Louis Vasquez signs with Denver Broncos

Guard Louis Vasquez has the opportunity to lift a struggling Denver Broncos line. (Ric Tapia/Icon SMI) The San Diego Chargers' loss turned out to be the

Guard Louis Vasquez has the opportunity to lift a struggling Denver Broncos line. (Ric Tapia/Icon SMI)

The San Diego Chargers' loss turned out to be the Denver Broncos' gain. Denver agreed to deal with ex-Chargers guard Louis Vasquez on what's believed to be a four-year, $23.5 million deal with $13 million guaranteed.

Vasquez graded out as the Chargers' best offensive player on Pro Football Focus for the 2012 season, and the site had him as the league's 13th-best guard -- only four spots back of Andy Levitre, who received about $8 million per season on a multi-year deal with the Titans.

The Broncos struggled on the interior line last year, with Manny Ramirez allowing six sacks after replacing an injured Chris Kuper. The 30-year-old Kuper has had two major leg injuries over the past two years, so it's hard to know if the Broncos can or will count on him at all.

Vasquez's signing seems to indicate that Kuper's days in Denver are numbered. If Vasquez plays as he's capable, though, the Broncos hardly will miss him.

Grade: B-plus.