Denver Broncos: Time To Address DL Via Trade or Free Agency.
Denver Broncos Derek Wolfe suffered a ankle sprain today in Training Camp, but defensive line is strikingly thin heading into the second preseason game.
Derek Wolfe’s injury is not coming at the right time given Billy Winn’s recent ACL, MCL injury in Thursday’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears. It is time for the Denver Broncos to look at a familiar face yet again to address the defensive line. These minor moves are great for depth, but it is time make the team scary again upfront.
The Broncos have been linked to Sheldon Richardson of the New York Jets since last season. It is time to make another call. In case you forgot when the Broncos called about Richardson here is Rich Cimini last year. There are other cheaper options via free agency Broncos should focus attention on.
In addition to Cowboys, Jets also talked to Broncos about trading Sheldon Richardson, per @AdamSchefter. Offseason trade seems likely.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 7, 2016
The offseason trade did not happen, but Richardson’s place on the New York Jets continues to see no future. His remarks on Brandon Marshall might be the last straw. However, it seems Richardson has plenty of “last straws.” There are a lot of risks associated with Richardson, but the potential is high to keep the defense in tact.
If Richardson becomes a free agent, it is a buyer beware. The Broncos defense plays with swagger, but a cancer like Richardson seems risky. A locker room explosion happened last year with the offense and defense. Imagine if Richardson joined the party. It just does not seem likely.
The free agents
As stated earlier, there are cheaper options available for the Broncos. Two in particular either played for the franchise or have shown interest in the past. Vance Walker encountered an injury last year sidelining him the whole season. It would be the best case scenario to make a reunion call for Walker.
One would argue, the defensive line struggled last because Walker sustained his injury. Walker’s impact two years ago cannot be overlooked. In the year with Malik Jackson and Wolfe, Walker’s presence in run defense made the unit three to four deep at defensive line.
Next: Derek Wolfe Suffers Ankle Injury in Practice
Jared Odrick is also a free agent and a player versatile enough to play anywhere on the defensive line. Odrick played defensive end, but is strong enough to move inside. The Broncos showed interest in Odrick the past two seasons and due to the lack of depth at defensive line it might be time to call both Walker and Odrick to see of their availability.
Expect the Broncos to make another move regardless of severity to Wolfe’s ankle, which does not appear to be serious.