Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio says he doesn’t see Derek Wolfe going anywhere.
Derek Wolfe has been a solid, vocal leader for the Denver Broncos since being drafted back in the second round out of Cincinnati in 2012.
Head coach Vic Fangio told media on Wednesday that he doesn’t anticipate a scenario where Wolfe isn’t on the team in 2019.
"“Sure. I don’t see anything changing our stance there with him.”Vic Fangio (quotes via Broncos PR)"
That is a really good sign. Wolfe, in my opinion, is a very important piece for the Denver Broncos defense and should not be going anywhere else. Period.
Wolfe had 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2018. While his sack count isn’t all that high, he still helped pave the way for other guys like Von Miller and Bradley Chubb get the most sacks on the team.
Production isn’t always on paper. Sometimes the big impact plays just are not recorded in stats.
Fangio is obviously a defensive-minded coach. I expect him to put Wolfe in the best position he can to succeed so that Wolfe can be one of the best defensive linemen in the league, hopefully.
Wolfe had his best year during the 2012 season when he was a rookie in terms of sacks. He recorded six. His best tackling season came in 2016 when he recorded 51.
The likely departure of nose tackle Domata Peko is unfortunate and could have an effect on Wolfe’s 2019 production. I expect the Broncos to sign a nose tackle in free agency or draft one in April. Maybe they’ll do both.
Hopefully, the team is able to acquire some really good defensive line help.
Whatever the team does, I strongly believe it is in good hands with Fangio. That is my early opinion on the former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator.
It is still early, and there are plenty of moves to be made. What will happen from now until week one? Only time will tell.
But the good thing for the Denver Broncos heading into the 2019 season is that it does not look like Derek Wolfe is on his way out.