The Denver Broncos have a new quarterback!
OK, not a new starting quarterback, but a new QB nonetheless. Denver signed Ben DiNucci from the XFL earlier this week.
The Broncos also brought back safety Kareem Jackson, and the NFL announced the team’s 2023 schedule last week. I joined host Ryan O’Leary and Broncos Wire contributor Brandon Walker on this week’s podcast to discuss those topics and more.
You can listen to episode No. 80 below:
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Our unedited notes for this week’s pod can be seen below.
Free agent news: Kareem Jackson returns, XFL QB signs
- Jackson is back on a 1-year contract. I still think Caden Sterns is the favorite to start across from Justin Simmons.
- The Broncos signed two XFL players: QB Ben DiNucci & RB Jacques Patrick
- DiNucci and Patrick were among the players who tried out at rookie minicamp over the weekend.
- After DiNucci threw an interception in front of Broncos owner/Walmart chairman Greg Penner at minicamp, Sean Payton told the quarterback he might be able to work as a greeter in one of Penner’s stores if football doesn’t work out.
- Payton clearly meant no harm as DiNucci was signed a few days later.
Javonte Williams ready for training camp?
- Payton said he expects Williams (knee; ACL/LCL) to be ready for the start of training camp — the team is hopeful Williams won’t have to start camp on the physically unable to perform list.
- That would be extremely surprising to me, but great news if it really is the case. Would explain why Denver hasn’t added another name RB if they think Williams will be fine by Week 1.
- Mid-season bye in Week 9.
- The Broncos have four prime-time games: TNF @ Chiefs in Week 6, MNF @ Bills in Week 10, SNF vs. Vikings in Week 11 and Christmas Eve (NFL Network) vs. Patriots in Week 16.
- No international game — after the 2nd-most travel miles (27,398) in 2022, Denver will have the 14th-most travel miles (19,930) in 2023. About middle of the pack.
- 5. Week 3: Dolphins (away)
- 4. Week 14: Chargers (away)
- 3. Week 11: Vikings (home)
- 2. Week 10: Bills (away)
- 1. Weeks 6 & 8: Chiefs (away and home)
- Nathaniel Hackett (Jets OC) in Week 5
- Vic Fangio (Dolphins DC) in Week 3 (with Bradley Chubb)
- Von Miller facing Broncos for the first time in Week 10 (MNF)
- Las Vegas has set the team’s over/under win total at 8.5. Are you predicting nine wins or fewer for Denver?
- Broncos Wire readers seem to agree with Vegas — 64% of fans said they expect the team to win between 7-10 games this season.
We will return later in the offseason with new podcast episodes as news pops up. If you enjoy this podcast, you can check out previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your podcast service of choice. Please consider giving the podcast a positive rating and review!
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