The Denver Broncos Defense Just Took A Huge Step Back In Free Agency

Dre'Mont Jones

Getty Image / Jamie Schwaberow



The 2022 season was terribly disappointing for the Denver Broncos., despite high expectations. They finished at 5-12, and fired first-year coach Nathaniel Hackett

Russell Wilson, who was acquired from the Seahawks before the year, led what ended up being the league’s worst offense by the end of the year, despite good weapons and heavy optimism going into the year.

But, the Broncos’ defense was pretty good. Despite being on the field a considerable amount of time due to the poor offense, and having lost Von Miller in free agency, it finished 12th in scoring defense, a pretty impressive feat. It’s even more impressive when you consider it shared a division with some of the better offenses in the Raiders, Chiefs, and Chargers.

But in free agency on Monday, they lost a big piece in the middle.

The fourth-year man was dominant this year for the Broncos. He had 47 total tackles in just 13 games this year for the Broncos, and also had 6.5 sacks, as well. The former Ohio State Buckeye has established himself as one of the best interior disruptors in the league.

It’s a huge loss for the Broncos, as that interior pressure is one of the best ways to disrupt quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes.