Tag: Michael Burton

Pro Bowl voting update: Good news and bad news for Broncos players

Be sure to cast your #ProBowlVote for these deserving Broncos players!

Initial results from fan voting for the 2024 Pro Bowl are in and they offer a mixed bag for Denver Broncos players.

The Broncos have five players ranked among the top 10 vote-getters at their respective positions, but Denver also has a few very notable omissions.

Broncos center Lloyd Cushenberry has received the tenth-most fan votes at his position (fifth-most among AFC centers). Safety Justin Simmons has received the third-most votes at safety (second in the AFC behind Geno Stone of the Ravens). Kicker Wil Lutz has received the eighth-most votes (fourth-most in the AFC). Ex-Denver kicker Brandon McManus (now with the Jaguars) has received the ninth-most votes among kickers.

Broncos returner Marvin Mims ranks ninth among returners (fourth in the AFC). It’s going to be hard for any AFC returner to top Dolphins returner Braxton Berrios in fan voting given that Berrios is dating a social media influencer, likely leading to more votes for him on social media.

Denver fullback Michael Burton ranks eighth among fullbacks in fan voting (fourth among AFC fullbacks). It’s not very difficult to rank among the top ten at fullback given that there are 12 fullbacks in the entire NFL, with half of them in the AFC. Former Broncos fullback Andrew Beck ranks above Burton at No. 6 among FBs.

That’s the good news for Broncos players — Cushenberry, Simmons, Lutz, Mims and Burton rank among the top ten at their respective positions. The bad news is that cornerback Pat Surtain, guard Quinn Meinerz, wide receiver Courtland Sutton and left tackle Garett Bolles do NOT rank among the most popular fan choices at their respective positions for the Pro Bowl.

AFC cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey (Dolphins), Cam Taylor-Britt (Bengals), Rasul Douglas (Bills), L’Jarius Sneed (Chiefs) and Kenny Moore (Colts) all rank above Surtain. The fact that neither Surtain nor Sauce Gardner are among the top ten suggests that fans are voting based on interception stats instead of based on overall performance.

AFC guards Kevin Zeitler (Ravens), Joe Thuney (Chiefs), Joel Bitonio (Browns), Quenton Nelson (Colts), Trey Smith (Chiefs) and Robert Hunt (Dolphins) rank above Meinerz. AFC offensive tackle Terron Armstead (Dolphins), Laremy Tunsil (Texans) and Dion Dawkins (Bills) rank above Bolles.

AFC receivers Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), Keenan Allen (Chargers), Stefon Diggs (Bills), Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals) and Tank Dell (Texans) rank above Sutton. Dell is now sidelined by injury, so Sutton might move up in fan voting over the next few weeks.

Fan voting is not over yet — it runs through Christmas — so there’s still time to vote for your favorite players at NFL.com/ProBowl. It’s also worth noting that fan voting only accounts for one-third of the vote (the other two-thirds of the voting is done by coaches and players). So the Broncos players not doing well in fan voting (most notably Surtain) will likely make up ground when players and coaches vote later this month.

The 2024 Pro Bowl will be a flag football game in Orlando next February with Peyton Manning (AFC) and Eli Manning (NFC) serving as coaches.

4 ex-Saints made Sean Payton’s first 53-man roster with Broncos

Broncos coach Sean Payton has four ex-Saints on his 53-man roster in Denver.

Sean Payton finalized his first 53-man roster with the Denver Broncos earlier this week and it includes four of his former players from the coach’s time with the New Orleans Saints.

Payton kept three players on offense — tight ends Adam Trautman and Chris Manhertz and fullback Michael Burton. On special teams, Payton acquired kicker Wil Lutz in a trade with New Orleans on the day of roster cuts.

The Broncos also signed four former Saints to their practice squad, including two players who spent time with Payton in New Orleans. Here’s a quick look at the former Saints who have reunited with Payton in Denver.

8 ex-Saints reunited with Sean Payton on Broncos’ roster

Broncos coach Sean Payton has brought in eight former Saints who played for him in New Orleans. Here’s the full list.

