NFL Free Agency: Broncos Sign DL Vance Walker
On Thursday, the Denver Broncos added some solid, versatile depth to their defensive line when they signed former Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Vance Walker.
Walker, who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2009, has been a solid player in his years in the NFL, but hit a bit of a floor this past season with the Chiefs in terms of snaps played with 238.
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According to some reports, Walker’s contract will be for two years and just $4 million, so he comes at a really good price for the Broncos. He had a down year with the Raiders in 2013, but otherwise, Walker has proven a very capable backup/rotational defensive lineman that is effective both against the run and the pass.
He graded out really well from Pro Football Focus last season with the Chiefs when he saw extended snaps, which is a great sign for the Broncos.
Some might look at this signing as a player coming off of the ‘scrap heap’ for the Broncos, and that very well may be. The fact is, the Broncos are playing a bit of moneyball this offseason, and John Elway has to get value where he can. Walker signed a very team-friendly deal, and he won’t turn 28 until April, so he’s entering the prime years of his NFL career.
The Broncos will need Walker to play a depth role behind defensive ends Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe. The former Yellow Jacket has 10 career sacks to his name, and will provide the Broncos some nice depth defensively.
This isn’t a signing that’s going to make any headlines, but it’s a good move for the Broncos to get another veteran for the defensive line that can come in and spell their two young starters, who are priming for their contract years.