The Denver Broncos brought offensive lineman Billy Turner back last spring on the heels of the Nathaniel Hackett hire. Hackett and Turner had become the best of friends during their time together in Green Bay.
Turner's return to the Mile High City was his second stint with the Broncos, after spending three seasons with the club from 2016-18. Alas, Denver signed an injured Turner last year, and perhaps Hackett's close relationship with him is why GM George Paton looked past that red flag.
Nursing a knee injury that had begun plaguing him the year prior in Green Bay, Turner was penciled in as Denver's starting right tackle but didn't make his debut in the starting lineup until Week 6. He started the next four games before suffering a setback and missing four more.
Turner played 100% of snaps at right tackle in the final quarter of the 2022 season but has since languished on the free-agent market. However, the veteran tackle claims he's healthy, and according to Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette, the Broncos aren't interested in bringing him back.
"Free-agent OL Billy Turner said the Broncos aren't at this point looking to re-sign him. But he says he's 'back to 100 percent' after knee issues and is 'the healthiest I’ve been in the last two years.' Said, 'I should be on somebody’s roster for the upcoming season, I believe,'" Tomasson tweeted on Thursday.
The Broncos spent big this offseason to solve the turnstile that right tackle has become, signing former San Francisco top-10 draft pick Mike McGlinchey to a five-year deal. With Garett Bolles set to reprise his role on the left side, the Broncos have a formidable starting tackle duo, but depth is a big concern.
Calvin Anderson, who also started games last year, signed elsewhere, while Cameron Fleming remains available. Despite popular perception, Fleming played admirably last season when his number was called. Plus, Fleming is a year younger than Turner, the latter of whom is set to turn 32 this fall.
Perhaps the Broncos are instead looking to add tackle depth via the 2023 NFL draft. However, that's no sure thing, as the team doesn't go on the clock for the first time until pick No. 67, which is in the third round.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Denver bring back either Fleming, but be advised, there is a market for the latter. Fleming recently visited with the Jacksonville Jaguars but remains available.
Maybe Turner ultimately follows Hackett east to the New York Jets, where he's serving now as offensive coordinator under Robert Salah. Stay tuned.
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