John Elway says team is talking with Jared Veldheer about return
Denver Broncos general manager John Elway said the team is talking to free agent right tackle Jared Veldheer about returning in 2019.
Despite his history of injury struggles trickling into his career with the Denver Broncos, free agent offensive tackle Jared Veldheer was a solid pickup by John Elway in the 2018 offseason.
As Elway addressed the media at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, he revealed the team has been in talks with Veldheer about a possible return.
“We’re trying to get something done with Billy Turner, as well as Jared (Veldheer).” — Elway
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) February 27, 2019
As a matter of fact, “trying to get something done” sounds like the Broncos are doing a little bit more than just thinking about bringing Veldheer back. It sounds more like they are actively trying to prevent him from hitting the market by getting a deal done.
The interesting thing here would be what kind of role Turner would have if Veldheer would return. Turner played both right tackle and left guard for the Broncos last year. Perhaps the Broncos view him as a superior option at right guard to Connor McGovern.
Either way, if Veldheer is brought back, it would help solidify the Broncos’ offensive tackle positions under new position coach Mike Munchak, whom Vic Fangio stated is going to have a major role in personnel evaluation.
The Broncos’ offensive line was one of the teams’ most improved units in 2018. Despite suffering a number of injuries, the Broncos were able to find success with a few different personnel groupings on the line.
Veldheer provided the Broncos a steady veteran presence both in the running game and as a pass protector. He wasn’t perfect, by any means, but for the money and his experience, the Broncos could definitely do a lot worse.
Denver initially acquired Veldheer from the Arizona Cardinals last offseason in exchange for a sixth-round pick. That was a great trade even if Veldheer leaves in free agency. He helped solidify the Broncos’ depth on the line and gave Denver the inside track at re-signing him.
Positions for the Broncos to target in FA. dark. Next
The Broncos have a strong recruiting piece for offensive linemen in Munchak. He’s coached up a number of Pro Bowl and All-Pro players through the years and was a Hall of Fame lineman himself. That’s something prospective free agents around the league should be attracted to.