Denver Broncos: Elite Defense Can Only Get Better In Free Agency

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Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Andrus Peat (75) blocks for running back Tim Hightower (34) against Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Ends

Calais Campbell (Arizona): 6’8 and 282 pounds; turns 31 on Sept. 1; Denver native and South High School product; 9-year NFL veteran; accustomed to a 3-4 style (which the Broncos again intend to run under new defensive coordinator Joe Woods). 2016 stats: Tied second-highest career sack total (8) and recorded a career-low in solo tackles with 34 in 16 games started. Only missed six games in NFL career; signed 5-year, $55 million contract with the Cardinals in 2012; earned $15.25 million in 2016 as Arizona’s third-highest paid player.

Jason Pierre-Paul (New York Giants): 6’5 and 278 pounds; 28-years-old; 7-year NFL veteran. 2016 stats: 7 sacks and 35 solo tackles in 12 games (underwent season-ending sports hernia surgery after Week 12); named NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 12; drew consideration for Comeback Player of the Year. Earned $9.4 million in 2016.

Chris Baker (Washington): 6’2 and 298 pounds; turns 30 in October; 7-year NFL veteran (played one game with Denver in 2009). 2016 stats: 4.5 sacks and 30 solo tackles and two forced fumbles. 12.5 career sacks; earned nearly $4.3 million in 2016 and was Washington’s highest-paid defensive lineman.

Mario Addison (Carolina): 6’3 and 298 pounds; turns 30 in September; 6-year NFL veteran. 2016 stats: 9.5 sacks and 22 solo tackles (not a starter). Earned $1.6 million in 2016.

Jabaal Sheard (New England): 6’2 and 254 pounds; turns 28 in May; 6-year NFL veteran. 2016 stats: 5 sacks and 20 tackles in 15 games (8 starts); played linebacker and defensive end with Cleveland 2011-14. Earned $6.8 million in 2016.

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