Klis: Could be four guys on 2017 offensive line not on Broncos now

With reports that the Denver Broncos will not pick up the four-year, $48 million team option on left tackle Russell Okung, as many as four players not currently on the team could be on the offensive line come the start of next season.

Mike Klis, 9News Broncos Insider, indicated Denver could be out both tackles, a right guard, and, with Matt Paradis undergoing double hip surgery in the offseason, a center.

“… There could be four guys on that offensive line who aren’t on the team right now,” Klis told “The Drive” on Thursday.

Klis did, however, say four would be ambitious, but he said he’d be surprised if they don’ get at least a guard and a tackle in free agency.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they get two (offensive linemen) in free agency and one in the draft,” Klis said.

The Broncos could retain right tackle Donald Stephenson, Klis said, that Denver likes him as a swing offensive lineman along with Michael Schofield. Second-round draft pick in 2015, Ty Sambrailo, could also be a factor if Denver can bulk him up in the weight room.

And on top of all those “moving pieces,” the Broncos “haven’t completely slammed the door” on Okung either, Klis said.

“From what I heard, they talked about maybe offering him a couple million dollar deal to play right tackle because they think the way they had it figured out he was arguably their best run blocker last year. He struggled in the pass protection,” Klis said. “And there’s been some thought that Russell is now, on the other side of his career, he’d be a better right tackle.”

Klis said he wasn’t sure but didn’t think Denver offered the role to Okung when they informed him that they would not be picking up his option.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.