Denver Broncos to sign Graham Glasgow: Grade, reaction and more
By John Buhler
After overpaying for Halapoulivaati Vaitai, former Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow has agreed in principle to join the Denver Broncos.
Another offseason, another former Detroit Lions offensive lineman leaves town. In fact, two former offensive linemen for the Lions plan to sign with new teams once the new league year officially opens. Offensive tackle Ricky Wagner opted to join the division rival Green Bay Packers after being released. Now, it looks as if center Graham Glasgow will play for the Denver Broncos.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Glasgow plans to sign a four-year deal worth $44 million to play for the Broncos. Glasgow was a former third-round pick by the Lions in the 2016 NFL Draft. Though never a Pro Bowler in Detroit, he played in 62 games for the Lions the last four years, starting in 58 of them.
Glasgow will be joining an on-the-rise team in the AFC West in the Broncos. His job will be to keep promising young quarterback Drew Lock upright, as well as open holes for running back Phillip Lindsay to sprint through. With former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur now running the Broncos offense, Denver makes a big move to improve its otherwise lackluster offensive line.
Here are the contract details, the national reaction and a grade for Glasgow joining the Broncos.
Contract Details
As reported by Schefter, Glasgow plans to sign a four-year deal worth $44 million and $26 million of that will be guaranteed. The interior offensive lineman will be earning an average salary of $11 million over the next four seasons. Glasgow will be under contract through the 2023 and won’t hit free agency again until he’s 32 years old.
National Reaction
Broncos signing OL Graham Glasgow to a four-year, $44 million contract, including $26 million guaranteed, @SPORTSTARSNYC tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Broncos, OL Graham Glasgow agree to four-year, $44M deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/JMHgJak1ho
— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2020
Mike Munchak was really big on Glasgow. Likes his versatility. Broncos need a starting RG after moving on from Ron Leary, and Glasgow gives them the flexibility to use him there or center.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 16, 2020
Door hasn't closed on keeping Connor McGovern.
I suspect Glasgow will be the Center but he has versatility.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 16, 2020
Broncos OL
Bolles-Risner-Glasgow-Wilkinson-James
"This gives the Broncos another player to protect Drew Lock." @PFF_Eric on the Broncos signing Graham Glasgow pic.twitter.com/7fJtAYsZoM
— PFF (@PFF) March 16, 2020
This move is met well by those covering the Broncos because it fills a hole left by Ronald Leary. The idea is Glasgow has great versatility on the offensive line. He can play guard, but is expected to play center next to second-year pro Dalton Risner out of Kansas State. Broncos offensive line coach Mike Munchak knows a thing or two about getting the most out his front-five.
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Overall, paying an interior offensive lineman more than $10 million annually seems a tad expensive. However, Glasgow fills a big need for the Broncos and offers great versatility at the position. He’s going to a spot where he can thrive. Though other members of the Broncos offensive line could let him down, this is a signing that does make Denver a better team.