The San Diego Chargers made re-signing guard Louis Vasquez a "top priority." With former Chargers personnel executive Jimmy Raye now vice president of football operations in Indianapolis, the Colts reportedly were trying to sign Vasquez away to shore up their offensive line.
Instead, an AFC West rival came away with one of the top guards on the free-agent market. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the Denver Broncosagreed to terms with Vasquez on a four-year, $23.5 million contract, with $13 million in guarantees over the first two years. USA Today first reported the deal.
Offseason Forecast: Broncos
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Vasquez's signing means right tackle Orlando Franklin won't kick inside after all, despite a report the Broncos were thinking "long and hard" about the move. It also bodes poorly for veteran right guard Chris Kuper, who underwent major lower leg surgery for the second consecutive offseason.
The Broncos did well to hurt a division rival while adding another talented young pass protector for quarterback Peyton Manning.
"(Vasquez) is a big, powerful player who adds a physical presence to our OL," Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway tweeted after landing his top free-agent target.
Vasquez was the top guard on Around the League's list, and the Broncos got him at a friendlier rate than the Tennessee Titansdid with Andy Levitre.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