Since becoming the Denver Broncos’ head coach in February, Sean Payton has signed several former New Orleans Saints. The veteran coach also traded for a former Saints during the draft, acquiring tight end Adam Trautman in April.

The ex-Saints coach has also signed seven former New Orleans players as free agents. In addition to Trautman, Payton also brought in fellow tight end Chris Manhertz, who is known for his blocking ability.

Denver has also signed former Saints wide receivers Marquez Callaway and Lil’Jordan Humphrey, plus running backs Tony Jones and Dwayne Washington. To block for those running backs, fullback Michael Burton was also signed.

On special teams, Payton signed kicker Brett Maher, who kicked for the Saints in 2021.

Additionally, the Broncos have a ninth former Saint, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, but he played in New Orleans last fall when Payton was taking a break from coaching.

Here’s a look at each former Saint who reunited with Broncos coach Sean Payton in Denver.

Broncos rookie Nate Adkins a candidate for fullback snaps this summer

Broncos undrafted free agent rookie Nate Adkins is expected to get reps at both tight end and fullback at training camp.

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As we expected, Denver Broncos rookie tight end Nate Adkins is a candidate to get snaps as a fullback this summer.

Adkins (6-3, 252 pounds) wears jersey No. 45 and he’s listed as a tight end on the 90-man offseason roster, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him used in a hybrid role similar to the position Andrew Beck used to play in Denver.

“The first question we asked ourselves is, ‘Does he go with the tight end room, or does he go the running back room?’” coach Sean Payton said on June 14 when asked about Adkins’ position.

“He can go to either. He goes to the tight end room, but he would be an ‘F’ tight end that would be used at times in some roles like [Michael] Burton would be used in. He would be an ‘F’ candidate.”

The “F” tight end will presumably be similar to an H-back role — typically a tight end who lines up in the backfield.

Burton is set to serve as the team’s starting fullback in 2023 and it looks like Adkins is the top candidate to back him up, at least this summer. The Broncos seem extremely unlikely to dedicate two roster spots to fullbacks, so Adkins will probably be competing for a spot on the practice squad.

Burton is scheduled to become a 32-year-old free agent in 2024, so if Adkins impresses this summer, he might be able to parlay a rookie season on the practice squad into a larger role in Year 2.

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, though, first up for Adkins is training camp this summer. He will likely split reps between TE and FB.

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Broncos’ updated tight end depth chart after the NFL draft

Here is our projected tight end (and fullback) depth chart for the Broncos following the NFL draft.

The Denver Broncos did not select a tight end in the 2023 NFL draft last week, but they did acquire Adam Trautman in a late-round trade with the New Orleans Saints.

Following Trautman’s arrival, here is our updated tight end depth chart for the Broncos as the team gets set to begin organized team activities this month.

TE1: Greg Dulcich, a third-round pick in 2022, returns as Denver’s primary tight end entering his second season.

TE2: Adam Trautman, who was drafted by coach Sean Payton in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, instantly becomes the team’s TE2. Payton has spoken glowingly about Trautman’s ability to block and contribute as a receiver.

TE3: Albert Okwuegbunam (receiving) and Chris Manhertz (blocking) have contrasting strengths and neither of them are as well-rounded as a TE as Truatman. The Broncos also signed Kris Leach as an undrafted free agent.

FB: Michael Burton is the obvious choice to start at fullback for Denver this year and he might occasionally have a tight end-type role. The Broncos also signed UDFA Nate Adkins, who could be a candidate for a tight end/fullback hybrid role that Andrew Beck previously held in Denver.

It’s a pretty solid tight end room for the Broncos, with Dulcich expected to have the biggest receiving role in 2023.

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Sharing an all-Rutgers backfield was special for Michael Burton

Michael Burton talks about the Kansas City Chiefs special Super Bowl season, spent alongside Isiah Pacheco.

It was a special and unique season for Michael Burton, who won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. Burton played a significant role for the Chiefs on offense and special teams, capping off two seasons of strong contributions with the AFC West team.

