The Broncos are still in the market for a left tackle, and the club has interest in free agent King Dunlap, according to Troy Renck of Denver7. The Chargers released Dunlap to make room for ex-Denver lineman Russell Okung, so the AFC West rivals would essentially be swapping blindside protectors if Dunlap signs with the Broncos.
While Denver has invested in several offensive lineman this offseason — including Menelik Watson and Ronald Leary — the team still has a hole at left tackle. If the season started today, Watson would probably line up on the left side, but he played only 328 snaps last season and earned a poor grade from Pro Football Focus. Incumbent tackle Donald Stephenson can also play on the blindside, but his performance was worse than Watson’s in 2016.
Dunlap, then, would immediately slot in at left tackle for the Broncos, though his health questions would mean Watson or Stephenson might see the field at some point. Nagging injury issues have forced the 31-year-old Dunlap to miss 13 games over the past two seasons. But Dunlap was exceptional from 2013-14 when his health allowed him to play, and his level of production enticed the Chargers to sign him to an extension.
Denver is also willing to engage in trade talks in the search for a left tackle, per Renck, and possesses 10 draft picks which could be offered in deals. Speculatively, the Broncos could approach the Browns about Joe Thomas (something they’ve done before), but Cleveland has been adamant that it won’t entertain a Thomas trade. Other alternatives could include Jason Peters (Eagles), Jared Veldheer (Cardinals), or Donovan Smith (Buccaneers).