Last one left, turn out the lights.
After enduring a season of injury and ineffectiveness, the Broncos made a bold move in their offensive line overhaul, agreeing to terms on a unique five-year, $53 million deal with former Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung. Okung bet on himself, with only the 2016 season guaranteed at $5 million.
“I think I’ve shown the ability to play left tackle at a high level. They had a hole there and they wanted to bring a guy in. I can service that need. I do have that confidence because I have great support around me,” said Okung, who served as his own agent, securing $3 million in incentives this season. “I’m going to be playing with a really good offensive line, too.”
Okung’s arrival means the Broncos could boast four new starters up front and six new first teamers on offense when offseason workouts begin April 18. General manager John Elway sought an upgrade at left tackle since passing on a trade for Cleveland’s Joe Thomas last October. He landed Okung on a test drive deal. After 2016, the Broncos hold a club option on a four-year, $48 million deal with $20.5 million guaranteed that must be exercised before the new league year.
“It’s a bit intricate, but I thought it was the best deal for me moving forward,” Okung said. “Denver is the place I want to be for the long haul.”
The former sixth selection in the 2010 draft, Okung played his first six seasons in Seattle, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2012. He joins newcomer Donald Stephenson, who signed as a free agent from Kansas City and is penciled in to take over at right tackle. The Broncos line projects new starters at both tackle spots, left guard Max Garcia and right guard Ty Sambrailo. Michael Schofield started at right tackle last year and returns. Ryan Harris, who manned left tackle for 13 games, signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this week. The Broncos cut guard Louis Vasquez and Evan Mathis agreed to a one-year deal with Arizona. Denver also will feature new starters at quarterback and tight end.
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Okung’s addition likely signals the end of Ryan Clady’s career in Denver. The Broncos attempted to bring Clady back at roughly $5 million this season, marking a significant pay cut from his $9.5 million salary. He is a candidate to be traded or released. Clady has spent his entire seven-year career with Denver, making four Pro Bowls, but has started only 18 games over the past three seasons. Clady would leave $1.2 million in dead money against the salary cap if the Broncos deal or cut him.
Okung provides experience and the ability to handle elite pass rushers when healthy. The 28-year-old dislocated his left shoulder in Seattle’s playoff loss at Carolina and said he should be cleared in late May or early June.
The Broncos improved their running game beginning in the season’s ninth week, but never solidified their pass protection. Denver allowed 39 sacks last season, 13th in the NFL. Okung, 6-foot-5, 307 pounds, is comfortable in Denver’s zone blocking scheme after using it for six years in Seattle.
“I understand all the concepts and just everything that they have here,” Okung said. “I hope I have something great to offer the team.”
Okung visited the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Steelers and attracted interest from Seattle and San Francisco.
“The class and integrity, it goes with the (Broncos) organization and speaks volumes,” Okung said. “I wanted to be a part of a place that did that.”
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck
