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Brandon Stokley is back with the Denver Broncos.

The veteran receiver has been expected to sign with Denver since Peyton Manning signed with the team four weeks ago. The two played together in Indianapolis and are close friends. Manning stayed at Stokley’s house when he visited Denver last month and the two have been working out together this year.

He is the second weapon Denver has signed that has played with Manning. Former Colts’ tight end Jacob Tamme inked with Denver last month. Stokley visited the Broncos -- whom he played for from 2007-09 -- on Monday and his agent tweeted Monday that he will sign with the team.

Stokley will turn 36 in June and he played just two games last season, with the Giants. He is near the end of his career. But he has a great chemistry with Manning and he can teach the Denver receivers how to adjust to playing with Manning, so he will have a role.

Stokley is considered to be one of the best slot receivers of all time, and he is great with other young athletes playing that position. I think he can have a huge impact on Denver receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas.

Decker and Stokley already have a relationship. When Decker suffered a serious foot injury in college, Stokley served as a mentor and sounding board for Decker because Stokley successfully returned from the same injury. The two have continued a friendship, so Stokley’s influence in the Denver locker room will extend beyond Manning.

The Denver Post is reporting the Broncos will bring in receiver Brandon Stokley for a visit on Monday.

The visit has been expected essentially since the Broncos signed quarterback Peyton Manning last month. The two played together in Indianapolis and are close. Manning stayed at Stokley’s home when he visited the Broncos prior to signing there. Stokley is also a former Bronco. The Broncos have previously signed former Colts tight end Jacob Tamme, so Manning might have two targets he is familiar with.

Meanwhile, the Denver Post is reporting the Broncos will release defensive tackle Ryan McBean. He is facing a six-game NFL suspension for using a banned substance. The Broncos just signed defensive tackle Justin Bannan and are expected to add a player at the position early in the draft.

UPDATE: The Broncos rescinded McBean’s restricted free-agent tender and he is now an unrestricted free agent.

The Denver Post reports the Broncos are still interested in Pittsburgh free-agent quarterback Dennis Dixon and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson in the draft. Dixon visited Denver a few weeks ago. Right now, newly signed Caleb Hanie is Manning’s backup, but the Broncos will likely bring in another quarterback at some point.

Here is a look at the 2012 strength of schedule. The Broncos have the second toughest schedule in the NFL based on last season’s combined win/loss records of their 2012 opponents. The Chiefs have the easiest schedule in the division.

Here is a look at some of the draft prospects the Broncos have looked at.

Here are some highlights from our AFC West chat, which was held earlier Thursday:

Denver

Fred from Knoxville, Tenn.: Are the Broncos solid enough at their wide outs or do they need to add another good route runner?

Bill Williamson: They are pretty happy. A lot depends on Thomas and Decker taking the next step. They like Caldwell a lot as well. I could still see them taking a receiver fairly early in the draft and former Peyton Manning teammate Brandon Stokley is always a deep rotation possibility.

Kansas City

Steve from KCMO: Do you like the Chiefs additions this season? I think they are finally ready to go to the playoffs and make a deep run. What are your thoughts?

BW: Yes, no doubt. I like that team a lot. if Cassel can take advantage of his weapons, the defense takes the next step and the team continues to rally behind Crennel, I see a playoff team.

Oakland

Chris from Fargo ND: Hey Bill, do you see Wheeler making an impact in Oakland? Wimbley is a better pass rusher but if you take away his 4 sack game he really didn't have much of an impact in the sack department. Can Wheeler provide that same impact?

BW: Wheeler has said he looks forward to having a chance to rush the passer more, but he does not have Wimbley's pass-rushing ability. Wheeler will make more of an impact as a run stuffer, which is huge.

San Diego

Martin from Sweden: Your thoughts of the latest 'depth' addition to the chargers WR/PR group?

BW: I think it really runs four deep with Meachem, Floyd, Brown and Royal. If can they all stay healthy, I kind like the group. Rivers likes to spread the ball around.

It’s been three days since Peyton Manning signed with the Denver Broncos and speculation began that he would be joined by multiple former Indianapolis teammates.

