Comment on Renck: Sphere’s the deal. Coach Prime is already neon orb in Big 12 universe as “positive” disruptor

Shedeur Sanders knows his game can get better. He also knows that last year was a new challenge he had to navigate. “There’s always room for improvement,” Colorado’s star quarterback said. “But it’s just like, I honestly don’t really care about the opinions of people that haven’t really played the game.

Garett Bolles wants to be a Bronco for life. If he didn’t make it clear before, the starting left tackle did so while standing at a podium in front of reporters on a hot Friday afternoon following the first day of training camp at the team’s facility. Bolles, who was drafted in the first round in 2017, is entering the final year of his four-year, $68 million contract, which he signed in 2020.

The long-anticipated addition of Russell Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets roster is … almost official. The former MVP has signed a contract that will make him the Nuggets’ second free-agent signing of the summer, according to a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The deal is for two years and $6.8 million, according to The Athletic, with the second year a player option. Westbrook came off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field.

Attendance Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform list — S Caden Sterns (knee), S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) and LB Drew Sanders (Achilles). Non-Football Injury list — RB Blake Watson (muscle strain). Out — OLB Nik Bonitto, OL Nick Gargiulo. Dropped out — S Brandon Jones (hamstring) Payton told reporters after practice that Jones “tweaked” his hamstring and was being evaluated.

Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II views himself as the top cornerback in the league, and rightfully so. At some point, Denver will likely have to pay him as such. Surtain is eligible for a contract extension, which could make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history. His teammate and fellow 2021 draft pick Quinn Meinerz landed a lucrative extension before camp, but Surtain said Friday that he doesn’t have a set date on when he wants a deal to get done.

Cal Quantrill has been everything the Rockies hoped he’d be. Tenacious, effective, and unafraid of the beast known as Coors Field. But don’t expect the 29-year-old right-hander to be part of the Rockies’ long-term future. However, there is a chance Quantrill could be moved before Tuesday’s trade deadline. According to major league sources, the Rockies have received phone calls about Quantrill but no firm offers yet.