The Denver Broncos made a big splash during NFL Free Agency by bringing in veteran offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey. Despite adding McGlinchey to the mix, there was some concern heading into OTAs about the Broncos proven depth at offensive tackle.
After starting in 15 games for the Denver Broncos last season, veteran offensive tackle Cam Fleming is returning to the team on a one-year deal worth up to $4M as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Peliserro.
Fleming’s previous experience as a starter provides head coach Sean Payton and new offensive line coach Zach Strief with some relief behind McGlinchey and Garett Bolles — who returns this season after suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week 5 last season.
The return of Fleming is good for the Broncos after they lost previous starter and depth option Calvin Anderson to the New England Patriots and longtime veteran Billy Turner to the New York Jets.
Where Fleming offers the Broncos the most flexibility comes with his ability to play both left and right tackle as well as guard if need be. In 2022, he played 98% of the team’s offensive snaps despite suffering an injury against the New York Jets.
Prior to Fleming’s return to Denver, former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Isaiah Prince was signed earlier this offseason to a futures contract. Prince was the only tackle option with prior starting experience that rounded out Denver’s depth.
Other depth options at tackle for the Broncos on their 90-man roster feature Quinn Bailey who has been with the team since 2019, Christian DiLauro, and undrafted rookies Demontrey Jacobs and Alex Palczewski.
Bailey returns in 2023 after he signed his ERFA tender this offseason after appearing in eight games last season and starting in one for the Broncos offense.
DiLauro has no prior NFL playing experience, joining Jacobs and Palczewski.
New offensive line coach Zach Strief will be tasked with helping develop the backend talent for the Broncos two-deep positions on the offensive line and must have an insurance policy in place at offensive tackle in the event Bolles or McGlinchey were to ever suffer an injury or miss time.
Fleming’s return is a good thing for the Broncos and their offensive tackle depth as they continue OTAs this week in Dove Valley.