The opportunities are shrinking. Manning’s longtime center Jeff Saturday, who visited Denver on Wednesday, has signed with Green Bay, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

While the team is still working on Colts’ tight end Jacob Tamme, the Broncos did sign tight end Joel Dreessen on Friday. Dreessen is a good second tight end who had 28 catches last season.

If Tamme does sign that would likely mean Colts’ veteran Dallas Clark will not come to Denver. If Tamme signs elsewhere (Seattle is hotly pursuing him), perhaps Clark will be in the picture. Denver also wants to develop second-year tight end Julius Thomas.

Other former Manning teammates Denver could consider include running back Joseph Addai and receiver Brandon Stokley.

I don’t think the fact that Saturday is not coming to Denver is a huge loss. Sure, It would have helped Manning’s transition to the offense, but third-year center J.D. Walton is a solid player who did well last season. Manning and Walton will find a rhythm and Walton didn’t deserve to be replaced by a 37-year-old simply based on a previous comfort level.

In other news:

Yes, the Broncos’ trade of Tim Tebow to the Jets has been delayed by protocol. But, don’t be fooled. Tebow will be a Jet.

New England signed Denver free-agent fullback Spencer Larsen. Denver didn’t have much interest in bringing him back.

Kansas City right tackle Barry Richardson has visited the St. Louis Rams. He has been replaced by Eric Winston, who is a major upgrade from Richardson.

Here are some highlights from our AFC West chat, which was held Thursday:

Denver

Jared from DC: Denver looking for RBs only in Draft? See Any WRs for Denver coming there?

Bill Williamson: Likely look at RBs in the draft. I think the added WRS will be vets. Just signed Andre Caldwell. Stokley may be next.

Kansas City

Kevin from Kansas City, Mo.: With the added strength at OL and all our starters coming back off injury, can the Chiefs or any other AFC West team compete with Peyton and the Broncos over the next five years? Or should we all just take 5 and come back when the West isn't won? UGH can't stand PM why did he have to choose the AFC West?

BW: You are fine. I think Manning will be very good for three years. But the Chiefs are going to be good as well. I really like what your team did in free agency. Manning is the big fish, but Kansas City has done well.

Oakland

Chuck from New York City: With Bush now in Chicago, do you envision the Raiders signing another backup RB in addition to the injury-prone Jones or trying to get another through the draft?

BW: Oakland, Denver and San Diego all need a backup. Here are some of the best players available: Cedric Benson, Brandon Jacobs, Ryan Grant, Joseph Addai, Justin Forsett, Jackie Battle and Kevin Smith. The market has been slow so some of these players could come cheaply. I think Jacobs would be a nice replacement for Bush if the price is right.

San Diego

Andrew De Fazio from Canada: Who do you think the Chargers will draft with the 18th overall pick? or will they trade up?

BW: They will probably stay put. They will have a lot of choices. However, if they far in love with someone like Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw, they may need to move up.

Cincinnati receiver Andre Caldwell tweeted that he has signed with the Broncos.

Caldwell, 26, has been a backup, possession-type and would be a back-of-the-rotation player for Denver. He had 37 catches for the Bengals last season; in 2009, he had 51 catches for 432 yards.

The Broncos are reportedly interested in reuniting new quarterback Peyton Manning with former teammate Brandon Stokley. If signed, he too would be a rotational receiver.

In other AFC West news:

The Raiders are reportedly are among the teams interested in Giants defensive lineman Dave Tollefson. The Bay Area native was on the Raiders practice squad in 2007. There is no movement on the Manny Lawson front. The Raiders are among several teams interested in him.

With Peyton Manning heading to Denver, we got our big score in the AFC West for the free-agency season. Regardless of the Manning addition, it has been a busy week of movements in the division. Let’s look at some of the remaining stories left in the division as free agency slows down:

Tebow’s future: Denver is expected to try to trade Tim Tebow. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has said he thinks Tebow will be released if he is not traded. I think Denver wants a fast rotation, but there may not necessarily be fast clarity.

Manning’s friends: There have already been reports that Denver could sign former Colts center Jeff Saturday and receiver Brandon Stokley. Tight ends Dallas Clark and/or Jacob Tamme and running back Joseph Addai could also be on the list.

