Stokley: Losing Paradis not the ‘end of the world’ for Broncos

Among the free agents the Denver Broncos hoped to retain this offseason, center Matt Paradis was likely atop the team’s list.

However, after five seasons in Denver, the former sixth-round pick will move on this offseason, opting for a large payday with the Carolina Panthers worth a reported $27 million over three seasons.

But Broncos Country shouldn’t fret, said “Stokley and Zach” co-host Brandon Stokley on Tuesday, saying “you can’t pay everybody” and Denver had “other fish to fry” this offseason.

“You’ve got to find another center. I mean, that’s just the way it is. It’s not the end of the world here,” Stokley said. “Matt Paradis is a really good football player, but it’s time to move on from him and find another center.”

Connor McGovern, who filled in for Paradis once he went out for the season in early November, could be a permanent option for the Broncos at center, Stokley said, or Denver could opt to address the position in the draft or later in free agency.

“You got Matt Paradis in the sixth round. Let’s go draft one late in the draft. Let’s go find a second-tier, third-tier, second-day, third-day center. That’s the situation you’re in,” Stokley said. “Good for Matt Paradis. The show must go on here in Denver. There are other pieces that we had to address, more pressing pieces I believe. And I think they handled it the right way.”

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