Denver Broncos: 20 free agent defensive linemen to target

Tier 2a – The ‘almost’ household names

This tier of players is a bit of a mixed bag. These are players who have shown signs throughout their career of brilliance or were once high draft picks who have been banging on the door, but they just haven’t quite lived up to high expectations.

Vernon Butler, Carolina Panthers

Butler started a career-high nine games for the Panthers this past season and he finished with six sacks and eight QB hits.

The former first-round pick had not started a single game until this past season, and with a new regime in Carolina, he could look for a fresh start in a defense that would suit his skill set like Denver’s.

I think he could be a lot better on his second contract in the NFL and the Broncos would be wise to make the investment.

Maliek Collins, Dallas Cowboys

Although a bit short and stout, Maliek Collins has been a productive pass rusher from the interior defensive line, and that’s what he’s about to get paid to do at his next NFL stop.

The former third-round pick is not yet 25 and one of the youngest players on the defensive line in free agency.

This is a guy who destroys one-on-one situations and did so to the tune of 21 QB pressures in 2019. He is coming off of his best year and can wreck games from the 3T position, but he has to stay healthy. He’s struggled with injuries throughout his first four years in the NFL.

Javon Hargrave, Pittsburgh Steelers

Hargrave’s ability to play all over the defensive line and put a pass rush on will certainly stand out when the Broncos are evaluating prospective free agents.

He has 10.5 sacks and 24 pressures over the last two seasons and has really come into his own for the Steelers as an all-around weapon for the defensive line.

It’s notable that Hargrave hired Drew Rosenhaus to represent him this offseason, and not that all Rosenhaus clients set records with their contracts, but some team might be willing to overpay for his services.