Michael Bush: The Oakland running back has visited Chicago and Cincinnati and is set to go to Seattle. His market has been slow, but circumstances may prevent his return to Oakland.

Chargers backup running back: The Chargers are looking at several players, including Kansas City’s Jackie Battle, as a replacement for key backup Mike Tolbert, who signed with Carolina.

Denver’s defense: Denver still has to improve the defense. It has signed Cleveland safety Mike Adams, but it needs more. Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, who has visited New Orleans, remains a priority. Denver has also been linked to Baltimore linebacker Jameel McClain, Tampa Bay linebacker Geno Hayes and Seattle cornerback Marcus Trufant.

Random thoughts and notes on the biggest story to hit in the AFC West in a long, long time:

• Mel Kiper looks at five possible fits for Tim Tebow in a trade.
• Aaron Schatz looks at how good the Broncos are with Manning.
• Matt Williamson thinks Denver should sign some of Manning's former Colts’ teammates. Brandon Stokley and Jeff Saturday are reportedly already in the team’s sights.
• Willis McGahee's reaction to the Manning signing in an interview with Sirius radio: “Music to my ears, baby. Music to my ears. I’m happy that he made a decision, he chose Denver. It’s a great place to play and the fans are going to really embrace him when he comes in. I think it just took our team to a whole ‘nother level with him saying he’s coming to Denver.”
• The Broncos will play both the AFC South and NFC East in 2013, meaning Manning is poised to play his former team, the Colts, and his brother, Eli’s team, the Giants, in the same season.
• Manning will have his choice of numbers in Denver. There have been indications No. 18 will stay retired in Denver and that he will wear No. 16. But the man who wears No. 18 in Denver, Frank Tripucka, has said he will happily unretire the digits for Manning to wear it.
• Denver’s odds of winning the Super Bowl have reportedly increased from 70-1 a month ago to 10-1 because of the Manning addition.
• It’s so funny how things change. Six months ago, it seemed like John Elway would bring in fellow Stanford graduate quarterback Andrew Luck when the Broncos stated 1-4. Now, Luck is headed to the Colts, which helped push Manning to Elway.
• I have a feeling former Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore will come to Denver in some capacity -- perhaps as a consultant. Moore and Manning are very close.

As expected, the Chargers are in the process of cutting left tackle Marcus McNeill.

UT-San Diego is reporting that McNeill’s agent has said McNeill will be cut Tuesday. The Chargers will have about $6 million in salary-cap room with the release.

McNeill is being cut because he has still not been medically cleared to resume playing. Because the Chargers owed him a bonus in the coming days, San Diego had no choice. McNeill spent last season on injured reserve with a neck issue. There is a chance McNeill could come back to San Diego with a lesser deal.

McNeill is the second starting offensive lineman in San Diego to leave this team in the past couple of weeks. Guard Kris Dielman retired because of health issues.

Center Nick Hardwick is a free agent, as is Jared Gaither, who replaced McNeill. The Chargers badly want to re-sign both players. If not, there will be dramatic change on the team’s offensive line. Nearly three weeks ago, at the NFL combine, San Diego general manager A.J. Smith said it was the team’s biggest current issue and it remains the team’s biggest issue as we are closing in on the start of free agency.

In other AFC West news:

San Francisco signed former Denver cornerback Perrish Cox. He was recently found not guilty in a sexual assault case in Denver that could have resulted in him being in prison for the rest of his life. He was with the Broncos when he was arrested, but the Broncos later cut him.

My thoughts on the decision of Denver’s D.J. Williams and Ryan McBean to sue the NFL over their recent six-game suspension for using a banned substance: Why not? The players have nothing to lose, and the Ryan Braun situation in MLB shows it’s a worthwhile try for the players.

Former Denver receiver Brandon Stokley explains in a radio interview his involvement in Peyton Manning's trip to Denver last weekend.

Don’t be surprised if the Denver Broncos make a push for safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, who was released by the Washington Redskins on Monday.

The Broncos were in the mix for him last year and they want to add a veteran safety in free agency. He is represented by the former agency firm of new Denver salary-cap man Mike Sullivan, so Denver could have an advantage.

