Denver Broncos: Free agency reunions that make sense

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 22: Eric Decker #87 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half of the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on December 22, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 22: Eric Decker #87 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half of the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on December 22, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 23: Robert Ayers #91 of the Denver Broncos celebrates sacking Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 23, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 23: Robert Ayers #91 of the Denver Broncos celebrates sacking Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 23, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Robert Ayers, DE

When Josh McDaniels took over the Broncos in the 2009 season, he used one of his two first round picks on Robert Ayers.

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Despite everything that gets said about Josh McDaniels, the guy had a few pretty darn good draft picks while he was making decisions in Denver, and Ayers was one of them.

Ayers was considered a ‘tweener’ coming out of college, and has carved out a really nice niche for himself in the NFL.

He will be 33 this year, which is hard to believe considering the fact that it doesn’t feel like that long ago he was drafted by Denver, but the Broncos need some help on the defensive line and Ayers can provide depth.

Though he may work better in a defense that primarily runs a four-man front, the Broncos could utilize Ayers standing up, with his hand in the dirt, or as a pass rusher inside when they need to put pressure on.

I had hoped the Broncos would re-sign Ayers back when his contract was originally up with the team, and he has gone on to have some really nice years in the NFL, racking up 22.5 sacks the past four seasons, including nine in 2015 with the Giants.

He could add some nice depth to Denver’s defensive line rotation.