Denver Broncos: Free agent offensive tackles to replace Ja’Wuan James

Charles Leno Jr.

The Denver Broncos have an obvious connection to the Chicago Bears in head coach Vic Fangio, who obviously spent a number of years going up against Charles Leno Jr. in practices.

One statistic that will be music to the ears of Denver Broncos fans?

Since 2015, Leno has missed just nine snaps, all of which occurred in the 2018 season (Fangio’s final season in Chicago).

Besides that, Leno has not missed any time for the Chicago Bears as their starting left tackle and has been a staple for them before being released just recently.

Only 29 years old, Leno is an attractive free agent option for a few reasons, namely age, durability (availability), and the connection to the coaching staff. The main issue here? Leno has no real experience at right tackle in the NFL.

As a veteran player at this point, you expect guys to be able to play different spots on the line. Tristan Wirfs, a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers likened playing the different tackle positions to changing which hand you wipe yourself with.

Crude as that analogy may be, it’s certainly one way to put it.

If Leno is willing, he could be the Denver Broncos’ starting right tackle in 2021. He may also have opportunities elsewhere in the league (Colts) to start at left tackle.