While the Colin Kaepernick-Denver saga drags on, Broncos fans learned one thing on Thursday morning: The team plans to select a quarterback in this year’s draft.
Coach Gary Kubiak told an audience at a Boy Scouts of America breakfast that regardless of what happens with Kaepernick, the team is focusing on quarterbacks currently on the roster — Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian and adding another via the draft.
The Broncos would like to add the 49ers quarterback, but his contract has been the stumbling block. Kaepernick, who visited Broncos’ general manager John Elway at his Denver home, has refused to restructure his contract and the 49ers do not want to be on the hook for part of his salary, which has created a stalemate.
Also, ESPN reported Thursday, citing two sources in the Denver organization, that the Broncos have discussed a deal in the future with Johnny Manziel, a 2014 first-round pick who was released by the Cleveland Browns in March. Later in the day, multiple reports indicated that the Broncos do not plan to sign Manziel.
—Eight prime-time games, including the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game on Aug. 7, headline the NFL’s preseason schedule released Thursday.
The second game of the preseason features the Rams in their return to Los Angeles against the Dallas Cowboys (Aug. 13, ESPN).
Super Bowl champion Denver opens the preseason at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears and former Broncos head coach John Fox.
—The Buffalo Bills signed veteran center Fernando Velasco to add depth to their offensive line.
The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Velasco was with the Carolina Panthers the past two seasons, starting eight of 27 games.
In an 83-game NFL career, the 31-year-old Velasco has started 38 times in seven years with the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers and Panthers.
—The New England Patriots signed unrestricted free-agent defensive lineman Markus Kuhn, the team announced.
Kuhn, 29, spent the past four season with the New York Giants and played in 39 games (10 starts). He had 48 tackles and recovered two fumbles, returning one for a touchdown during the 2014 season.
—The Denver Broncos signed free-agent long snapper Casey Kreiter to a one-year contract, the team announced.
Kreiter hasn’t played in an NFL game. He played in six preseason games for the Dallas Cowboys over the past two seasons.