Report: Broncos Sign Former Redskins OL Will Montgomery

Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins guard Chris Chester (66) taps center Will Montgomery (63) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN.com Denver Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold broke news on Tuesday night that the Broncos had agreed to terms on a one-year deal with former Washington Redskins center Will Montgomery.

Montgomery visited the Broncos not too long after being cut in Washington, but left without a deal. Now, he’s a Bronco for 2014 and on a one-year deal that is apparently worth around $1.3 million.

Entering his 9th NFL season, Montgomery was drafted in 2006 by the Carolina Panthers, so he has at least a little familiarity with Broncos head coach John Fox. He spent one season in Carolina before heading to the Jets, and eventually the Redskins where he became a full-time starter in 2011 and hasn’t missed a game since.

Spending the majority of his career at the center position, Montgomery has done fairly well. Pro Football Focus graded him at +21.8 in 2012 and a decent +4.8 in 2013. For the Broncos, he could simply be veteran depth on the interior of the offensive line, he could be the starting center and push Manny Ramirez over to guard, or he could start for the Broncos at left guard.

The Broncos still have the draft to determine the official status of their offensive line for the 2014 season, but my opinion is that Montgomery will enter camp as a starter.

WalterFootball.com thought the Broncos also did pretty well in the signing, grading it a “B”.

“This isn’t a sexy signing by any means, but it’s a fairly important one because the Broncos were hurting for interior offensive line depth in the wake of losing Zane Beadles. Will Montgomery is a very capable run blocker, so if he wins the starting center job, he could kick Manny Ramirez out to Beadles’ former spot. The price is right for Montgomery, who can also play guard if needed. “

The Broncos have made known their desire to be a better running football team in 2014, and if Montgomery is effective in the run game as they say, then he can be a help in that regard. I don’t know a whole lot about him other than a few things.

1. He has been durable, and has started all 16 games the last three seasons.

2. He received a very solid grade from PFF in 2012, and a much less spectacular but still decent grade in 2013.

3. He came cheap.

4. He was cut from Washington, who changed their coaching staff.

5. He can play multiple positions, and do a solid job.

6. He is nearly $5 million less this year than Zane Beadles, and will probably produce similar results.