Not all of the Denver Broncos’ in-house free agents are making big headlines, but defensive tackle Mitch Unrein is a guy who has provided solid depth for the team since he signed on a few years ago, and this year, he hopes to be back with the team again as we approach free agency.
“Hopefully I can be back in Denver because this is the place I want to be and the only place I want to be,” Unrein said.
Among other things, Unrein has been a solid rotational defensive tackle for the Broncos who has been so valuable and versatile a player, even catching a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning, something I’m sure he’ll never forget.
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Prior to the 2014 season, Unrein had appeared in all 16 games for the Broncos in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He played in just eight games this past year, seeing a dramatic reduction in snaps (due to the Broncos’ defensive line depth) and posting just one tackle.
He occasionally saw work as a fullback, and the Broncos are in the market for one, but Unrein is the type of player that you like to have rounding out your roster. He is a four-year veteran out of Wyoming who works hard, is great for the community, and is coachable.
Speaking of which, Unrein knows the new Broncos’ coaching staff from his rookie year in Houston, and has high praise for the new men in charge of the Broncos.
“I had Kubiak my rookie year when I was down in Houston—great guy, great motivator,” he said. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t good enough my rookie year to stick on that team but hopefully I’m good enough this time to stick on this team. The D-line coach, Bill Kollar, great motivator. He gets anyone to work for him. Blood, sweat and tears, as they say, for that guy. So I’m looking forward to it, and hopefully be here in Denver next year.”
With Unrein’s familiarity with the team, it’s hard to think that the two sides won’t be able to strike a deal at some point, especially because he provides team-friendly (in terms of price) depth.