Russell Okung

Report: Broncos LT Russell Okung to become free agent after Denver declines his option

Published Feb. 23, 2017 1:50 p.m. ET

Brett Smiley

FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer reported on Thursday that the Denver Broncos will not exercise their four-year, $48 million team option on left tackle Russell Okung, who joined the team in March 2016 after six seasons in Seattle.

https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/834824488113954816

The Broncos saw disappointing play from both of their offensive tackles during their 2016 Super Bowl title defense with Okung on the left and a combination of Donald Stephenson and Ty Sambrailo on the right. Okung struggled mostly in pass blocking, ranking 48th among 74 qualified left tackles, according to ProFootballFocus' figures.

NFL writers, observers and agents heavily scrutinized Okung's contract at the time of his signing because Okung negotiated the deal with Denver by himself ... and did a pretty poor job. He secured only $5 million guaranteed with a team option in Year 2, leaving himself completely vulnerable to the eventuality he's now suffered.

Nevertheless, Denver may look to retain Okung on a new deal. At 29 years of age, he should have a healthy number of suitors (hello Jaguars, Giants, Vikings) in a pretty thin market for tackles. Okung should probably get some experienced representation this time around.

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Russell Okung

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