NFL free agency officially begins March 12. Here’s a list of the Denver Broncos free agents, according to DenverBroncos.com. DHF will be updating the offseason signings, so check back often.

Unrestricted Free Agents:

CB Tracy Porter is an unrestricted free agent. (personal photo)

• DT Justin Bannan
• LB Keith Brooking
•  S David Bruton
•  T Ryan Clady
•  C Dan Koppen
•  S Jim Leonhard
• CB Tracy Porter
• WR Brandon Stokley
• DT Kevin Vickerson
• WR Matthew Willis

*Unrestricted free agents can speak with and sign with any NFL team.

Restricted Free Agents:

• RB Lance Ball
•  T Chris Clark
•  P Britton Colquitt
• FB Chris Gronkowski

*Denver has the right to match any offer given to restricted free agents.

Exclusive-Rights Free Agents:

• CB Tony Carter
• DT Mitch Unrein

*Exclusive-rights free agents may only sign with the Broncos.

 “Futures” Contracts:

•  G Justin Boren
•  T Paul Cornick
• DT Ben Garland
•  S Blake Gideon
•  S Duke Ihenacho
• RB Jeremiah Johnson
• WR Gerell Robinson
•  G Quentin Saulsberry

*”Futures”players can participate in Broncos’ offseason programs and are also invited to training camp.

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Denver Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady is set to undergo surgery to repair his right shoulder. Clady hurt his shoulder in the team’s regular-season finale, but did play in the Broncos’ divisional-round loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

The Denver Post reports Clady, who was selected to the Pro Bowl and withdrew due to injury, should be okay for the 2013 season, but will likely miss much of the Broncos’ offseason program.

Ryan Clady will undergo surgery on his right shoulder. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

Clady is slated to become an unrestricted free agent, though John Elway has said keeping the tackle in Denver is a top offseason priority.

Other Headlines:

• Denver Broncos: 2012 Season Review: First Quarter
• The Denver Post: Brian Xanders, ex-Denver Broncos GM, hired by Detroit Lions
• The Denver Post: Broncos offense under John Fox seldom features fullbacks
• Examiner: Rumor: Denver Broncos John Elway interested in trading for Darrelle Revis
• Mile High Report: 2013 Denver Broncos offseason: Champ Bailey

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On Monday we learned that Zane Beadles and Demaryius Thomas were named as replacements to the 2013 Pro Bowl AFC roster.  They join Champ Bailey, Elvis Dumervil, Von Miller, and Peyton Manning in Hawaii for Sunday’s game. (Ryan Clady was also named, but pulled out due to injury.)

But that’s not all. Denver coaches will lead the AFC, and there’s a Broncos cheerleader representative, who has to learn some 20 routines before the game. Seriously, though, it’s entirely possible she’ll be working harder than many of the players.  Props, Tara.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Todd Helton helping Peyton Manning cope with Broncos’ loss in playoffs
• The Denver Post: Did NFL officials make the grade in Broncos-Ravens game?
• The Denver Post: Aurora home of Derrick Martin, New England Patriots player, robbed while he was on the field
• Rant Sports: Denver Broncos Offseason Analysis: Defensive Line

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It’s Pro Bowl week! Yay?

Two more Denver Broncos got the call and are Hawaii-bound.

Zane Beadles replaces New England’s Logan Mankins on the AFC Pro Bowl roster. Denver Broncos teammate Demaryius Thomas is also going to Hawaii. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

Guard Zane Beadles and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has been added to the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster. They are replacing a pair of New England Patriots – Logan Mankins and Wes Welker – who each withdrew because of injuries.

This will be the first Pro Bowl for both players.

The additions now make it seven Broncos to earn 2013 Pro Bowl honors. Beadles and Thomas join cornerback Champ Bailey, defensive end Elvis Dumervil, linebacker Von Miller, and quarterback Peyton Manning in Hawaii. Tackle Ryan Clady was also named to the roster, but withdrew last week.

Adding even more familiarity, the Broncos coaching staff will be coaching the AFC.

The Pro Bowl is Sunday in Honolulu, and will air at 5 p.m. MST on NBC.

See the updated AFC and NFC Pro Bowl rosters >>>>

Whether you watch the Pro Bowl or not (as of late, I’ll fallen under the category of the latter), being named to the roster is still an honor, so congratulations are in order. I might simply watch this year to see how or if players respond to commissioner Roger Goodell’s criticism that game’s product is substandard.

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The playoff bye has served the Denver Broncos well.

Cornerback Tracy Porter (concussion) was the only player held out of Wednesday’s practice. Running back Willis McGahee practiced for the second straight day, wearing a black no-contact jersey. McGahee, who coming off a compression fracture and torn MCL, is not eligible to play Saturday. The earliest he can return to game action is the following week should the Broncos advance to the AFC championship.

Wednesday’s injury report finally shed some light on left tackle Ryan Clady’s “undisclosed injury.” Clady missed some drills last week, because of what we now know was a shoulder injury. Clady was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, as was guard Chris Kuper (ankle). That means the Broncos offensive line might finally have all five starters back for Saturday’s divisional round game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Denver Broncos injury report

Baltimore Ravens injury report

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With all the pomp and circumstance – or certain lack thereof – that comes with having a playoff bye, the Denver Broncos resumed practice Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s divisional round game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Even though he cannot play this weekend, running back Willis McGahee was eligible to return to practice. It was McGahee’s first action on the field since Nov. 18 when he suffered a torn right MCL and compression fracture to his right tibia against the San Diego Chargers. The Broncos put McGahee on injured reserve with the designated for return label. If the Broncos win Saturday, McGahee will have been out the mandated eight weeks and could suit up for the AFC championship game on Jan. 20.