In other AFC West news:

— The Chiefs announced they have re-signed defensive lineman Amon Gordon. Terms were not disclosed. Gordon is a rotational player. A career journeyman, Gordon found a role in Romeo Crennel’s defense in 2011, netting 20 tackles and two sacks.

— Brandon Stokley — a former teammate of Peyton Manning — has worked out with Manning and believes he is, indeed, the same old Manning. Manning worked out with Stokley on Saturday after his visit with the Broncos. Manning missed all of last season following multiple neck surgeries.

— UT-San Diego believes the Chargers may be priced out of the Vincent Jackson talks when free agency starts Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

— In an Insider piece, Gary Horton thinks the Chargers and the Raiders could take a big hit in free agency.

— The Cowboys’ pursuit of Chiefs’ cornerback Brandon Carr and the Redskins’ pursuit of Jackson perhaps will be affected by the sudden loss of significant salary-cap room. The Raiders are one of two teams who will not benefit from Dallas and Washington’s losses because of minor infractions.

— The Vikings cut guard Steve Hutchinson during the weekend. While the Chargers seem prepared to go with Tyronne Green as Kris Dielman’s replacement, Hutchinson provides another option.

UPDATE: The Raiders announced they extended one-year contract tenders to restricted free agent Desmond Bryant and exclusive rights free agents, Mason Brodine, Bryan McCann and Marcel Reece.

Catching up on some late afternoon AFC West notes:

San Diego right tackle Louis Vasquez is expected to miss at least two weeks with a MCL sprain.

While the Chargers will miss the talented second-year player, it could have been worse. Vasquez was taken off the field on a cart in San Diego’s loss at Seattle on Sunday. But Vasquez will not need surgery and he should be back by mid-October. Tyrone Green is expected to start for Vasquez.

After making comments about his new teammates not paying attention to coaching, San Diego receiver Patrick Crayton received a lecture from coach Norv Turner.

San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman remains optimistic he can make a positive contribution despite another injury scare.

Legendary former Raiders’ quarterback/kicker George Blanda was the first pick in the first known fantasy football league way back in 1963. Blanda died Monday at the age of 83.

Current Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski discussed his relationship with Blanda and his costly missed field goal in Arizona on Sunday.

Kansas City defensive lineman Shaun Smith is gaining a reputation for being, well, being overly aggressive.

Former Denver receiver Brandon Stokley has signed with Seattle. Denver cut him earlier this month.

Mid-week mail call:

Tony from Denver wants to know if I think the Broncos’ leadership knows what it is doing in light of curious personnel decisions.

Bill Williamson: Well, Tony, there are reasons to question Denver’s recent decisions. Jarvis Green and Brandon Stokley were released after they were given bonuses. Second-year cornerback Alphonso Smith was traded to Detroit for little in return a year after Denver gave up its No. 1 pick in 2010 (No. 14) to draft him in the second round. Last month, Denver cut tackle Tyler Polumbus only to see the Lions claim him and then quickly trade him to Seattle for a pick. These decisions alone won’t make Denver a losing team, but they are signs that the front office may have to police itself better.

Eric from Fresno wants to know if I think second-year safety Mike Mitchell is safe in Oakland.

BW: Well, he’s on the team and that’s all we can go by. We’ve all heard the talk that the Oakland coaching staff didn’t want to keep Mitchell on the 53-man roster but owner Al Davis did because he was a second-round pick last year. I think all we can do is see how much Mitchell plays and if he makes any improvements. If he doesn’t, he will eventually fade away. Maybe Mitchell will turn into an impact player, but most NFL teams had him rated as an undrafted free agent. So, it’s fair to wonder.

Nico from Alexandria, Va., wants to know if Denver coach Josh McDaniels is fired before the 2012, what happens to Tim Tebow’s future as the starter in Denver.

BW: That’s, a very interesting question, Nico. Here’s the setup: Kyle Orton is set to by the starter through 2011 with Tebow likely taking over in 2012. That will be McDaniels’ fourth season in Denver. If the Broncos flounder in the next two seasons, McDaniels may be in big trouble. However, because he has a good working relationship with Tebow, Denver ownership would be patient with McDaniels even if the team did struggle because it wanted to see how Tebow would perform. But if McDaniels were to be fired before Tebow takes over, I think the next coach would be asked to give Tebow a chance. Too much is invested in Tebow to go away from him before he is given an opportunity to lead the team.

