ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway has said repeatedly since the end of last season that the Broncos would find a way to improve the Broncos' offensive line.
Elway got off to a quick start on that promise Thursday when the Broncos agreed to terms with former Cowboys guard Ronald Leary.
The 27-year-old accepted a four-year deal to head to Denver, where he'll play next to center Matt Paradis. The addition of Leary will help beef up the offensive line that could be in a state of transition ahead of the 2017 NFL season.
"Ronald is a big, physical and athletic guard who plays with an attitude," Elway said. "Upgrading the offensive line was a priority for us this offseason, and we're excited to add Ronald to our team."
Leary was not drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft because of health concerns, and he signed with the Cowboys as a college free agent. He received third-round grades from scouts, however, and thrived in Dallas as a member of one of the best offensive lines in football.
According to Pro Football Focus, Leary rated as the 18th-best guard in football in 2016 as he started 12 of the 13 games in which he appeared.
"Having the chance to sign a talented and physical guard like Ronald was very important to us," Head Coach Vance Joseph said. "He played on one of the best offensive lines in football in Dallas and adds toughness to our line."
The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder played college football at the University of Memphis and is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