Burton’s last season was spent blocking for rookie running back Isiah Pacheco, a former Rutgers football standout. Sharing an alma mater in an all-Rutgers backfield was a part of making last season’s Super Bowl run especially special and poignant for Burton.

It was an impressive rookie campaign for Pacheco, who topped 1,000 rushing yards in the regular season and the playoffs. He had six rushing touchdowns while also contributing on kickoff returns for the Chiefs.

“It was truly an awesome experience, something I’ll never forget seeing – all the work we put into it to come to fruition was really special,” Burton told Rutgers Wire.

“It was a great moment to share with my teammates and coaches and family! I hope to take some of that experience and bring it over to Denver and win another one.”

After two years in Kansas City, Burton signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos. The move to the AFC West rivals is certainly another sign of his reputation as one of the NFL’s top fullbacks.

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A fifth round pick of the 2015 NFL draft, Burton is born and bred in New Jersey. Prior to his college career at Rutgers, he was top-tier running back at West Morris High School (Chester, N.J.).

His backfield teammate, Pacheco, followed a similar career trajectory as Burton. A Day 3 pick in last April’s NFL draft, Pacheco was a high school standout in south Jersey who went on to a strong career at Rutgers.

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Last year, Burton and Pacheco closed out their season amid confetti and a Super Bowl championship with the Chiefs.

“Isiah, man, he had an unbelievable season. In fact, he was a big part that helped us get to the Super Bowl and win it. Just such a special player and person – wish him nothing but the best,” Burton said.

“Two Jersey guys, Rutgers guys sharing a backfield was certainly special. He made me a better player for sure.”

In Denver, Burton will be reunited with new head coach Sean Peyton. In 2020, Burton played for Peyton who was then head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

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Michael Burton: Kansas City Chiefs Isiah Pacheco can ‘be a top back in this league’

Michael Burton sees lots of potential for Isiah Pacheco to continue growing.

It was a tremendous first season in the NFL for Isiah Pacheco, who took the league by storm and helped lead the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl.

A seventh round pick out of Rutgers football, Pacheco exceeded all expectations.

During his rookie season, Pacheco finished the regular season and postseason with 1,027 rushing yards on 207 carries. He had six total touchdowns including one in the Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Burton, who played the last two seasons for the Chiefs as their fullback, thinks the potential is there for Pacheco to mature into one of the best running backs in the league based off of what he showed this past season.

“He has the skill set and tools to be a top back in this league, as long as he keeps working and improving like I know he will – the sky is the limit.” Burton told Rutgers Wire this week.

“He’s got a great work ethic and loves to compete and get better, so yes he can become a top back.”

Burton signed with the Denver Broncos last week where he will be re-united with head coach Sean Peyton. In 2020, Burton played for the New Orleans Saints under Peyton.

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A former fifth round pick in the 2015 NFL draft, Burton is excited about the possibility to play for the Broncos while holding on to good memories of his time with the Chiefs.

“I really enjoyed my time in Kansas City. I built relationships with teammates, staff and coaches that go way beyond the field – very thankful to have a Hall of Fame coach in coach Reid,” Burton said.

“I learned a ton and definitely became a better football player. Of course, winning the Super Bowl was an unbelievable experience and something that I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

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Rutgers football in the NFL: After NFL free agency move, Michael Burton thankful for two years with the Kansas City Chiefs

Michael Burton talks about his two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

After two years with the Kansas City Chiefs, Michael Burton signed with the Denver Broncos in NFL free agency last week. One of the top fullbacks in the NFL, Burton moves from the Super Bowl champions to one of their AFC West rivals.

Burton, a former Rutgers football standout who was taken in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft, is set for his ninth season in the league. He spent the last two seasons with the Chiefs, becoming an important part of the offense and head coach Andy Reid’s team.

Last season, Burton won the first Super Bowl of his career this past season, sharing a Chiefs’ backfield with Isiah Pacheco. A seventh-round pick out of Rutgers in last spring’s NFL draft, Pacheco’s rookie season with the Chiefs  was a revelation.

Now Burton moves to Denver to help that rebuilding team.

