Offensive lineman Ronald Leary will reportedly sign a four-year, $35 million contract with the Denver Broncos. The new contract carries with it $20 million in guarantees. Leary, an undrafted free agent in 2012, spent the first five seasons of his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Cowboys G Ron Leary plans to sign with the Denver Broncos assuming no last-minute negotiating snags, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
Broncos to sign G Ronald Leary to a four-year deal worth $35m with $20m gtd, source says. Big money for a guy once lost in the shuffle.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2017
Report: Ronald Leary to Sign With Denver Broncos
After holding out during training camp, Leary made the roster as the back-up to second year pro La’el Collins at left guard in 2016. Collins was injured in week three, opening the door for Leary to return to the starting line-up.
Leary’s presence seemed to be the missing piece to the Cowboys offensive line as he and left tackle Tyron Smith helped pave the way for a record-setting season by rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott. Many believe Leary was a Pro Bowl snub this past season.
The four-year veteran made 12 starts after being named to the team’s inactive list in the first two games. Leary had asked to be traded prior to the season but the Cowboys did not oblige. The team kept him and paid dividends. The Cowboys finished 13-3 and Elliott won the rushing title.
Injury shortened his 2015 season, creating the space for Collins to take the job. But in 2014, Leary was again part of an offensive line that could boast of producing the league’s leading rusher. This time former Cowboys running back Demarco Murray earned the title behind the physical dominance of Leary and his offensive line mates.
In 2013, Leary started all 16 games after only being active for two games as a rookie. At 6’3” 320 pounds, the guard has shown tremendous agility and massive power in his tenure. His strength is his knowledge and understanding of the use of leverage. His low center of gravity has enabled him to overwhelm his opponents, regularly.
Leary played his college ball at the University of Memphis where he played left tackle. Injuries forced him to move to right guard during his senior year. He performed admirably, protecting three different quarterbacks and earning second team All-Conference USA as well as team MVP honors alongside current Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe.
