Denver Broncos Free-Agency Notes and Quotes from Dove Valley

The Denver Broncos had a fairly quiet opening to the new league year when compared to other teams (*cough* Philadelphia Eagles *cough*). However, just because they made a small handful of moves doesn’t mean they didn’t improve their team. In fact, their moves show quite the opposite.

Denver upgraded both sides of the ball, and they even added a player who might be a surprise addition to their kicking unit.

Here are some notes, quotes and general musings about what went on at Broncos headquarters—aka Dove Valley—this week.

Inside Linebacker Steven Johnson

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Broncos agreed to terms with linebacker Steven Johnson on a new one-year contract, executive vice resident of football operations/general manager John Elway announced on Tuesday. This was a good move for the Broncos, as it gives them quality depth at inside linebacker.

With new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, the Broncos are moving to a 3-4 defense in 2015. Johnson is incredibly comfortable playing in the new scheme.

“I think I’m very comfortable in the 3-4. Actually, in high school, I played a 5-2, which is like a 3-4 because two guys are linebackers at the line of scrimmage. I was very successful in that. Even in college, my senior year we played in a 3-4 and I led the Big 12 in tackles—I was eighth in the nation.” Johnson confidently summarized, “I’m very comfortable playing 3-4. I’m actually really excited about it. It will be cool.”

Johnson arrives at the ball-carrier with natural violence, and he looks like he’s shot out of a cannon as a run defender. However, Johnson wants to become even more well-rounded this offseason.

“I’m known as a hitter. I mean, everyone knows that I can come downhill and hit somebody really hard. I have a nose for the ball. This is what I do. That’s just what I’ve done my whole life.” Johnson pondered, “What can I get better at? This offseason is just becoming a three-down linebacker.”

Tight End Virgil Green

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Arguably the most important free agent to sign not named Demaryius Thomas, tight end Virgil Green signed a new three-year contract with the Broncos on Tuesday. Green was originally a seventh-round pick for the Broncos in the 2011 NFL draft, and he’s worked hard to become one of the NFL’s best blockers at the tight end position.

Elway was thrilled to get a deal done with Green.

"Virgil was in our first [draft] class and was a seventh-round pick and has really worked his tail off for the last four years. He’s a type of guy that we want on the Denver Broncos and a guy that has that mentality of the hard work that it takes to be successful. With his contract, [I] congratulate him because it’s one he’s really, really earned.” Elway continued, “We also continue to have high expectations. We think the sky is the limit for Virgil and we think he will flourish in what we’re going to do offensively now.”

I believe Green is a seriously underrated receiver. With only 24 career catches, Green could snare 30 or more in this offense next season. The Broncos didn’t talk to Green much about an expanded role before they signed him.

“They didn’t really have to talk to me too much about that because, like I said, I did go and try to learn more about what Kubiak’s offense is all about and you see tight ends have flourished throughout the last few years in his offense.”

Green summarized, “I understand how I’m going to earn my keep on this team, and at the end of the day for me, it’s just tough, hard-nosed football. I know those other things will come to me, but at the end of the day I’m all about tough, hard-nosed football.”

Learning that he was going to play with Owen Daniels made Green’s day (along with his large payday).

“I think it’s great. It’s funny, about two years ago, I went to tight ends coach Clancy Barone and I told him, ‘From what I hear, this Owen Daniels guy knows how to get open,’ and I asked my coach to put together a clip of all the Owen Daniels route-running and everything.” Green concluded, “I’ve studied him; I feel like I can pick his brain, learn some things and better myself as a tight end.”

Some Broncos fans (not all) are shaken up by the loss of Julius Thomas as he became the highest-paid tight end in the league with the Jacksonville Jaguars. How does Green measure up with Thomas?: 

"

Did you know Virgil is faster, stronger & more athletic than Julius? I didn’t. Here’s their combine numbers. #Broncos pic.twitter.com/vMokyX7Oni

— Raj Sharan (@Raj_Sharan) March 10, 2015 "

These numbers look good, but former scout Russ Lande is truthful in his response: 

"

@Raj_Sharan @CecilLammey - He may test out better, but on field is not as athletic as Thomas & is actually a little stiff/upright in routes.

— Russell Lande (@RUSSLANDE) March 10, 2015 "

The bottom line is there will likely be two tight ends who take up the slack left by Thomas.

Tight End Owen Daniels

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

In a move that shocked—well—nobody, the Broncos added veteran tight end Owen Daniels to the roster on Tuesday as well. Daniels has played every snap of his NFL career under Gary Kubiak, and that connection was obviously a big reason why he chose to play in the Mile High City.

Kubiak talked about a conversation he had with Elway when free-agent tight ends came up.

“I sat down with [executive vice resident of football operations/general manager] John [Elway] about three weeks ago. We were talking about free agency and his name came up, and I really just said two things to John. I said, ‘You know, John, you can look at the film and judge for yourself. But I can tell you two things: He’s going to give you everything he has and he wants to win a championship, and that’s the type of player you want on your football team.’”

