Denver Broncos: Is J.R. Sweezy worth a look?
With lingering questions about the offensive line, could the Denver Broncos take a look at former big-money free agent J.R. Sweezy?
The Denver Broncos have tweaked their offensive line plenty over the past couple of years, but that tweaking might not yet be finished.
Heading into training camp in July, the Broncos will have — on paper — a starting five on the offensive line of players who have proven competence at the NFL level. It could even be the best offensive line the Broncos have had since 2012, at least on paper.
With that said, would a player like J.R. Sweezy, recently released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, be of interest?
The #Buccaneers are releasing G J.R. Sweezy, sources say. Sweezy had been working his way back from a broken bone in his leg suffered late last year. Sweezy, 29, saw two years of a five-year deal he signed as a free agent in 2016. Missed that whole first season due to injury.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 29, 2018
Following the 2015 season and his four-year career with the Seattle Seahawks, Sweezy bolted in free agency to the opposite end of the country to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Money talks.
Sweezy signed a five-year, $32.5 million contract with the Buccaneers in the 2016 offseason.
After one year with the team and no games played, the Buccaneers protected themselves in case Sweezy continued to struggle with injuries, re-signing him to a revised four-year deal.
The Buccaneers decided to release Sweezy after his 2017 season, saving $6.5 million against the salary cap after he didn’t participate in offseason activities with the team.
What of Sweezy as a player? Here’s the opinion of the guy I believe to be the leading authority on offensive line evaluation:
Sweezy had an awesome start to the year last season before getting hurt yet again. Could be a flier for a team needing some G depth. Cutting him opens the door more for Cappa, which would be awesome to see on the interior with Marpet & Jensen.
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) June 29, 2018
Would the Broncos be willing to take a risk on a player like Sweezy? What are their current options?
Well, the Broncos have Max Garcia and Connor McGovern as players the team has drafted competing at right guard this offseason, in addition to veterans Billy Turner and even tackle Menelik Watson, who could mix in at that position.
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If the Broncos are not satisfied with the way the young players are developing, they could definitely take a look at Sweezy before camp if he’s healthy.
The key for Sweezy is obviously going to be staying healthy. He’s still recovering from a broken bone in his leg and will need to prove he’s at full strength before taking someone’s job.