The Denver Broncos could be in the market for a free agent tight end after the Jeff Heuerman derailed plans for the 2015 season that apparently included the 2015 third round pick. Not that the Broncos had assumed they wouldn’t get anything out of Heuerman this year, but with the other additions that were made this offseason, it seemed like snaps might be hard to come by for the rookie.
Gary Kubiak said the team had big plans for Heuerman, however, so replacing his spot on the roster is something the Broncos might look to do sooner rather than later.
After Troy Renck of the Denver Post reported the team was ‘standing pat’ at the TE spot for now, Jeff Legwold came in and said the Broncos could look to sign one as soon as Tuesday (today) or Wednesday.
Jul 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packer tight end Colt Lyerla catches a pass during training camp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
So, it’s kind of hard to know which one is right at this point, but let’s assume the Broncos are interested in bringing in another tight end, considering the fact that they have three or four open roster spots right now anyway.
One player I would suggest to John Elway is former Oregon Ducks star Colt Lyerla, who has a really checkered past but has gotten himself back on the right track after a season-ending injury with the Packers last offseason.
Lyerla is now a free agent, and is apparently ready to sign with a team whenever. He’s so talented, it seems hard to believe an NFL team wouldn’t give him another shot. At 6-5, 255 pounds, Lyerla is an absolute monster and plays like a receiver playing the TE spot. He would be a huge upside risk/reward name for the team to look at, but they’ve taken some of those risks recently.
Specifically, this kind of signing would remind me of the pickup made to acquire Marvin Austin, who wound up tearing it up at camp last season and snagging a roster spot. Austin was kicked out of the North Carolina football program, but was still a second round pick of the Giants. Marred by injury and off-field issues, Austin got the ship on the right course and has carved a decent role with the Broncos.
Lyerla left Oregon on bad terms, but according to this report has since made amends with the tight ends coach there and is attempting to get back into the league.
Maybe this is a ridiculous thought, but I would love to see Lyerla in Denver. He’s got big time upside and is now fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered last season with the Green Bay Packers.
There’s virtually no risk attached to this move for the Broncos, and potentially high reward.