USA TODAY
The Denver Broncos on Monday announced the hiring of Kelly Kleine as the team s executive director of football operations.
Kleine, who spent the past 10 years with the Minnesota Vikings, is believed to be the highest-ranking woman in scouting in the history of the league. Kelly is a rising star in the NFL, and we re fortunate to add someone of her caliber to the Denver Broncos, Broncos general manager George Paton said. Having worked with her for nine years in Minnesota, Kelly has a strong understanding of all aspects of football operations and player evaluation, along with outstanding leadership qualities.
Favre, in a 45-minute interview with Wilde and Tausch, said he has not spoken with Rodgers since the draft. Their conversation that night concluded with Rodgers telling his predecessor they would touch base after his situation with the Packers is resolved, something that might not happen for some time.
Even though Favre emphasized he does not know the details of Rodgers rift with the Packers that became public Thursday, he predicted an ominous ending. Favre went as far as to compare Rodgers situation to Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders early retirement from the Detroit Lions. Sanders walked away from the Lions after his age-30 season in one of the most stunning retirements the sport has ever seen.
Players who opted out last season were eligible for between $150,000-$350,000. ESPN s Adam Schefter reported that James contract tolled last season, meaning he was playing under his 2020 contract this year, which had $10 million guaranteed for skill and injury, and another $10 million reserved for 2021.
In total, James could be out close to $20 million.
The 19th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2014 draft, James started 16 games in his first and third seasons in the league and 15 games in 2018. Injuries have cost him significant playing time in every other season, however.
Since signing a four-year, $51 million contract with Denver prior to the 2019 season, James has played three games at right tackle for the Broncos.