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For all the positive vibes surrounding the Denver Broncos this offseason, most of the optimism has been local. Nationally, less plugged-in pundits have pounced on the Broncos, and as if to cut them down to size once again.
Major slights via Pro Football Focus have been directed at the Broncos in recent days, including All-Pro defensive lineman Zach Allen and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II. Still, we can dismiss such seemingly uneducated hot takes.
After all, splitting hairs on how you rank individual players during the offseason is the low-hanging fruit in early June. Nevertheless, NFL.com's Judy Battista has indulged in pondering more seriously over a potentially far more considerable roadblock for the Broncos to overcome in 2025.
Battista reminded everyone that, amid all the optimism, the Broncos still have to vanquish the Kansas City Chiefs in the uber-competitive AFC West. She questioned seriously whether the AFC West is still a "one-team race."
"The Chiefs won their ninth straight division title last season -- taking the 2024 crown by four games -- but the Broncos and Chargers both made the playoffs and both were far ahead of schedule in their respective rebuilds, so this narrative is already wilting. Can those two teams bury it once and for all? Jim Harbaugh is in Year 2 with the Chargers (he took the 49ers to the Super Bowl in his second year in San Francisco), and he just loaded up on running backs, signing Najee Harris and drafting Omarion Hampton, leaning into how he wants to play. Los Angeles also drafted receiver Tre Harris, addressing a major offensive need," Battista wrote. "The Broncos added key pieces on offense (running back RJ Harvey, tight end Evan Engram) and defense (linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, defensive back Jahdae Barron), and quarterback Bo Nix is coming off an impressive rookie season. Both teams already have good defenses and very smart, proven coaching. This is as much competition as the Chiefs have faced since their reign began."
Cutting the head off the Kansas City snake is always easier said than done. For far too long, Patrick Mahomes and company have always seemed to find a way to prevail in the AFC West.
Degrees of uncanny good fortune have often followed the Chiefs around ever since Mahomes landed in town, but making excuses over and over again is futile. That good fortune has frequently arrived via a friendly whistle in timely moments for Kansas City. Still, no matter what team or player it is, Lady Luck eventually turns her attention elsewhere.
In 2025, at least the Broncos can very likely rely upon the Los Angeles Chargers to soften the Chiefs up a little bit, as could the Las Vegas Raiders under new head coach Pete Carroll. Even so, it's on Nix and the host of new talent on this roster to take the bull by the horns and dethrone the Chiefs.
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If the Chiefs were to win a 10th-straight divisional title, it would mean that those costly offseason reinforcements the Broncos brought in would have come up short, and in a rather deflating manner. It's way past due that the Chiefs finally take a fall, but for that to ultimately happen, the Broncos have to viciously target the AFC West crown like there's no tomorrow.
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TODAY'S BEST
Bengals finally reach agreement with first-rounder Shemar Stewart
The Cincinnati Bengals have finally reached an agreement with first-round pick Shemar Stewart, putting an end to what became the story of the offseason for the team. Stewart, drafted 17th overall in this year's draft, has finally agreed to a four-year, fully guaranteed $18.97 million deal that includes a $10.4 million signing bonus, according to his agent Zac Hiller of LAA. Now with this deal done, every first-round pick is signed. The road to this deal was a bumpy ride. For months, negotiations between Stewart’s camp and the Bengals front office stalled due to disagreements over contract language, particularly around guarantees. The team pushed to include contract language that could void the deal under certain off-field circumstances, but since other Bengals first-round picks did not face similar terms, Stewart stood firm and refused to sign. Both sides remained firm throughout the offseason, leading to a long standoff and a lot of reports of frustration from both sides. Despite the frustration and disagreement, the Bengals and Stewart’s group continued to engage in conversations, trying to find a resolution to the issue. And finally, after weeks of back and forth and weeks of controversy surrounding what Stewart may be forced to do, both parties appear to have met in the middle and found common ground. For the Bengals, getting Stewart signed and ready for training camp is a major win. Stewart was viewed as a developmental prospect who needed plenty of on-field reps to reach his full potential. Stewart's absence from earlier camps had slowed a lot of his progress. With the contract dispute resolved, he can now focus entirely on gaining important reps and continuing his development over the coming weeks. Now with this contract done and over with, the team can put their full focus on Trey Hendrickson, who is also seeking a long term deal. If the Bengals can get a deal done with Trey before the season kicks off, they would secure their edge-rushing room for not only 2025, but for years beyond. For a team looking to go all in on making the playoffs, signing Stewart was long overdue. Now it will be vital for the team to get Stewart up to speed with the rest of the roster, and allow him to get as many reps as possible before the 2025 season begins.
Five potential landing spots for Christian Wilkins after stunning Raiders release
The Las Vegas Raiders just stunned the league by releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins after only one year with the team. After signing a four-year, $110 million contract, he struggled with injuries in 2024. This was supposed to be a big bounce-back year for Wilkins, but after a dispute between the two sides in regard to how to handle his foot injury, the team decided it was best to part ways. Now, a premier interior disruptor is suddenly available. Assuming his medicals get checked out soon, there should be a lot of interest around the league. Where should he land? Dallas Cowboys Dallas has needed a dominant interior presence for quite some time. Osa Odighizuwa is an awesome threat, but he is only solid against the run. Alongside him, the team will be banking heavily on 2023 first-rounder Mazi Smith, who has been disappointing so far. With Dallas looking to return to the playoffs, adding a stud like Wilkins could give Dallas one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. San Francisco 49ers The 49ers added some young bodies in CJ West and Alfred Collins, yet neither offer a proven, all-around talent like Wilkins could if healthy. The 49ers defensive line was horrid outside of Nick Bosa in 2024, but by adding Wilkins, the team would now have a solid cast of starters with Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Wilkins and Kevin Givens/Jordan Elliott. Miami Dolphins A return to Miami makes a ton of sense for both sides. The Dolphins know exactly how to use Wilkins, he knows the building and players, and the transition would be very easy. Miami needs help in the interior defensive line; by plugging Wilkins back into his old role, he could offer the quickest path to high-level impact. Detroit Lions With Levi Onwuzurike out with injury and Detroit needing more juice on the defensive line, adding a proven disruptor like Wilkins could make some sense. He could provide more depth while he gets fully healthy, and he can join a legit Super Bowl contender. His energy and mentality could be a good fit for a Dan Campbell-led squad. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars defense is average in the interior, but they have excellent edge-rushers who would benefit greatly from a strong disruptor up the middle. Wilkins could balance the front, help in the run defense and allow more one-on-ones for their premier edge-rushers. For a team that wants to return to the playoffs as soon as possible, adding a veteran like Wilkins could be a worthy bet to make.
