The Broncos made their first big splash in free agency by signing former Detroit Lions guard Graham Glasgow to a four-year deal worth $44 million.
The signing is huge for the Broncos in their effort to protect Drew Lock, as the team has now solidified their offensive line. Elijah Wilkinson will fill the void left by Ronald Leary and likely be an upgrade, while the Glasgow will most likely fill the hole at center left by Connor McGovern, thanks to his versatility along the interior of the line.
Glasgow was ranked by NFL.com as the 30th-best free agent available and the second-best offensive linemen after Joe Thuney was tagged and both Jack Conklin and Anthony Castonzo signed deals earlier today.
Glasgow was also one of just five interior offensive linemen last season to play at least 800 snaps and get fewer than three penalties without allowing a single sack per Pro Football Focus. Phillip Lindsay should be happier than anyone about this signing, as PFF graded Glasgow as the 14th-best interior offensive linemen and 8th-best guard overall last season, and the 9th-best interior linemen and the 5th-best guard in the run game last season.
Even though Denver’s line has been stabilized, don’t be surprised if Elway isn’t done with the offensive line yet. The Broncos’ GM made it clear that Garett Bolles was skating on incredibly-thin ice when he said the team would wait until after the draft on whether-or-not to pick up his fifth-year option, though we could see that decision made much sooner.