Denver Broncos RB Willis McGahee returned to practice Tuesday, but cannot play in Saturday’s game. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

McGahee’s replacement, Knowshon Moreno, has averaged 85.0 rushing yards a game.

Guard Chris Kuper (ankle) and wide receiver Trindon Holliday (ankle) participated in practice. Each missed the Broncos’ regular-season finale. Left tackle Ryan Clady, who was limited in practice last week with an undisclosed injury, was on the field today.

The only Broncos player not participating in Tuesday’s practice was cornerback Tracy Porter, who suffered a concussion on Dec. 23.

Other practice notes: The Broncos were in pads … McGahee practiced in a black jersey, indicating he isn’t yet ready for contact … Peyton Manning sported two gloves in anticipation of Saturday’s weather … The Broncos are required to release an injury report after Wednesday’s practice.

More Honors for Manning

Peyton Manning has been named the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame professional Athlete of the Year. Olympic swimmer – and Denver Broncos fan – Missy Franklin was named the amateur Athlete of the Year.

Just Monday, Manning was nominated for the FedEx Player of the Year. Last week, Manning was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for December.

The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame will honor Manning and Franklin in April.

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Cornerback Champ Bailey, left tackle Ryan Clady, defensive end Elvis Dumervil, quarterback Peyton Manning, and outside linebacker Von Miller have been named to the Pro Bowl.

However, if the Denver Broncos play in the Super Bowl, then those guys won’t be making the trip…

Honestly, I prefer the latter, as I’m sure you do as well.

Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was among the notable snubs.  He’s a first alternate.  Denver’s other alternates are right guard Chris Kuper (second), left guard Zane Beadles (third), special teamer David Bruton (third), and punter Britton Colquitt (third).  Coincidentally, Colquitt’s brother Dustin was named the AFC’s punter.

Um…where’s Wesley Woodyard?  Really!

The Pro Bowl is Jan. 27, 2013 – one week before the Super Bowl.

View the complete rosters here >>>>

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The fan votes are in…

And right now seven Denver Broncos are in line to be 2013 Pro Bowl starters.  Another ten players are within striking distance.

Fan votes count for one-third of Pro Bowl votes, with coaches and players each making up a third.  Broncos players and coaches will vote Thursday.

The 2013 Pro Bowl roster will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 26 on NFL Network.

Leading the fan vote is quarterback Peyton Manning.  Cornerback Champ Bailey and outside linebacker Von Miller are the AFC’s top vote-getters at their respective positions.

Other “fan starters” include outside linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who trails his teammate.  AFC’s No. 2 defensive end is Elvis Dumervil.  Tackle Ryan Clady and guard Zane Beadles are also in second place at their positions.

Here’s the rest of the list:

3rd Place –

• ST David Bruton
• MLB Keith Brooking
• PR/KR Trindon Holliday
• C Dan Koppen

4th Place –

• P Britton Colquitt
• WR Demaryius Thomas

5th Place –

• S Mike Adams
• FB Chris Gronkowski
• FS Rahim Moore
• K Matt Prater

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Fan voting for the 2013 Pro Bowl ends today.

As of last week, seven Denver Broncos were either first or second in the AFC at their respective positions.  Another eight Broncos rank in the top five.

VOTE HERE FOR 2013 PRO BOWL SQUAD >>>>

Here are the fan voting results as of last Wednesday, courtesy DenverBroncos.com:

Position – Player – Rank

• CB Champ Bailey – 1st
• QB Peyton Manning – 1st
• OLB Von Miller – 1st
• G Zane Beadles – 2nd
• T Ryan Clady – 2nd
• DE Elvis Dumervil – 2nd
• OLB Wesley Woodyard – 2nd
• ST David Bruton – 3rd
• KR Trindon Holliday – 3rd
• C Dan Koppen – 3rd
• P Britton Colquitt – 4th
• WR Demaryius Thomas – 4th
• FB Chris Gronkowski – 5th
• FS Rahim Moore – 5th
• K Matt Prater – 5th

At last check, quarterback Peyton Manning led all players with more than 823,000 votes.

Fan voting ends at the conclusion of tonight’s Monday night football game between the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans.  There is no limit on how many times you can vote.

Fan voting counts for one-third of Pro Bowl votes, with coaches and players each making up a third.  The 2013 Pro Bowl squad will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 26 on NFL Network.

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Welcome back, Peyton.

Now only has the Denver Broncos quarterback helped transform the team into Super Bowl contenders (at least according to the oddsmakers), he’s also a legitimate candidate for league MVP and Comeback Player of the Year.

And with 376,981 fan votes so far, Manning is currently the top vote-getter for the Pro Bowl.

Fan voting started online a few weeks ago, and wraps up Dec. 17.  Fans can vote as many times as they wish.  Teams will be revealed on NFL Network on Dec. 26, and are determined by a combination of fan, player, and coach votes.

Manning isn’t the lone Bronco racking up the votes.  Here’s a look at the other positions where at least one Denver Broncos players is among the top-five in AFC votes:

• Center: Dan Koppen (4)
• Cornerback: Champ Bailey (3)
• Defensive end: Elvis Dumervil (2)
• Free safety: Rahim Moore (5)
• Fullback: Chris Gronkowski (5)
• Guard: Zane Beadles (2)
• Kicker: Matt Prater (4)
• Linebacker: Von Miller (1), Wesley Woodyard (2)
• Punter: Britton Colquitt (4)
• Tackle: Ryan Clady (3)
• Tight end: Jacob Tamme (5)
• Wide receiver: Demaryius Thomas (4), Eric Decker (5)
• Special teams returner: Trindon Holliday (5)
• Special-teamer: David Bruton (4)

The 2013 Pro Bowl is Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 on NBC.

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