Broncos News: Team Signs DL Fua, Waive P Schmitz
By Tylor Walden
Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sione Fua (70) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos have decided that Britton Colquitt has won the punting competition while at the same time bolster their defensive line with a familiar face. Unfortunately for some fans, myself included, the Karl Schmitz frenzy is over in Denver for now.
#Broncos sign defensive lineman Sione Fua, waive punter Karl Schmitz.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 6, 2015
Fua will wear No. 69. pic.twitter.com/H3qPLdquo2
The Broncos announced on Thursday morning just as training camp was getting underway that the team has signed defensive lineman Sione Fua for his second stint with the Denver Broncos after he spent the 2014 season with the Cleveland Browns. Sione Fua was waived from the Broncos roster during final roster cuts last season.
In order to make room for the five year veteran, the Broncos parted ways with punter Karl Schmitz. The YouTube sensation from Jacksonville had his fate basically all but sealed when the Broncos and Britton Colquitt agreed on a paycut. The 28-year old rookie did not get through a full week of training camp.
In my opinion, I am a bit mixed about it. While the Colquitt pay cut basically sealed Karl Schmitz’s fate, I was hoping we would get to see more from him. There is still a chance that he lands on the team’s practice squad. Britton Colquitt apparently did enough to win the job. Waving punter Karl Schmitz also reduces the kicking competition to three players.
In hindsight, this move makes sense for the Denver Broncos. They bring in a veteran defensive lineman, where the Broncos are a bit short. Sione Fua was brought in by Denver in order to provide depth for the team when Kevin Vickerson suffered an injury. However, Sione Fua was inactive for most of the games he was with the Denver Broncos.
Another move made by the Denver Broncos and preseason games have not even begun yet. It is a shame to see Karl Schmitz go personally because I wanted to see how he would do in a live game situation. But Britton Colquitt proved himself and the defense needs a bit more work, so we shall see if the move works in the long run.