Check here for a full list of Denver’s roster moves.

Biggest surprise: There were a few surprises from Denver on Saturday. The two big ones involved second-year cornerback Alphonso Smith and free-agent pickup Jarvis Green. Denver traded Smith to Detroit for reserve tight end Dan Gronkowski. Smith was the No. 37 overall pick last year, and Denver gave up its first-round pick in 2010 (No. 14) for Smith. He was a failure in Denver. Still, basically giving him away was a shocker. Denver paid Green several million to come in and be a starter on its new-look defensive line. Yet, Green could never win a starting job, losing out to Ryan McBean. Still, it never appeared Green’s job was in jeopardy. Also cut was second-year guard Seth Olsen. He was a fourth-round pick in 2009. Thus, Denver got rid of second-round pick and a fourth-round pick from a year ago. That’s not the way to build a program.

No-brainers: A big reason why Smith was expendable was the play of rookie cornerbacks Perrish Cox and Syd’Quan Thompson, fifth and seventh-round draft picks, respectively. These two players are keepers. Expect Cox to immediately play a huge role as the nickel cornerback and as a return man. Matthew Willis had a great camp and he deserved a roster spot. Keeping Willis was made easier when Denver put receiver Brandon Stokley on the injured reserve with a groin injury. There were reports earlier Saturday that Stokley was released. Recent pickup, linebacker Jason Hunter, excelled in the preseason and was an easy choice to make the roster, as was backup running back Lance Ball

What’s next: Denver will look to upgrade at a few spots. First on the list is running back. The Broncos have been decimated by injuries at the position this summer, and it is not clear if starter Knowshon Moreno will be ready to play opening day at Jacksonville. Denver will look at every running back option available. Other areas Denver could look to upgrade include tight end, offensive line, receiver and the defensive front.

UDPATE: .The Broncos announced Stokley was put on the injured reserve he has a groin injury. The Denver Post reports Stokley contract will be terminated after he got an injury settlement from the I.R.

Nearly a year after pulling off one of the most stunning plays in team history, the Denver Broncos have waived good-bye to receiver Brandon Stokley.

Stokley, 34, lost out to youth. He wasn’t going to be in Denver’s top four receiving rotation and the team liked young Matthew Willis, so Stokley was the odd man out. The writing has been on the wall for a week or so.

Stokley, who some people think is the best slot receiver of all time, could get interest from a contending team. Even though he is aging and he has been injury-prone, Stokley can still fill a role. He is also outstanding in the locker room.

Stokley was in Denver for three seasons. He is best remembered in Denver for taking a deflected pass into the end zone on a stunning 87-yard pass in the final seconds to beat Cincinnati on opening day last year.

Teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by Saturday afternoon. The following is a look at one prominent player on each AFC West team who is on the bubble:

Denver: Brandon Stokley, receiver

Why: Matt Willis came through with five catches for 122 yards in the preseason finale at Minnesota on Thursday night, extending his productive preseason. The Broncos might want to go with youth for a backup spot. Stokley, 34, has been a good Bronco for the past three seasons, but his time there may be up.

Kansas City: Alex Magee, defensive lineman

Why: Magee’s case is interesting because he was a third-round pick last year. He has not played well and he has made several mistakes. The only things that may save Magee are his youth and the fact that the Chiefs don’t have a great line. He could get more time to develop.

Oakland: John Henderson, defensive tackle

Why: The speculation in Oakland is that Henderson is on the bubble. I think he will be kept because he can help stop the run for 20-25 plays a game. But it seems clear Henderson, if he makes the team, will not be anything more than a role player.

San Diego: Josh Reed, receiver

Why: Reed was signed this summer to provide veteran depth. He hasn’t been special in training camp and the preseason. San Diego could opt for youth over Reed. Also, don’t be surprised if the Chargers scour the waiver wire for veteran depth at the position in the next few days.