Klis: Stephenson could get LT reps after restructure, Watson signing

The Denver Broncos will assuredly have a new left tackle come next season, as Russell Okung moved on in free agency to the Los Angeles Chargers. But who takes up the position could be a 2016 starter after all.

Right tackle Donald Stephenson reportedly restructured his contract with Denver to keep him orange and blue, for now, according to 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis.

And with that restructuring, along with the signing of right tackle Menelik Watson on Friday, Stephenson could see reps at left tackle.

With Denver signing RT Menelik Watson don’t be surprised if Donald Stephenson  gets some LT reps. Team will still sign or draft LT #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 12, 2017

According to Klis, Stephenson wad due to have his $4 million salary this season guaranteed against injury but now will receive $2 million fully guaranteed and $2 million should he make the 53-man roster.

Stephenson is still due to make $4 million in non-guaranteed base salary in 2018, according to Spotrac.com.

With the restructured deal, Denver now has four offensive tackles — Stephenson, Watson, Michael Schofield and Ty Sambrailo.

While Sambrailo’s two-year career has been hampered much by injury, Schofield started 13 games in 2015 at right tackle and 16 games at right guard last season.

The injury bug too has plagued Watson, whom the Broncos plucked from its divisional rival the Oakland Raiders to the tune of a three-year deal.

Watson missed all of 2015 with a ruptured Achilles tendon and hasn’t started in more than 9 games in each of his four seasons in Oakland.

But Watson said during his introductory press conference that he hopes he’s put all of that in the past, and he’s starting anew with the Broncos.

“As you guys know, this is my sixth year of football in total. I’ve just had to learn a lot about myself and a lot about my body. Right now, I’m putting myself in the best place, along with their assistants, are some of the greatest in the world,” Watson said.

“We can put all of those things in the past and just move on, focus on getting on the field and just smashing heads together.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.