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The Denver Broncos have won their first AFC West battle of 2012.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Denver has signed cornerback Drayton Florence to a two-year deal. Florence, who has started 45 games in the past three seasons, was cut by Buffalo last week.

Florence was highly coveted after being released by the Bills. He visited Tennessee on Wednesday. San Diego, where he spent his first five NFL seasons, was also trying to sign Florence. Schefter reports Denver will pay Florence fairly well.

San Diego wanted Florence, 31, as a nickel cornerback, and that is likely the role he will have in Denver. He adds depth to a talented cornerback crew that includes starters Champ Bailey and Tracy Porter.

I could see some situations where Bailey plays nickel in some instances. He played some nickel last season. The Broncos also have Chris Harris, an undrafted player in 2011 who played well, and 2012 fourth-round pick Omar Bolden. He missed last season with a torn ACL, but the Arizona State product was considered a second-round talent before his injury.

Thus, Denver has a deep and talented cornerback group, and the Florence addition strengthens it. Last month, Denver tried to trade for Asante Samuel, but it couldn’t come to an accord with Samuel.

There is an AFC West battle for Drayton Florence.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the popular recently released cornerback will visit the Broncos this week. San Diego is also highly interested in Florence. He spent his first five NFL season in San Diego.

Florence was cut by Buffalo last week. Schefter also reports that Florence will visit Tennessee this week. Florence would likely be the nickel cornerback in both San Diego and in Denver.

The Broncos have been looking for a veteran cornerback to pair with starters Champ Bailey and Tracy Porter. Denver pursued trading for Asante Samuel before he was sent from Philadelphia to Atlanta last month.

Buffalo released cornerback Drayton Florence. He started 45 games in the past three seasons. It could be worth Oakland’s while to explore acquiring him. His experience would help at the Raiders’ biggest worry position.

Denver looked into trading for Asante Samuel, so perhaps it will be interested in Florence. Detroit could also be among the teams interested in Florence.

Can the NFL learn from the Junior Seau tragedy? U-T San Diego explores what can be done.

Here are more tributes and statements of about t he death of Chargers superstar linebacker Junior Seau. He was 43:

The Oakland Raiders:

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Junior Seau. Junior’s great passion, intensity and love for the game were evident every time he stepped on the football field. He was a formidable competitor who left an indelible mark on the game of football. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and the Charger organization.”

Tweets from Denver executive vice president John Elway:

I had the pleasure of playing against Junior for many years. He played the game the way it was meant to be played.

We shared a lot of laughs from our AFC West battles when I saw Junior before he was inducted into the Chargers HOF in November.

Junior was a true competitor and a special player. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Seau family.

The NFL Players Association

The NFL Players Association is saddened to hear of the passing of Junior Seau, a terrific player and teammate. The 12-time Pro Bowler achieved a level of success on the field that is unparalleled and his off-the-field service accomplishments are beyond admirable. The All-Decade Team linebacker’s career spanned an incredible 20 seasons, and Junior Seau’s determination and passion for the game will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of the fans. The NFLPA player family today joins with the Seau family to mourn a brother lost too soon.

Statement from Bills GM Buddy Nix:

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Junior Seau. This is such a tragedy and his passing will be felt by many. Junior was a great player in this league for so many years and he embodied that competitive spirit that all the great linebackers possess. My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to his children and his entire family, his friends, the Spanos family and the Chargers organization.”

Statement from Bills defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt:

“Hearing this news about Junior...it’s just so tragic…it’s hard to believe. I still to this day remember the day that Junior joined our family at the Dolphins. He brought a sense of renewed energy and a spirit to the field, off the field, in the weight room, just everywhere that Junior went and everyone that Junior was associated with. He instilled a belief that we hadn’t reached our potential and that we could be better and he would find a way to help make that happen. I just feel terrible but I know how much he loved his kids. I remember him coming to me and the first thing we talked about was what the offseason schedule would be and what was going to be our bye week schedule. Everything he was doing was centered around getting back to San Diego from Miami to be able to spend quality time with his kids. I don’t think there’s a better way a man could be remembered than in those terms.”

