The Broncos continue to seek replacements for Von Miller. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the organization recently reached out to free agent pass rusher Cameron Wake. However, the two sides were unable to agree on a contract.
Earlier this week, Denver lost Miller to an ankle injury that will likely sideline him for the entire season. While there’s *some* optimism that the veteran linebacker could return towards the end of the campaign, that hasn’t stopped the front office from approaching free agent pass rushers. We heard the other day that the Broncos inquired on veteran edge rusher Clay Matthews. The team was informed that Matthews is “not going to play,” but agent Ryan Williams later clarified that he was “unable to come to an agreement with Denver,” and his client “remains open to playing in the NFL in 2020, provided it’s the right opportunity for him and his family”
So, the Broncos apparently turned their focus to Wake, who earned five Pro Bowl nods during his 10 seasons with the Dolphins. The veteran spent the 2019 season with the Titans, compiling four tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 11 quarterback hits in nine games. When the 38-year-old was cut by Tennessee back in March, he indicated that he wanted to play during the 2020 campaign.
Denver’s offer to Wake was well off its Matthews proposal, Mike Klis of 9News notes. The Broncos also pursued Aldon Smith before the Cowboys signed him; Klis adds the team has not contacted Terrell Suggs or Ziggy Ansah about a deal.
Assuming the Broncos don’t end up signing a linebacker who can play this weekend, the team will enter the season with some question marks at linebacker. Former first-rounder Bradley Chubb has been working his way back from a torn ACL, and the team is otherwise relying on the likes of Alexander Johnson, Josey Jewell, Malik Reed, Jeremiah Attaochu, and Mark Barron.
Most of the linebackers listed at the end of the article are interior backers, not EDGE rushers. Attaochu and Reed are the only two who would play outside. Attaochu also showed some unexpected promise filling in last year, so my expectation is that he will start. If the Broncos hadn’t rid themselves so soon of Hollins, he’d be up there as well as depth.
Spot-on analysis. Attachou had always been a quality depth piece with the Chargers and Jets, but finally got a chance to start down the stretch last season and put up some decent numbers. I’m not sure he’d be best suited as an every down defender, but he really flashed as a dangerous pass-rusher.
As for Reed, I was very impressed with his body of work as an undrafted run defender. It’ll be interesting to see if he can seize the opportunity and run away with it. Perhaps a platoon will be considered
Agreed. Elastic has been attempting to replace the backups that Denver had at OLB in 2015 with Ray and Barrett as number two options. That helped keep the dangerous pass rush fresh. In a situation like this, it’s much more vital. Eleanor has yet to commit the necessary resources to replenishing Denver’s defense up the middle or on the outside, and now they are spread thin with unproven starters. I think Elway will be more willing to replenish there this year. Of course, I also think that he wastes too many picks on TEs with obvious needs on defense the last couple of years, but hey.
Wish dolphins would bring wake back
Why can’t Denver get a deal done to replace Miller?
John Elway has a reputation for being really stingy with his cap space. More than likely, the players don’t want to accept a vet minimum offer (or slightly higher), and Elway doesn’t want to pay more for what will be a part-time role.