The Denver Broncos are in no rush to sign center Matt Paradis before NFL free agency begins next month.
In fact, “it seems likely” that Paradis will be allowed to test free agency, KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis wrote in a recent mailbag.
Paradis (6-3, 300 pounds) was selected by Denver in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft out of Boise State. After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, Paradis won the starting center job in 2015.
After winning the job, Paradis started 57 straight games before fracturing his fibula last season. Paradis was extremely reliable for the Broncos before that injury and he anchored the offensive line that helped the team win Super Bowl 50.
Paradis is 29 years old now and coming off an injury, which may make GM John Elway hesitant to give him a big contract. Denver’s chances of re-signing him seem to be slim if the team allows him to test free agency as expected.
If Paradis signs with another team during free agency, the Broncos may start Connor McGovern at center in 2019. McGovern has spent time at both center and guard, starting 15 games last season. McGovern will have a base salary of $2.045 million this year, likely much less than what Paradis will earn.