UPDATE:

The Chargers have compiled these statements and tweets about Seau:

FORMER CHARGERS QUARTERBACK STAN HUMPHRIES

“The first thing is just the energy, the excitement that he had every day. I don’t think he could wait to get to the facility every day to practice, to watch the game tape, to get on the practice field, to get in the weight room. I know when I came there he’d been in the league for two years and when I first got there, you heard about Junior but when you actually saw him, the youth that he brought out in you was what stood out. I looked at that team back then with guys like Gill Byrd, Gary Plummer, Leslie O’Neal, veteran guys, but then you see this guy with all the youthful energy and I think he gave a lot of the older guys a little fire and brought a little of that youthfulness back to them as well. He played the game instinctively, he studied the film and did some things on his own just off film study that allowed him to make huge plays. I remember times playing with him and also times flying home on the plane with him, just getting to know him as a person. I feel bad for his kids and his family. At that young of an age, it’s just horrible.”

FORMER CHARGERS FULLBACK LORENZO NEAL (tweet)

“Today the world is not a better place we lost one of our legends. Sad to Hear about my good friend and brother Junior Seau Passing. He was a great man to his family and the community he was a great example of sportsmanship and he had such a big heart for everyone he was someone i could talk to I'm at a loss for words this one really hit me hard. I Love you and will miss you my dear friend .To His Family i love you all and you are in my Prayers One Luv Lo Neal.”

FORMER CHARGERS RUNNING BACK LADAINIAN TOMLINSON

“I don’t know what to say. I’m hurt. It’s hard to put to words how I feel right now. I learned how to be a pro because of him. I learned how to start a foundation and work in the community because of him. I learned how to relate to people because of him…fans…signing autographs. I’m just hurt. He’s an icon I looked up to my entire life before I got to San Diego. Even to this day. It’s a numb feeling in my heart right now.”

FORMER CHARGERS GENERAL MANAGER BOBBY BEATHARD (Beathard drafted Junior in 1990)

“Junior was one of the two players we drafted that I thought if you ever drew a player up that was the complete package, it would be Junior and Rodney (Harrison). Junior was such an incredible football player, and as far as being just a great person, I just love Junior. I’d see him in the summer when I’d go up to Oceanside to surf (and) we’d get together. He was such a big thing for the community. I think a lot of the people that came to our games were there to see Junior. You never had to motivate Junior. He motivated everybody else. He had energy. He played like you hope every player would play. He practiced the same way he played. I haven’t seen…the whole time I was in the NFL…I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anybody like Junior…that had it all. Just a great guy. He loved playing the game. He loved his teammates. He loved life. For the life of me I certainly can’t understand what went wrong or what happened. But I love Junior as a player and as a friend. You always look in the Draft when you’re getting ready to draft and think, ‘could we every be fortunate enough to get someone like Junior?’ Doesn’t happen very often.”

FORMER CHARGERS KICKER JOHN CARNEY

“I’m shocked and heartbroken at the news. Being a friend and teammate of Junior’s was a highlight of my career. The positive influence he spread among teammates, coaches, fans, and even opposing teams is unmatched. He’ll be greatly missed.”

FORMER CHARGERS HEAD COACH BOBBY ROSS

“I’m totally shocked and very, very saddened by the whole thing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, to his children and to his parents, and all of those very, very special people there. Junior, to me, was the epitome of what a football player was. The words that come to me are passion for the game. Passion for life. Intensity for the game. Intensity for life. Team player. One of the best I’ve ever been around in that respect. Tremendous team player. Tremendous leader. Tremendous leader on our football team. Love for the game. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave each and every day of practice. Great practice player. One of the absolute best I’ve ever coached at any level. He used to frustrate our offensive coaches from time to time because of intensity at practice and his instincts. A guy that prepared greatly. He was always early in to study film. At the same he was tremendously instinctive. He relied on his instincts. But I believe a lot of those instincts were a result of preparation that he did in film preparation. I don’t know of a player in the National Football League that had a greater effect on the community in which he played, than Junior Seau. The people in San Diego literally loved him. And he loved them. It was unbelievable the way they took to another. I don’t know that there has been anyone that has done that much for their particular community they played in than Junior Seau. He was always upbeat. I never saw him down at any time in my experiences with him. He seemed to be very happy all the time. I think that’s why this is such a shock to so many people because he was such a positive person and such an upbeat person. But I’m sure most of us probably never expected anything was going on in his life. My last experience I heard from him on this golf outing that he recently had. He had wrote me a letter of thanks. His last words were, ‘love you coach.’ I’ll cherish that. I only wish I had been able to be out there with him during that particular outing.”

FORMER CHARGERS CENTER COURTNEY HALL (tweet)

Thanks everyone. My thoughts go out to his family and children. This is so heartbreaking. I have not spoken with him directly in a while, but I will always remember his easy smile, big laugh, and loving spirit. The person you saw play with so much emotion on the field is the same personality he displayed off of it.

