Broncos head coach Sean Payton said the team was still tying up loose ends with newly signed outside linebacker Frank Clark, leading to his absence from mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Denver’s first-year coach expects Clark to be ready for training camp in July.
“We are all on the same page,” Payton said after practice on Tuesday. “We met again this morning. It’s all good.”
Clark signed his one-year deal with the Broncos on Tuesday after playing four seasons with the divisional rival Kansas City Chiefs. Payton said it would’ve been a little awkward to have the three-time Pro Bowler in Denver when he has a Super Bowl ring ceremony coming up.
Payton has been following Clark since he was drafted in the second round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2015 and called him a pressure player, meaning he can attack the quarterback.
“I think there’s a number of players on our team that have those traits,” Payton said. “But if you lack those traits in your lineup, you’re forced by scheme to create pressure and then you get into a whole another game.”
Clark, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has totaled 23 ½ sacks over the last four seasons. He recorded 10 or more sacks twice in Seattle, including a career-best 13 in 2018.
“It’s a hard position to play 60 to 70 snaps,” Payton said. “Having enough of those guys that can affect the quarterback especially in our division (is important).”
Baron Browning to start the season on PUP list: Clark’s signing comes after edge rusher Browning had arthroscopic surgery on his knee earlier this offseason, keeping him sidelined throughout OTAs. Payton said Browning, who totaled 5 ½ sacks last season, is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he will most likely miss the first four games.
Payton didn’t provide additional details on Browning’s injury but said it played a part in acquiring Clark.
In the corresponding move to signing Clark, Denver waived undrafted wide receiver Nick Williams, a Cherry Creek High graduate who was originally signed last week.
Albert Okwuegbunam: One of the best highlights from the first day of minicamp came from Okwuegbunam. With two defenders on him, the fourth-year tight end caught a deep pass from quarterback Russell Wilson. Payton has been pleased with Okwuegbunam’s performance during the offseason, saying he’s made progress in consistency.
“As a teacher, our job is to hit the ceiling with these guys,” Payton said. “He’s been very attentive.”
Payton said confidence is born out of demonstrated ability. He hopes Okwuegbunam’s catch on Tuesday afternoon gives him the confidence to continue to grow.
Randy Bullock tries out at minicamp: Denver had eight players try out at minicamp, including 33-year-old kicker Randy Bullock. The 12-year veteran spent the past two seasons with the Tennessee Titans, converting 84% of his field goal attempts in 31 games. Denver previously signed kicker Elliott Fry following the release of longtime Bronco Brandon McManus.
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