ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

The Denver Broncos cut four players Tuesday to get down to the NFL-mandated maximum of 75 players.

There was a mild surprise. The team cut center Blake Schlueter, a seventh-round pick. The Texas Christian product wasn’t, by any means, considered a lock to make the team, but you would think a draft choice would make it past the round of 75 and, at least, compete for a spot on the practice squad.

The other name of note was veteran tight end Jeb Putzier. He finished last season with the Broncos and was re-signed by the new regime this offseason. The other players cut were punter Britton Colquitt and receiver C.J. Jones.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Several veterans has some fun with three unsuspecting rookies Tuesday morning

Quarterback Tom Brandstater, offensive lineman Blake Schlueter and punter Britton Colquitt were all sporting mutilated haircuts, courtesy of the team's veteran offensive linemen and long-snapper Lonie Paxton. According to Brandstater, Paxson was the butcher, er, barber.

Brandstater said he hopes he will be able to shave the remaining hair the offensive linemen left him in the next day or so. Brandstater said his main concern during the impromptu haircut that occurred about 15 minutes before practice Tuesday was "to preserve my eyebrows."

"I hope my mom is still proud of me," Brandstater, said with a laugh.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

There was a lot going on in Denver and a little going on in San Diego to wrap up a Thursday night.

The Broncos cut three players Thursday: safety Herana-Daze Jones, running back Kestahn Moore and cornerback Rashod Moulton. None of the moves were a surprise.

• Brandon Marshall pleased the kids of Denver on Thursday, but he was mum on his stalemate with the Broncos. Had Marshall cancelled his clinic because of his fight with the Broncos, he could have further lost public support.
• Kyle Orton talks in a radio interview about being named Denver's starting quarterback.
• Don't be surprised if the Broncos defer some of the signing bonus in their rookie contracts. There was a small deferral of the $57,000-plus contract signed by seventh-round pick Blake Schlueter. The deferral is just a way teams can pay some signing bonus money at a later date.
• The Chargers extended their radio deal.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Joe from Royersford wants an update on where AFC West teams stand with signing their rookie classes.

BW: Denver got the ball rolling for the division Friday by signing seventh-round pick Blake Schlueter. Usually, most teams don't start knocking off draft picks until after the Fourth of July. However, there has been a recent flurry of signings around the league. Really, there is no urgency and most teams will likely sign their picks in the days before training camp starts in late July. I don't really expect any AFC West teams to have many problems with draft choices. The contract of No. 3 overall pick Tyson Jackson in Kansas City could be somewhat tricky after the Jets gave No. 5 overall pick Mark Sanchez $28 million guaranteed. But it shouldn't be anything to cause a major delay.

---

Ken from Elizabethtown, KY wants to know what's in store in Oakland for backup quarterback Andrew Walter.

BW: I think the writing is on the wall for Walter; I think he is out of there. The team has six quarterbacks on the roster now after it signed Charlie Frye, who will likely be the No. 3 quarterback. Walter has been staying away from voluntary camps this offseason. He didn't receive any repetitions in the mandatory minicamp. I expect Walter to either be traded or cut sometime this summer. I don't think Oakland could get a lot in return, perhaps just a low-round draft pick. Given a fresh start elsewhere, Walter, a former starter in Oakland, could have a chance as a backup.

---

Aaron from Syracuse wants to know if Tony Curtis has a chance to be in the tight end mix in Kansas City.

BW: The tight end competition is wide open as the Chiefs try to find a replacement for Tony Gonzalez. Curtis is a journeyman, but he has a history with new Kansas City coach Todd Haley. He has good hands, but he has never been a steady weapon. Keep an eye out for veteran Sean Ryan, who also has a history with Haley. Still, I think second-year player Brad Cottam, who is a better blocker than receiver, will get most of the playing time at tight end. Really, Haley's history is not to use the tight end much, so don't expect a whole lot of receiving production from whoever is the primary tight end in Kansas City.

---

Michael from Colorado wants to know if former Denver safety Steve Atwater will ever make the Hall of Fame.

BW: Atwater was a great Bronco. He has a hard-hitting safety who goes down as one of the team's best defensive players. He deserves consideration for the Hall of Fame, but it may take a while. There is a logjam of quality players. Atwater has to be on the list, but just don't expect a quick induction.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

The Broncos became the first team in the AFC West to sign a draft pick as the team inked center Blake Schlueter.

The Texas Christian University product was a seventh-round pick. Schlueter is known as a strong run blocker.

He could play a bigger role for the team as a rookie if starter Casey Wiegmann retires. Wiegmann is considering retirement if he doesn't get a new contract before the start of training camp. If Wiegmann retires, the likely starting center in Denver would be second-year player Kory Lichtensteiger.