Packers holding LT competition; latest on Elgton Jenkins
Zach Tom‘s four-year, $88M extension affirmed the right tackle’s status as a cornerstone Packer, but a question about the team’s direction at left tackle remains. A position battle is ongoing. Rasheed Walker will need to hold off 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan for the job, Brian Gutekunst said. The eighth-year Green Bay GM called this, via ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky, an open competition but pointed to Walker’s 32 starts as a reason he is the front-runner for the gig. On the surface, a former seventh-round pick competing with a priority add (via the 2024 first round) is odd. But Walker has proved to be a late-round find for Green Bay. Pro Football Focus graded the former No. 249 overall pick just outside the top 40 in each of the past two years, after he played in just one game as a 2022 rookie. Walker’s rookie deal expires after the season, and with two big-ticket O-line payments (to Tom and Aaron Banks) made this year, a free agency path appears clear. Morgan also could be in line to take over at LT in 2026, provided he cannot unseat Walker in training camp. This would set up Walker, with a good contract year, to be one of the 2026 market’s top prizes. He started 15 regular-season games in 2023 and all 17 last season. A decorated left tackle at Arizona, Morgan split time between left and right guard as a rookie. His injury-shortened season included 120 RG snaps and 65 on the left side, but the former No. 25 overall pick did not see too much action last season. Sean Rhyan operated as the Packers’ primary right guard; the former third-round pick is now in a contract year. Morgan working as a swingman in Year 2 would suggest something is off here, but it also could be possible he loses this competition but unseats Rhyan at RG. The Morgan-at-right guard plan is technically on the Packers’ back burner, but Elgton Jenkins‘ back injury slid Rhyan to center and allowed Morgan reps at RG, per Channel3000.com’s Jason Wilde. Rhyan said (via Wilde) he believed he has solidified himself as a starting guard. In 543 snaps last season, PFF ranked him 46th among guard regulars. It would surprise if Morgan did not have another chance to crack the starting lineup, but Rhyan would stand in his way if the high-level investment cannot beat out Walker at LT. Shifted from left guard to center this offseason, Jenkins does not appear in danger of missing regular-season time. Gutekunst hopes the Pro Bowler returns soon, though the team is dealing with a frustrated new snapper thanks to a contract issue. Jenkins, who has played all over Green Bay’s line, expressed frustration with his deal now that Banks supplanted him as the Packers’ highest-paid blocker. Tom eclipsed both last week. Jenkins is on the Pack’s active/NFI list, meaning he sustained the injury away from the team facility. No guarantees remain on Jenkins’ four-year, $68M extension — one that runs through the 2026 season. Additionally, the Packers confirmed (via the Green Bay Press-Gazette’s Ryan Wood) they are playing it safe with Christian Watson‘s ACL rehab. Not expected back until around midseason, the contract-year wide receiver will not go through a full practice during training camp. This makes him a clear candidate for the reserve/PUP list, which would bring at least a four-game absence. Gutekunst added (via Wood) Watson’s rehab has gone “great.”
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy
On Thursday, wrestling icon Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea died at the age of 71. "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," the company said in a statement. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s... WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans." Hogan was the first true superstar to emerge in the wrestling industry, capturing a casual audience worldwide and bringing new eyes to the sport. He was an unbelievable draw, both as a baby face and as a heel. From his time as an All-American hero to leading the New World Order and teaming with Randy Savage as part of the "Mega Powers," he has been a staple of the scene for decades. Who can forget his WrestleMania III moment, where he defied the laws of physics to body-slam a 520-pound Andre the Giant? Or, more recently, his match with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania 18? His last appearance on WWE RAW on Jan. 6 saw him booed throughout, highlighting the rocky legacy Hogan leaves behind. Hogan's universal popularity has plummeted in recent years, primarily due to a racism scandal that led to his removal from the Wrestling Hall of Fame, only to be reinstated in 2018. Nevertheless, the damage had been done. Hogan's outdated and unwelcome outlook on specific aspects of life derailed the final stanza of a legendary career. Still, there's no denying that without Hogan, the wrestling we know and love today wouldn't exist. There wouldn't be WWE on the world's largest streaming platform, or All Elite Wrestling, which is developing into one of the most successful challenger brands. Instead, there would be smaller, more localized promotions, all competing for a sliver of television time. Hogan popularized the sport by bridging the gap between the wrestling ring and Hollywood. During his time in the spotlight, Hogan appeared in movies such as "Rocky III," "No Holds Barred" and "Suburban Commando," all of which helped bring his larger-than-life persona to a new audience. It's no surprise, then, that The Rock, John Cena and Dave Bautista have all made similar jumps in recent years. Hogan leaves behind an everlasting imprint on the wrestling world. Unfortunately, it comes with multiple asterisks; however, that doesn't change what he achieved as the first global wrestling star.
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