Donald Stephenson restructures contract with Broncos
The Denver Broncos have reportedly restructured the contract of right tackle Donald Stephenson as they continue to look at building their OL…
The Denver Broncos have restructured Donald Stephenson’s contract, according to reports initially from Mike Klis, confirmed by other local media:
Stephenson was seemingly a candidate for release, but the Broncos held on to last year’s starting right tackle through the initial wave of free agency and that has proven to be a pretty wise decision. Stephenson wasn’t consistent last year, and was at one point in rotation with Ty Sambrailo at right tackle, but the team has invested in him, and they are making good on that by giving him another shot.
The big difference now is, Stephenson has to work his way onto the roster as either a swing tackle or the new starting left tackle, and he will be given a $2 million roster bonus if he can do that.
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
The way I understand it, Stephenson’s guaranteed salary of $4 million has been converted into an ‘earn it’ number. The Broncos have a pro-rated signing bonus for Stephenson that extends into next year, so no matter what, he will still be making money from the Broncos into 2018.
Basically, what it all means is that the Broncos save $2 million if Stephenson doesn’t make the roster, which will cost them less in dead money against next year’s cap.
With Stephenson seemingly firmly in the fold at tackle, the Broncos may very well open OTAs with Stephenson and Ty Sambrailo at left tackle, and they would clearly be in the market for a tackle on day one of the 2017 NFL Draft.
The top options in the draft are Utah’s Garett Bolles, Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp, and Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramczyk.