As the combine wraps up and free agency looms, it’s fun to look back at this time in years past to see which prognosticators were wrong, who was supposed to go where, and remember players that fall into that “oh yeah, I remember that guy” category. I took a dive through the MHR archives in the offseason before Peyton Manning and all his glorious wins came to Denver. This is what I found.
Although Demaryius Thomas hasn’t been forgotten, his proximity to former Broncos CB Perrish Cox and the 2010 rape allegations that ended Cox’s tenure in Denver likely have been. On March 2, 2012, Cox was acquitted of charges and went on to play for the 49ers, Titans, and Seahawks.
Even after the miraculous 2011 Tebow season, Broncos fans were asking the same questions then that they continue to ask now. What would it take to move up for a marquee-level quarterback? In this case, it was Robert Griffin III.
Remember Broncos running back Willis McGahee? This week in 2012, Mike Klis reported that McGahee was none-too-pleased with the contract offer he received from the Broncos. Then McGahee took issue with the report on twitter all but calling out Klis by name. This week in 2012 was not the best week for our dear friend Klis.
“I have talked to people close to the Peyton Manning situation and the expectation as of today is the bidding war will come down to Mike Shanahan’s Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins. The New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks will also make a run, as well up to three or four others. The Broncos will not be in the bidding, although where Manning lands will create a domino affect that could affect which free-agent quarterback Denver does sign to back up Tim Tebow.”
I’m going to go ahead and say that this is one report Klis would have liked to have back.
Needless to say, this time of year things are fluid. It’s best to take every report with a grain of salt. For every sure-fire no-brainer bit of news that drops, surprises lurk in every turn. Who knows, we may be looking back seven years from now with another Super Bowl under the Broncos belt marveling at just how awesome things turned out... or not if you’re Perrish Cox.
HORSE TRACKS
LBs White, Wilson and Bush discuss meeting with Broncos, Combine experience
Linebackers Devin White (LSU), Devin Bush (Michigan) and Mack Wilson (Alabama) talk about their interactions with the Broncos in Indianapolis and what they hope to prove at the NFL Combine.
Why LSU LB Devin White thinks he can be 'the sneaky player' in Denver's defense
Broncos' Matt LaCosse: Heading for free agency - CBSSports.com
Broncos' Matt LaCosse: Heading for free agency
Bruce Allen: We were never involved in Joe Flacco trade talks – ProFootballTalk
After word broke that the Broncos and Ravens agreed to a trade that will send quarterback Joe Flacco to Denver when the new league year opens on March 13, there was word that Washington was also interested in a potential move for the veteran.
Every NFL mascots speed in the 40 yard dash, ranked - SBNation.com
We broke this down ... with science!
Fitzgerald to AB -- Can get tough without a top QB
Larry Fitzgerald counts Antonio Brown as a good friend and cautioned the younger wide receiver that life in the NFL "can get tough" without a star quarterback like Ben Roethlisberger.
Dexter Lawrence suffers minor quad strain at NFL Combine - NFL.com
Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence suffered a minor quad strain during his run of the 40-yard dash on Sunday at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Report: Bucs won’t tender Andrew Adams as a restricted free agent – ProFootballTalk
Safety Andrew Adams led the Buccaneers in interceptions during the 2018 season, but he may not have a chance to try to make it two years in a row. Adams came into the offseason set for restricted free agency, Greg Auman of TheAthletic.
Franchise tag fight could be looming for Chiefs and Dee Ford – ProFootballTalk
The Chiefs have franchise-tagged Dee Ford as a linebacker. He'll likely be a defensive end in the team's new defense. And that could spark a fight over whether he should be tagged as a linebacker or as a defensive end.
Grady Jarrett, Falcons reportedly far apart on long-term deal – ProFootballTalk
Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said from the Scouting Combine last week that he is optimistic that the team can agree to a long-term deal with impending free agent Grady Jarrett, but didn't say if that would happen before Tuesday's deadline to use the franchise tag.
Jerry Jones: This is my 30th year, I don’t have 30 more, I want a Super Bowl now – ProFootballTalk
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is feeling a sense of urgency about getting back to the Super Bowl. Jones bought the Cowboys in 1989, and they won the Super Bowl after the 1992, 1993 and 1995 seasons.
It feels like Steelers, Antonio Brown are on a collision course – ProFootballTalk
As Antonio Brown tries to talk his way out of Pittsburgh, he's also potentially talking his way out of other possible NFL cities before he even arrives. Which could set the stage for a fight between player and team that will make the Eagles vs. T.O. look like a mild dinner-table disagreement.
Antonio Brown: 'I don't even have to play football if I don't want' - CBSSports.com
Brown is continuing his offseason of saying exactly what he feels
Patriots DE Trey Flowers, one of the top available free agents, reportedly recovering from shoulder surgery - CBSSports.com
Flowers is likely the best defensive lineman who will actually hit free agency this offseason
2019 NFL Combine: Quinnen Williams blew off agent's advice and ran a second 40-yard dash that was better than his first - CBSSports.com
Williams had a fantastic season at Alabama and is having a strong combine as well
AAF Week 4 scores, highlights, updates: Birmingham without starting center vs. San Antonio - CBSSports.com
Check back often for the latest updates from Sunday's AAF games
Watch: Montez Sweat sets combine record for DL by running the 40 faster than Odell Beckham - CBSSports.com
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Sweat blazed through the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds
Nick Foles rumors: Jaguars reportedly expect to sign former Eagles Super Bowl MVP in free agency - CBSSports.com
The Eagles are letting Foles leave in free agency and he could land in Jacksonville