2014 Free Agency: Broncos Could Have Interest in OG Geoff Schwartz, Former Chief

Dec 8, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz (74) prepares to block against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret the Denver Broncos will be one of the most talked about teams this offseason with so many big names hitting the free agent market, and John Elway’s view that the team shouldn’t have any pressing needs going into the draft.

One such position of need is at offensive guard, where starting left guard Zane Beadles is scheduled to be a free agent, and veteran Chris Kuper is a candidate to be a cap casualty.

Guard Geoff Schwartz is said to have played his last down as a Kansas City Chief, though nothing is for certain, and after coming in as a reserve last year there are rumors that he could command a solid contract. He played right guard for Kansas City, so a position change would be in order if he were to sign with the Broncos, but this is a fit that makes sense.

The Broncos need to ensure the offensive line doesn’t have any rookies or major holes with Peyton Manning as the quarterback, a spot that was very fortunate last year to have had a breakout performance from both Manny Ramirez and Chris Clark, though that was a definite area of concern in the Super Bowl.

With Ryan Clady returning from injury and Clark/Ramirez signing extensions, the Broncos have to be sure to fill other holes up front. Schwartz is a player that many believe to be the most coveted at the guard position, so his price tag will be of great interest to the Broncos.

Last year, Denver gave a big contract to Louis Vasquez, and that move paid off in a huge way, as Vasquez was named an All-Pro.

Entering his sixth year in the league, the 27-year old Schwartz could be emerging as one of the NFL’s top guards. Could the Broncos poach an offensive lineman from a division rival two-straight years? The Chiefs will obviously be interested in bringing Schwartz back, but if he is allowed to test the waters it’s hard to argue a multi-year deal with Denver would be a downgrade for him.