FORMER DOLPHINS LINEBACKER JASON TAYLOR

“I’m shocked and saddened. Devastated, really. Junior was one of the most positive, uplifting people I have ever known. He was always full of life and energy and had an infectious spirit that lifted everyone around him. Junior called everyone ‘buddy’ and treated them like he had known them forever. It would be easy for me to say he was a great friend and teammates, and a tremendous competitor, but that would be selling Junior short. Junior Seau was an individual of great honor and integrity, a leader of men and someone with a deep-rooted passion for giving of himself to make the people, the community and especially the children around him better. This is an immeasurable loss for so many. My heart and prayers go out to Junior’s family, Gina and their children. I’m going to miss you buddy.”

SAINTS QUARTERBACK DREW BREES (tweet)

“So sad to hear about (Junior). Junebug. Buddy. The greatest teammate a young guy could ask for. This is a sad day. He will be missed greatly.”

CHARGERS DEFENSIVE TACKLE ANTONIO GARAY (tweet)

“Words cannot explain the sadness I feel right now for the loss of Junior Seau. My prayers & love go out to his family. Junior was a man that symbolized passion both on & off the field. I pray that everyone can learn to live every moment as passionate as Junior did. You will be greatly missed buddeeee.”

SAN DIEGO MAYOR JERRY SANDERS

“Junior Seau was one of the most electrifying athletes in San Diego sports history. He was a passionate figure who gave the game of football – and Chargers fans everywhere – everything he had. His passion for the San Diego region was also felt through his charitable work, which did so much good in so many ways.”

NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL

“All of us are deeply saddened about Junior Seau, a great player loved by teammates who also worked hard to serve his community. Junior and his family will remain in our thoughts.”

UPDATE: Denver quarterback Peyton Manning released the following statement on Seau:

“When I first got into the league in 1998, the two most dominating defenders I played against were Junior Seau and Bruce Smith. Junior was truly an once-in-a-lifetime player. I remember how many times we would be getting ready to play him and the Chargers and someone would say, ‘This is a blitz here.’ And I would say, ‘That’s not a blitz; that’s just Junior Seau smelling something and going after it.’ He was very difficult to play against because his instincts would always lead him to the right place on defense—or the wrong place for the offense. He and Ray Lewis are the two best linebackers I’ve ever played against, and I know many others would feel the same way.

“I had the great pleasure of playing against Junior but I also had the honor of playing with Junior in a couple of Pro Bowls. Just in those shorts weeks of Pro Bowl practices, nobody had more passion for the game than Junior Seau. His energy and enthusiasm—you could tell how it spread back to his teammates with the Chargers, Dolphins and Patriots. I also got to attend some charity functions with him and I saw how philanthropic he was in giving his time and money to several worthy causes.

“To me, Junior had a quality of making the people around him feel special and comfortable. It didn’t matter what environment he was in—he had just a great energy and an aura about him that people gravitated to. That’s why he was such a great leader. I always felt good being around him. He was truly a one-of-a-kind football player and a one-of-a-kind person just because of his passion.

“I was honored to call Junior a friend and I was deeply saddened by the news of his passing. I will truly miss him, and I know a lot of people are going to miss him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”

UPDATE

Kansas City general manger Scott Pioli (who was with Seau in New England) released this statement:

“I’m shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Junior Seau. Junior was a phenomenal football player, but more importantly a great man who I considered a friend. He was a player that always reminded us that football should be fun and he was a true joy to be around. This is a tremendous loss for all of those who were blessed to cross his path. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

The Buffalo Bills, owners of the 10th pick in Thursday's first round of the NFL draft, are reportedly high on Alabama safety Mark Barron. There has been rampant talk that the Chargers would like to trade up to get Barron.

San Diego has the No. 18 pick. It previously appeared that the Chargers would have to get to the No. 12 range to get Barron; perhaps they will have to climb higher. If the Chargers want to jump ahead of Buffalo to grab Barron, they might have to part with that No. 18 pick, the No. 49 pick and a late-rounder.

We might soon see exactly how much the Chargers covet Barron.

In other AFC West news:

NFL Network reported that the Giants could potentially part with pass-rusher Osi Umenyiora for a third-round pick this week. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but if I think the Chargers should consider it.

Oakland’s first pick in the draft is No. 95. The last team to have its first pick past that selection is Cleveland in 2008. Its first pick was No. 104.

