Chris Kuper held down a starting guard spot with the Broncos from 2007 until he dislocated his left ankle at the end of the 2011 season.
Kuper returned to play the last two seasons, but was never able to find his previous level of play following the injury. That’s why he’s decided to bring his playing career to an end after eight seasons in Denver.
The season kind of furthered my idea that this would probably be the end for me,” Kuper said, via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. “I didn’t feel good all season. I did my best when I was out there. I just wasn’t the same player. And I think that’s a big part of my decision, not being the same player.”
Kuper’s departure will make the interior of the offensive line a spot for the Broncos to address this offseason. Guard Zane Beadles is set to become a free agent, leaving Louis Vasquez as the only starter sure to return at guard. Center Manny Ramirez has experience at guard if the team opts to go that way in the wake of Beadles’ departure, but that would open up another hole and depth will be needed under any circumstance.