Broncos Right Tackle Ja'Wuan James was set to make a return to the field after opting out of the 2020 season. Now Denver has a gaping hole on the right side of it's offense just days after the draft, as James tore his achilles working out away from the team facility on his own.
James signed as a free agent before the 2019 season, agreeing to 4-year $51 Million Dollar Contract, with $32 Million guaranteed to come over from Miami. At the time, it made James the highest paid right tackle in the history of football. Injuries, however plagued James almost immediately when the season began and he was only able to play 63 offensive snaps in just 3 starts.
After opting out of the 2020 season, the team was poised to have James rejoin the team and pay him $14 Million to start at Right Tackle. A week before the draft, GM George Paton said this about James, "He’s been here, and he’s been working out. He’s looks great and the expectation is he starts at right tackle and he plays well."
The number of players working out at team facilities lower this year than in years past, because of Covid-19 and several players around the league opting to skip voluntary organized team activities. But players still train away from team facilities as well. There's certainly a chance James has the remaining $10 Million that is guaranteed to him voided, because he was injured away from UC Health Training Center.
There are a number of potential veterans whom the Broncos could add to compete with Calvin Anderson and Quinn Bailey, 2 reserves who return from last season.
Some available free agents with experience who are currently unsigned: Mitchell Schwartz, formerly of the Chiefs, but the All Pro is contemplating retiring. Russell Okung, but the former Bronco has played exclusively on the left side of the line, as has Charles Leno Jr. who was released by Chicago Monday. One other name to keep an eye on, Bobby Massie, who was released before the start of the league year and started opposite of Leno for the Bears. He's missed 14 games the past 2 seasons, but does have 110 career starts at Right Tackle.