Kansas City tight end Tony Moeaki reiterated Tuesday that he expects to be back for training camp. He suffered a torn ACL last September.

Breakdown: Tony Gonzalez is coming back to Kansas City in Week 1. In his first meeting against his former team, the superstar tight end will try to ruin the opening game of the permanent Romeo Crennel era.

The Chiefs have an interesting stretch after their Oct. 21 bye. They host Oakland on Oct. 28 and then play in a prime-time game at San Diego four games later on Nov. 1. After a long layoff, the Chiefs are back in prime time in their lone Monday night game -- in Pittsburgh on Nov. 12. The Chiefs face former head coach Todd Haley, who is now the Steelers’ offensive coordinator.

Then, the Chiefs have three straight home games -- against Cincinnati, Denver and Carolina -- before playing three of their final four on the road.

Complaint department: The Chiefs’ schedule has two trouble spots. Playing back-to-back prime-time roadies at San Diego and Pittsburgh is not ideal. Having one home game in the final quarter of the season is challenging as well. The Chiefs must enter the final stretch in good shape.

Berry-Johnson meeting: There will be some juice involved in the Chiefs’ Week 2 trip to Buffalo. Kansas City star safety Eric Berrysuffered a torn ACL when he was hit by Stevie Johnson in Week 1 last season. Berry has openly questioned the hit. Johnson has denied that it was dirty. Expect emotions to be high.

Chiefs Regular-Season Schedule (All times Eastern)
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, Atlanta, 1:00 PM
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 16, at Buffalo, 1:00 PM
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 23, at New Orleans, 1:00 PM
Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, San Diego, 1:00 PM
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 7, Baltimore, 1:00 PM
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 14, at Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 28, Oakland, 4:05 PM
Week 9: Thursday, Nov. 1, at San Diego, 8:20 PM
Week 10: Monday, Nov. 12, at Pittsburgh, 8:30 PM
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 18, Cincinnati, 1:00 PM
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 25, Denver, 1:00 PM
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 2, Carolina, 1:00 PM
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 9, at Cleveland, 1:00 PM
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 16, at Oakland, 4:15 PM
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 23, Indianapolis, 1:00 PM
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 30, at Denver, 4:15 PM

Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry once again questioned whether Buffalo Bills receiver Steve Johnson intentionally hurt him in Week 1 last season. The hit cost Berry the entire season after he tore an ACL.

When asked again if he thought Johnson deliberately hit him low on an open-field block Berry said on Tuesday, "You can look at the tape and make your own opinion about that. I mean, my opinion is my opinion."

Last month, Berry tweeted that he wondered whether the Bills had offered incentives to hurt him. Tuesday, Berry said the tweet was “pretty much a joke.” Johnson has denied the hit was intentional.

What do I think of Berry’s reaction?

His opinion is his and he can feel any way he wants to feel. But his focus must remain on his rehabilitation and improving off his special 2010 rookie season. Berry is reportedly on target and should be back to start the 2012 campaign.

By the way, the Chiefs visit Buffalo this season.

In other AFC West news:

Todd McShay looks at some potential second day draft steals for the Broncos and the Raiders.

The Chiefs signed defensive back Mikail Baker. He was a seventh-round pick by St. Louis out of Baylor last year and was cut in October. Baker will have an uphill battle to make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster.

In a radio interview, Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel talks about missing out on Peyton Manning in free agency and preparing for the challenge of facing Manning twice a season.

To clarify, the Chargers will open their offseason program next week. They were eligible to start Monday. Denver and Kansas City began their offseason program Monday and the Raiders started two weeks ago because they have a new coach. The Chargers’ offseason program will extend a week longer than the Broncos’ and Chiefs’ programs.

The San Diego Chargers are giving Roscoe Parrish a chance to revive his NFL career.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported San Diego has signed Parrish to a one-year deal. He played in two games with the Buffalo Bills last season and in eight games the season before. Parrish has played his entire career with the Bills since joining the league in 2005, has 134 career catches and has been a successful return man.

At 29-years-old Parrish will have to impress the Chargers’ brass to make the team. At best, he will be a option at the bottom of the rotation and perhaps be a possibility as a returner.

In other AFC West news:

The Contra Costa Times reports New York Giants’ free-agent defensive end Dave Tollefson said his visit with the Raiders went well Tuesday, but he is planning to visit the Titans on Thursday. He is also being pursued by the Packers. Tollefson is from the Bay Area and he was on the Raiders’ practice squad in 2007.

This is not a good day in San Diego.

