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And just like that, one of the best guards in the NFL is ripe for the signing. The Denver Broncos need to be the team that does it.

When news broke on Saturday that the Green Bay Packers released Josh Sitton, John Elway should have immediately picked up the phone and asked his agent to get this deal done.

The talent speaks for itself. Sitton was Pro Football Focus’ fifth-rated guard last season and is the top-rated pass-blocking guard the last three seasons. In each of those three years, he’s been named a second-team All Pro.

For those who might fret about his age, he just turned 30 in June. So he fits in the mold of players Elway likes to target.

Still not convinced?

Sitton hasn’t missed a start since 2011.

Sitton is a veteran presence who would solidify Denver’s line. In a big way. He also knows the zone-blocking system and is great in pass protection. That hasn’t been a strength of the Broncos the last few seasons.

There was some talk that this surprising move was about more than money. But as Yahoo’s Charles Robinson pointed out on Twitter, it was entirely about money. As Robinson said, the Packers believed Sitton was upset he didn't get a new deal done and decided to move on. He was set to become a free agent in 2017.

Was told nothing crazy happened w/ #Packers & Josh Sitton. Packers believed he was upset he didn't get new deal done and decided to move on. — Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 3, 2016

In terms of the salary cap, more space became available with the release of Mark Sanchez and Ronnie Hillman. As we speak, the Broncos have $8.7 million in cap space, according to overthecap.com. Sitton was released from a contract that was less than $7 million.

For those concerned about 2017 and the prospects of re-signing Emmanuel Sanders and bringing in Sitton, don’t be. According to Over the Cap, Denver has $43 million in cap space. Keep in mind, that’s before anything is done with Aqib Talib or DeMarcus Ware.

This has the feel, look and smell of an Elway move. Elway and the Broncos need to get this done.

PFF had (ex?) #Packers OG Josh Sitton as a Top-5 guard in 2015, top 3 in pass blocking. Sitton turned 30 in June. — Evan Silva (@evansilva) September 3, 2016

The way Denver’s line got manhandled by the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter of the third preseason game shows the Broncos need interior line help. Russell Okung will lock down the left tackle spot, and Matt Paradis will as well at center. Now get one of the guards taken care of.

Elway did a similar move last season when he signed Evan Mathis prior to the start of the season. Sitton is better and younger. He also was the Packers' projected starter, went through training camp and played in the preseason. Mathis wasn't on a roster when he signed in Denver. Sitton would take away a position of need and do so for the next five seasons.

It’s not everyday one of the best in the NFL is ripe for signing.

Broncos Tracks

Takeaways from John Elway's roster-deadline press conference

Elway affirmed that Trevor Siemian is the clear starter, updated the status of contract negotiations with Emmanuel Sanders and discussed some other topics at his press conference Saturday.

Broncos release Mark Sanchez after lackluster preseason - SBNation.com

The veteran QB didn't even play in Denver's final two preseason games.

Broncos make 23 moves to pare roster at the deadline

The Broncos set their first roster of the 2016 regular season at the 2 p.m. MDT deadline on Saturday.

Broncos sign quarterback Austin Davis

The Broncos added a third quarterback to the roster Saturday in veteran Austin Davis.

Denver Broncos' re-made offensive line close to full strength - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN

With a Super Bowl rematch against Carolina less than a week away, the Broncos hope their banged up offensive line is is ready to go opening night.

Denver Broncos alumni and cheerleaders to host Broncos experience at JAS

The Denver Broncos will host the "Broncos Experience at JAS" at the JAS Labor Day Experience in Aspen, Colo., this weekend, featuring two days of Broncos-themed events.

Britton Colquitt agrees to terms with Cleveland Browns | 9news.com

Former Denver Broncos punter Britton Colquitt has agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns on a one-year contract.

John Elway would be 'disappointed' if Aqib Talib punished now

John Elway said the Denver Broncos have not been informed of any discipline for cornerback Aqib Talib.

Preseasons for rookie QB: Jared Goff struggled, Dak Prescott starred - NFL Nation- ESPN

Just one rookie QB will begin the season as a starter (only because of an injury), and the Nos. 1 and 2 draft picks will be third-stringers.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas tells Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler to 'stick to basketball'

Demaryius Thomas and Jimmy Butler went back and forth at each other on Instagram this week.

AFC West Tracks

Chiefs deal receiver Rod Streater, release 13 others to trim roster by deadline | The Kansas City Star

The Chiefs solved their plethora of receivers by dealing away Rod Streater, while a handful of surprises — including running back Knile Davis and receiver De’Anthony Thomas — have made the team.

Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles iffy for opener

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles, whose rehab from a torn ACL has gone slower than expected, is iffy for the season opener.

Chiefs preseason winners: John Dorsey edition - Arrowhead Pride

Every year you read a thousand winners and losers articles. Some of them involve individual games, some of them involve the draft or free agency.

Las Vegas Raiders? Oakland Raiders? Stadium efforts ramp up in both cities - Mercury News

Effort to build a new stadium in Las Vegas gains momentum, while Ronnie Lott works to keep the Raiders in Oakland.

Oakland Raiders 2016 preview: Is this your surprise Super Bowl team? | FOX Sports

We preview the 2016 Oakland Raiders season. Are they the darkhorse Super Bowl contender you're looking for?

Raiders projected final 53-man roster, practice squad - Silver And Black Pride

Our absolute final 53-man roster projection.

More explosive runs expected from San Diego Chargers RB Melvin Gordon

After averaging an uninspiring 3.5 yards per carry as a rookie, Melvin Gordon is expected to take a big step forward during his second NFL season.

Chargers finish cuts (for now), down to 53 | SanDiegoUnionTribune.com

The team could be very active Sunday on waivers.

Should the Chargers sign Seau? - Bolts From The Blue

The nephew of former San Diego Chargers legend Junior Seau has been cut by the Los Angeles Rams.

NFL Tracks

Eagles to start Carson Wentz when he's healthy - NFL.com

After trading Sam Bradford to the Vikings, the Eagles are planning to start first-round passer Carson Wentz as soon as he's healthy, per NFL Media's Mike Garafolo.

Even 'Madden NFL 17' thinks a first-round pick for Sam Bradford is crazy

Which shows you how desperate the Vikings were. Minnesota not only got fleeced by the Eagles, it sent the fleece back to Philadelphia.

2016 NFL final 53-man rosters for all 32 teams - cut-down day, roster cuts, tracker

NFL Nation reporters are keeping track of teams' cuts down to 53-man rosters, which have to be in by 4 p.m. ET Saturday. Here are the players cut so far.

Here’s how NFL practice squads work - SBNation.com

Your favorite NFL team will be adding players to its practice squad this weekend. Here’s what you need to know.

Tom Brady appears to be protesting the NFL with helmet-sticker removal - Business Insider

Tom Brady's helmet was missing the NFL shield logo during Thursday's preseason game.

Browns trade Justin Gilbert to Pittsburgh Steelers - NFL.com

The Cleveland Browns have sent cornerback Justin Gilbert to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade for a sixth-rounder in 2018, the Browns announced. Gilbert was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2014 draft.

Moritz Boehringer released by Minnesota Vikings - NFL.com

It's time to say "auf Wiedersehen" to one of the league's feel-good stories of the summer. German wideout hopeful Moritz Boehringer has been released by the Vikings.

Duane Brown, J.J. Watt moved to Texans' active roster - NFL.com

Texans left tackle Duane Brown will avoid being put on the PUP list to start the season. The expectation is he'll be back early in the season, just not Week 1, according to Ian Rapoport.

Lena Dunham is sorry for projecting her own issues on NFL star at Met ball

"I see how unfair it is to ascribe misogynstic thoughts to someone I don't know at all."

Retired NFL Player Lawrence Taylor Arrested for Suspected DUI in Florida - NBC News

The retired New York Giant linebacker reportedly sideswiped a police car and hit a motor home while driving in Florida.

2016 NFL draft picks who didn’t make the cut | ProFootballTalk

The vast majority of drafted players make their teams' 53-man rosters, and most of those who don't end up on injured reserve. Only a select few are disappointing enough in training camp and the preseason to get cut.

Josh Norman: Odell's fame due to 'one stupid little ball' - NFL.com

Odell Beckham and Josh Norman can't lay off the verbal jabs before the season starts, as Norman's latest comments accuse Beckham of being a one-catch sensation.

10 seniors who’ll be NFL starters in Week 1 of 2017 | NFL.com

The top college seniors around the country are looking to start strong on opening weekend as they embark on their final season of auditioning for scouts before entering the NFL.

Eight new realities we learned from the preseason - NFL.com

Tyler Lockett, Jeremy Hill and Devante Parker are just three players who made apparent new realities in their 2016 projections during the preseason. Matt Harmon gives you eight to consider.