Denver Broncos pick up Derek Wolfe’s 2019 option

Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe isn’t going anywhere, as the team has decided to pick up his option.

It was previously said by general manager John Elway, but now it’s official: the Denver Broncos have picked up defensive end Derek Wolfe’s option.

The move keeps him on the roster for the 2019 season.

Wolfe is a key member of the Denver Broncos defense. No, the defense did not have a great 2018 season, but Wolfe’s on-field and off-field presence have been important. Not only is he a solid defensive end, but he also speaks up when things are not going well.

The decision to pick up Wolfe’s option has been expected, and it is especially important that the team did this, because of the expected departure of defensive tackle Domata Peko, Shelby Harris, and Zach Kerr.

Wolfe’s best season in terms of sacks came during his rookie season in 2012 when he recorded six. He has recorded 5.5 sacks in two other seasons each, including the team’s Super Bowl-winning season in 2015.

This move takes care of one of the team’s decisions that have to be made this offseason. There are going to be many more transactions made by the team, including what will happen with center Matt Paradis, tight end Jeff Heuerman, among others.

I personally expect the Broncos to be able to fill the holes they are going to have once free agency begins March 13. I don’t know whether or not they are going to sign any big names as they did for their Super Bowl season, but I could see them signing at least one big name player.

Free agency is both an exciting time, as well as a tough time. Hopefully, some of the moves the team makes are going to excite Broncos Country.

The Broncos also officially announced the release of safety Darian Stewart, who spent the last four seasons in Denver, as well as the re-signing of long snapper Casey Kreiter.