Vincent Jackson has walked away.

While there were indications in recent days that the Chargers were not prepared to match an enormous deal for Jackson, there has long been the thought that the Chargers -- who are heavily pursuing New Orleans’ Robert Meachem on Tuesday night -- couldn’t afford to let Jackson leave.

This is a critical offseason in San Diego and it has not started well. In addition to Jackson leaving, the Chargers saw longtime standout guard Kris Dielman retire because of a severe concussion he suffered last season, the team cut left tackle Marcus McNeill because of a neck injury and valuable running back Mike Tolbert is poised to visit AFC West rival Kansas City on Wednesday. The Chargers also have priority free agents in left tackle Jared Gaither and defensive tackle Antonio Garay. San Diego’s lone bright spot, thus far, was the re-signing of standout center Nick Hardwick on Tuesday to a three-year deal.

The Chargers must get better. They must do some things in free agency.

Owner Dean Spanos upset the fan base when he brought back coach Norv Turner and GM A.J. Smith in January.

Fans expected Spanos to show a commitment to them by getting better in free agency, and the Chargers still could get better.

But seeing Jackson leave is not going to convince the San Diego fan base the Chargers are truly committed to getting back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2009 season.

Jackson is a premier receiver and he was a great fit for quarterback Philip Rivers, who has to be wondering what is going on with his offensive line and receiving crew.

The Chargers gambled by not giving Jackson the franchise tag for a second year because it jumped to more than $13 million this season. He is averaging just more than $11 million per season with Tampa Bay. The Chargers took a shot at Jackson, but they likely never got close to what Tampa Bay offered.

Now, the Chargers have to go find a top receiver. The only receivers on the roster are No. 2 starter Malcom Floyd (who is injury prone) and second-year player Vincent Brown.

The free-agent class is drying up. The best options may be Brandon Lloyd, Meachem, Mario Manningham and Laurent Robinson. Meachem may soon sign with the Bills even though the Chargers are pushing for him. Robinson flourished in Dallas last season after not making the Chargers’ roster last September. I’m not sure any of those players will make anyone forget about Jackson. The Chargers, who badly need a top pass-rusher, may have to consider taking someone such as Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd with the No. 18 overall pick in the draft.

Here is one way I think the Chargers can regain the trust of fans, but it’s a long shot. They could step in front of Buffalo and sign monster pass-rusher Mario Williams and then sign Pittsburgh receiver Mike Wallace to an offer sheet the Steelers couldn’t match. The restricted free agent would cost the Chargers their first-round pick if he signed. But adding Williams (the best free agent on the market) and having Wallace replace Jackson would show San Diego’s fans the team is serious about getting better.

Again, don’t expect it to happen, but the Chargers must improve and getting creative may be necessary.

San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson will be one of the most sought after free agents. Here is what to expect from the process:

Quiet until Tuesday: It would be a surprise if Jackson signs an extension with the Chargers before free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Jackson has been looking forward to testing the open market for a long time. The only way he’d sign with the Chargers is if they gave him a deal that is much higher than expected. The team has no plans to do so. The Chargers are resigned to letting Jackson shop himself before making their pitch.

Are the Chargers out of the running? Not at all. If Jackson had his choice, he’d stay in San Diego. While he will likely not accept a hometown discount, but he’ll listen to what San Diego has to say.

How much will Jackson get? He is expected to average between $10-12 million a season. His contract will be in the five year, $50-million plus range.

Will the three other AFC West teams get involved? I don’t think so. There has been talk the Raiders could show interest, but I Oakland have cap limitations and other needs.

Who are the favorites to land Jackson? Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, New England and Buffalo could all make a play for Jackson.

Will it be a long process? I wouldn’t be shocked if Jackson is signed within the first 24 hours of free agency. There will be a race for his services. Don’t expect Jackson to conduct a tour of the league. If you hear Jackson is going on a visit, it will likely mean a deal is imminent.

The Kansas City Chiefs just announced they have cut linebacker Demorrio Williams.

Williams, who has been in Kansas City since 2008, has seen his production and playing time dip in the past two seasons. He had 117 tackles in 2009 and started 13 games that season. In the past two seasons total, Williams, 31, had 37 tackles and didn’t start any games.

The Chiefs have plenty of salary-cap room, so this move was not made out of necessity, although it does save the team nearly $2 million. The main reason Williams was cut was the team simply decided he is no longer in its plans. The Chiefs will likely add linebackers in free agency and/or the draft.