In addition to Kubiak, some guy named Peyton Manning was a big attraction for Daniels.

“Yeah, that was a factor in coming here, for sure. I’m very, very excited to play with Peyton. I’ve gotten to meet him a couple times at Pro Bowls in the past, so I have a little bit of a feel for him, but I’m looking to get to work with him and building that chemistry so we can have a great year.”

Daniels revealed his motivation for this offseason as he prepares for his first season with the Broncos.

“I’m in a new city. I think people might expect more out of me, so now I’ve got to match those expectations. I’m playing with a first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback and I want to make sure that we’re always on the same page and I’m always in the right spot for him and doing the right things. I think this offseason will be a little bit different mentally for me.”

Daniels continued, “I’ll be learning a little bit [about] what Peyton does and the words that he likes to use and his terminology, so a little mash up of ‘Kube’ and what Peyton does. I’ll be studying probably a little more than I have in the past, which is a good thing.”

Tight End Joe Don Duncan

A move that some (most?) might have missed was the signing of college free agent (from 2014) Joe Don Duncan. A superstar at tiny Dixie State, Duncan wasn’t able to stick on a roster last year.

It’s a move that could make no waves (likely), but it’s also a transaction that could make a difference. I am quite interested by this acquisition: 

"

Is he a longshot? yes! But I do like the #Broncos bringing in TE Joe Don Duncan from Dixie State - smart player worth taking a chance on

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) March 11, 2015 "

Why should Broncos fans be excited by this? Check out some of his college highlights:

Level of competition is a huge concern—as is injury history. Duncan suffered more than one serious knee injury (which required surgery) at Sacramento State and Dixie State.

If healthy, Duncan can outmuscle smaller defenders with ease. He did put up 225 pounds a TE-best 35 times at the 2014 scouting combine.

Duncan is a smart player who naturally comes back to the football, and he shows a good knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage. In addition to his ability as a tight end, Duncan can also be an emergency kicker or long snapper.

A player with his football intelligence, strength and natural athleticism is worth taking a shot on.

Defensive End Vance Walker

USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos were looking for a 5-technique defensive end this offseason, and they found a good one in former Kansas City Chiefs DE Vance Walker. With Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson penciled in as starters, Denver needed to find added competition for Phillips’ new defense.

Walker made it clear in his first comments to the Denver media that he is a fan of Phillips.

“I really liked what [head] coach [Gary] Kubiak [is] doing, what he’s building, and also [defensive coordinator] coach [Wade] Phillips. He’s got a great defense. I studied him a good bit when he was coaching with the Texans, so I know a good bit about his game and am really excited to play for him.”

He can be listed—and counted on—as both a defensive end or a defensive tackle. Walker is confident no matter where the Broncos place him on the defensive line.

“I can play any position. Really whatever they need me to do, whether it’s D-End or nose [tackle] or three-technique. It’s a penetrating type of defense, so really wherever they feel that I fit. I spoke with the coaches and they’re pretty impressed that I can play all positions.” Walker summarized, “It’s really wherever they believe I fit.”

In addition to Phillips, another “rock star” defensive coach the Broncos added was veteran defensive line coach Bill Kollar. Walker likes him too.

“He’s very energetic. He knows his stuff though. He’s very knowledgeable about a lot of things. He watched a good bit of film on me and gave me some feedback. We talked a lot about football for a couple hours. I was just really impressed with him. He seems like a great coach to have. I’m excited to work with him.”

Punter Karl Schmitz

Former Jacksonville University punter Karl Schmitz signed an undisclosed deal with the Denver Broncos on Thursday. This was a curious move for multiple reasons, and Schmitz immediately becomes a player to watch.

Is Schmitz only a camp leg? That’s a possibility. However, he’s also a threat to two of the three kickers (maybe even all three) on the roster.

Schmitz is a punter first, and he’s got a booming leg. His addition is interesting because of the struggles that Britton Colquitt had in 2014.

In 2014, Colquitt’s net punt yardage of 3,048 (24th), long punt of 65 yards (21st), number of punt touchbacks (22nd) and yards per punt of 44.17 (26th) all rank near the bottom of the league. Simply put, these numbers are too low for a player with such a high price tag.

When looking at the top average annual salaries for punters in the league, Britton Colquitt sits at the top at over $3.8 million. Denver is not getting the proper return on investment given Colquitt’s play last season.

Here’s a video of Schmitz doing more than just punting:

In addition to punting, Schmitz can also be asked to kick field goals or work as a kickoff specialist. Connor Barth is the guy that boots the field goals, while Brandon McManus works best on kickoffs. We could see Schmitz at least replace McManus if he impresses in camp.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions. Draft grades provided by NFLDraftScout.com.