Report: Former South Carolina star Brandon Shell looking to reunite with All-Pro quarterback

The Denver Broncos are hosting Seahawks free agent offensive tackle Brandon Shell, a starter at right tackle for the Seahawks, for a visit on Tuesday, according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson. If Denver can secure a contract for the former South Carolina star, it would reunite him with former teammate Russell Wilson. The two were together during the last two seasons in Seattle.

Shell spent his first four seasons in the league with the New York Jets after being drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft in the fifth round. Over his career, he has appeared in 70 NFL games and has started in 61 of them — 21 of the games he started was with Wilson calling the shots.

With Denver revamping its roster for a “win now” situation over the next few seasons, nothing will help a quarterback’s psyche more than having someone he is familiar with blocking for him, especially when Wilson is learning an entirely new offense this offseason.

Former South Carolina star Hayden Hurst signs with new NFL team

The South Carolina Gamecocks have plenty of former players competing in the NFL and one of the most popular tight ends in recent history now has a new professional home. 

Hayden Hurst signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals worth $3.5 million. According to Mike Kaye, the former first-round selection can earn another $1 million in incentives.

Hurst had 26 catches for 221 receiving yards with three touchdowns last season in 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons. 

In four NFL seasons, the former South Carolina star has 125 receptions for 1,304 yards with 12 touchdowns in 57 games. Hurst is a former first-round pick as he was drafted No. 25 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

The Bengals had a hole to fill at tight end after letting C.J. Uzomah hit the market and then ultimately landing a three-year deal with the New York Jets. Hurst gives quarterback Joe Burrow another pass-catching weapon in Cincinnati’s offense.