“I really enjoyed my time in Kansas City. I built relationships with teammates, staff and coaches that go way beyond the field – very thankful to have a Hall of Fame coach in coach Reid,” Burton told Rutgers Wire.

“I learned a ton and definitely became a better football player. Of course, winning the Super Bowl was an unbelievable experience and something that I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

Last season with the Chiefs, he was in on six percent of all offensive snaps and 52 percent of special teams snaps.

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With Denver, Burton will be reunited with Sean Peyton, the new Broncos head coach. Burton played for Peyton in 2020 while a member of the New Orleans Saints.

“I am very excited for this opportunity in Denver. I’ve played for coach Peyton before so I have seen firsthand how great of a coach he is and how nice of a job he does building a team culture,” Burton said.

“I think Denver has done a great job this free agency adding great players to this roster that is already filled with great talent. There is no question this roster is ready to compete at a high level.”

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Rutgers in the NFL: Michael Burton excited for new opportunity with the Denver Broncos

Michael Burton talks about joining the Denver Broncos this offseason.

Set to enter his ninth season in the NFL, Michael Burton has a new adventure waiting for him with the Denver Broncos. It is a new adventure with a head coach he is very familiar with.

Burton officially joined the Broncos this week via free agency after spending the last two years with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was part of a Chiefs offense and team that won the Super Bowl last year.

In moving to Denver, he will be reunited with new head coach Sean Peyton, whom Burton played for in 2020 with the New Orleans Saints.

Burton, who played his high school football for West Morris Central (Washington Township, N.J.) is a former Rutgers football standout and a fifth-round pick of the Detroit Lions in the 2015 NFL draft. The opportunity to play in Denver alongside quarterback Russell Wilson is another fascinating turn in his career.

“I am very excited for this opportunity in Denver. I’ve played for coach Peyton before so I have seen first hand how great of a coach he is and how nice of a job he does building a team culture,” Burton told Rutgers Wire.

“I think Denver has done a great job this free agency adding great players to this roster that is already filled with great talent. There is no question this roster is ready to compete at a high level.”

Last season with the Chiefs, he was in on 6 percent of all offensive snaps and 52 percent of special teams snaps.

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The Broncos are looking to rebuild in what will be Peyton’s first season with the organization. Last season was a disappointment for Denver with a 5-12 finish.

Burton said that the chance to play with quarterback Russell Wilson was a big factor in his decision.

“I have always admired Russell Wilson from afar – his play, work ethic and leadership have always stood out to me,” Burton said.

“He’s already reached out to me perasonally so that shows the type of leader he is. He’s won a ton of games in this league and has had a heck of a career thus far. I have seen it in person (with) how great of a player he is and now adding coach Peyton is going to be awesome. It will definitely elevate Russell’s game and I’m excited to be part of this team and culture that is moving in such a positive direction.”

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Here are Michael Burton’s contract details with the Broncos

Michael Burton’s cap hit (just over $1M) ranks 12th among 17 fullbacks. He’ll earn less than half of what the Texans will pay Andrew Beck.

The Denver Broncos signed two offensive linemen, a blocking tight end, a fullback and a running back early in free agency. It’s not hard to connect the dots: Broncos coach Sean Payton wants to run the ball in 2023.

Michael Burton, the team’s new fullback, agreed to a one-year, $1.3175 million contract with Denver on Tuesday. Burton received a $126,250 signing bonus and he will have a $26,250 roster bonus. That combined with his $1.165 million base salary will give Burton a 2023 salary cap hit of $1,092,500.

That will represent the 12th-highest salary cap hit among fullbacks in the NFL this season. Considering that only 17 teams carry fullbacks on their roster, another — perhaps more appropriate — way to put it would be saying Burton is the sixth-lowest paid FB in the league.

A good direct comparison is Andrew Beck, who the Broncos let walk in free agency this week. Beck signed a two-year deal with the Houston Texans and he will have a cap hit of $2,441,176 this year, seventh-highest among FBs.

Denver brought in a cheaper fullback who has a year of experience in a Sean Payton offense (2020 with the New Orleans Saints). It seems fair to say Burton was a good signing for the Broncos.

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