AFC West Roundup: Denver to Exercise Options on Two Starters

Mar 01, 2019 at 11:45 AM

Chris Hayre

TEAM REPORTER

Los Angeles Chargers offensive guard Michael Schofield (75) blocks Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Carson, Calif. Denver won 23-22. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Let's spin around the AFC West this week for the latest news from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City's offseason started with a change at defensive coordinator. Steve Spagnuolo was hired in January to replace former DC Bob Sutton, who has since landed in Atlanta as a senior assistant with the Falcons.

On Wednesday, Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid expounded his relationship and familiarity with Spagnuolo.

"I've known Steve a long time," Reid said. "I hired Steve into the league. We knew each other when we were college coaches. Steve will be a great addition to our defense and the energy that he brings and so on."

Reid added that he and Sutton remain friends and that sometimes a fresh start is best for both sides. Spagnuolo will be tasked with improving the league's 31st ranked defense.

Denver Broncos: President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway announced Wednesday that the team will exercise the contract options of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and defensive tackle Derek Wolfe.

Sanders, 31, has spent five of his nine NFL seasons in Denver. Last season he caught 71 passes for 868 yards and four touchdowns before suffering a torn Achilles in an early December practice. Wolfe, 29, started all 16 games for the Broncos in 2018.

New Head Coach Vic Fangio also announced Wednesday that the team will let cornerback Bradley Roby test free agency, but acknowledged there is interest in bringing him back.

Oakland Raiders: While Derek Carr currently remains the starting quarterback in Oakland, Head Coach Jon Gruden was asked for his thoughts on 2019's QB class during his media availability on Thursday in Indy.

"I had an opportunity – a unique opportunity – to coach some really good players in Alabama at the Senior Bowl," Gruden said. "The kid from North Carolina State [Ryan Finley] impressed me. I think Daniel Jones out of Duke has got a huge upside. I think [Missouri's] Drew Lock's got a quick release, [an] accurate passer [with] lot of production."

Gruden said that the team met with Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins and Oklahoma's Kyler Murray on Wednesday night. The Raiders hold three first-round picks in this year's draft.