In other AFC West news:

Denver coach John Fox said the Broncos never had a bounty program. Per the NFL’s mandate, Fox -- and every other head coach -- will review the subject. It has become an issue since the league announced the Saints had a bounty program from 2009-2011.

U-T San Diego is reporting that the Bills might be among the teams to make a run at Chargers’ receiver Vincent Jackson. He will be a free agent after the Chargers decided not to franchise him.

The Raiders announced they have hired Lamonte Wilson as their director of player engagement. He will assist players in off-field areas. He had a 14-year stint with the Chiefs in a similar role, ending in 2009.

As expected, center Nick Hardwick will play in 2012.

Whether it will be with the San Diego Chargers is up to the team. Hardwick is a free agent and he raised questions about his future late in the season when he said he was considering retirement. Yet, Hardwick, 30, told UT San Diego that he will play in 2012. It would have been a major shock had Hardwick retired.

Hardwick told the paper he wants to stay in San Diego and I fully expect the Chargers to re-sign him.

It appears San Diego will have more continuity on the offensive line than it could have had. The paper reiterated that guard Kris Dielman is expected to play. There was a chance he could retire because of a serious concussion that ended his season early. The team is expected to cut left tackle Marcus McNeill and it could re-sign Jared Gaither or draft a tackle with the No. 18 pick.

In other AFC West news:

The Raiders have a connection to one of the bigger name free agents on the market. New Oakland defensive line coach Terrell Williams coached Detroit defensive lineman Cliff Avril at Purdue. Avril will be one of the best players on the market. Avril, who could be franchised in Detroit, could play linebacker in a 3-4 if the Raiders would be interested in that situation.

Still, other needs and a potential limited salary cap could make Avril a tough get in Oakland.

Former Oakland cornerback Stanford Routt met the media during his visit with Buffalo on Monday and declined to focus on his time with the Raiders. Oakland cut him on Monday. Routt will visit the Chiefs on Tuesday.

In our first post on the Raiders’ surprising decision to cut cornerback Stanford Routt, we wrote that the free agent could interest the three other teams in the AFC West.

Here's why:

Denver: I think this is the best fit in the AFC West for Routt. Denver will be looking for a cornerback either in free agency or early in the draft. Signing a player of Routt's skills now would allow the Broncos to concentrate on other areas. Routt was better as Oakland’s No. 2 cornerback playing with Nnamdi Asomugha, so he’d benefit from playing with Champ Bailey. I don’t think Denver would break the bank for Routt, but I could see interest.

Kansas City: This likely would only be a fit if the Chiefs don’t plan to re-sign cornerback Brandon Carr. It could come down to the Chiefs deciding who is better. So I’m not sure if they'll really be in the mix.

San Diego: The Chargers have to get better in a lot of areas; cornerback could be one of those. If the Chargers thought Routt is a better option than No. 2 cornerback Antoine Cason, they could pursue him. Still, with the other issues San Diego needs to address, I’m not sure it’s a major priority.

UPDATE: Routt has visits planned already with Buffalo and Tennessee.

New gig: Allen was hired as the Raiders’ head coach Tuesday night.

Previous job: He was the defensive coordinator in Denver for the past season.

Age: 39. Allen will be the NFL's youngest active head coach — six months younger than Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin.

Coaching history: From 2002-10, he was an assistant in Atlanta and New Orleans.

Playing history: He was a standout safety at Texas A&M and earned an invitation to Buffalo’s training camp in 1996.

Known for: He is an aggressive, smart coach who has seen several players develop under his guidance.

Did you know? New England coach Bill Belichick is the only other active NFL coach who was hired directly from a division rival. He was with the Jets prior to joining the Patriots in 2000.

Technically, Tim Tebow’s interception epidemic isn’t as bad as we thought it was.

A rule changed one of his interceptions to a fumble at Buffalo in a 40-14 Denver loss. It came in the fourth quarter when Tebow had the ball knocked free by Buffalo linebacker Chris Kelsay. Linebacker Spencer Johnson caught the ball in the air and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown.

So, Tebow ends up throwing three interceptions in the game, as opposed to four. But the turnover total is still the same, and that is still a problem going into a critical game against Kansas City on Sunday.

In other AFC West news:

The San Diego Union Tribune is reporting San Diego standout center Nick Hardwick is considering retiring after the season. He is 30, and will be a free agent after the season. The Chargers may have to replace Hardwick, tackle Kris Dielman (concussion) and left tackle Marcus McNeill (neck) in the offseason.