Donald Stephenson today to a three-year deal that averages five million dollars per season.

Alas, the wheeling and dealing has only begun and you can expect the free agency frenzy to hit fever pitch late this afternoon when deals can become official at 4 PM (EST). Indeed, some big questions loom at Dove Valley in regard to several Broncos players and their future.

Will the team come to terms with Brock Osweiler or will he jump ship to another team such as the Houston Texans?  Recent reports suggest they have become serious contenders for his services.

Where will Danny Trevathan end up?  Initial reports believed he would sign a four-year deal with the Chicago Bears, but the Atlanta Falcons aren't going to give up their hopes on signing the star linebacker.

Most importantly, what impact players will the Broncos add to their championship roster? Stay tuned to Mile High Report for all the latest and breaking news concerning the Denver Broncos and their free agent endeavors.

As always, thanks for reading and enjoy today's offering of Horse Tracks.

Horse Tracks:

Von Miller: "You might see Johnny Manziel in Denver" | Mile High Sports
If Brock Osweiler ends up bolting in free agency, Von Miller says don't be surprised if you see Johnny Manziel in Denver.

Peyton Manning eloquently concludes a Hall of Fame career | Mile High Sports
When history is written – about the NFL, about the Denver Broncos, about the man himself – it will be Peyton Manning who penned his own storybook ending.

Power Rankings: Peyton Manning's top 10 Denver Broncos touchdown recipients | Mile High Sports
In this week's edition of "Power Rankings," we honor Peyton Manning and his top touchdown targets while in the Mile High City.

Terrance Knighton would 'more than welcome to reunite' with Broncos
For the second time in as many years, Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton is a free agent and in search of his next home. And after a season away away from Denver, the defensive tackle said he’d welcome a Mile High reunion.

Broncos to add starting offensive tackle Donald Stephenson
The Denver Broncos will sign offensive tackle Donald Stephenson once the NFL free-agent market opens Wednesday, an NFL source confirmed to 9NEWS.

Broncos release Louis Vasquez, Owen Daniels and Aaron Brewer
The Broncos had to release three first-teamers in advance of the new league year.

GM John Elway, QB Brock Osweiler engaged in free agent showdown for Broncos
Broncos GM is known for driving hard bargain, but can he let quarterback get away?

What we learned: Big-name free agents off the board
In the final hours before free agency, several teams made bold moves to claim some of the best talent poised to hit the market. Gregg Rosenthal recaps what went down Tuesday.

Charles Johnson agrees to return to Carolina Panthers
Charles Johnson, who was released by the Panthers last week, has agreed to return to the team, a source informed of his plans told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport on Tuesday.

Raiders, Kelechi Osemele agree in principle on deal
The Raiders and offensive guard Kelechi Osemele have reached an agreement in principle on a contract, NFL Media's Rand Getlin reports.

Mario Williams signs two-year deal with Dolphins
Mario Williams is staying in the AFC East. A week after being cut by the Buffalo Bills, Williams has signed a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, Ian Rapoport reports.

Ex-Jets RB Chris Ivory to sign with Jacksonville Jaguars
Running back Chris Ivory, who racked up more than 1,000 yards last season, will sign with the Jaguars after NFL free agency opens on Wednesday, a source told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.

Lions announce Calvin Johnson has retired
Calvin Johnson won't be making any music on the field in Motown anymore. The Detroit Lions announced that the wide receiver will retire on Tuesday after playing nine seasons with the team.

Bruce Irvin gives Raiders bookend pass-rusher with All-Pro Khalil Mack
The pass rush of the Oakland Raiders should be fearsome next season, especially in nickel packages.