For the first time in many years, the Broncos do not have a need at defensive tackle. Last year they signed veteran Terrance Knighton to a 2 year deal, and he had breakout season for the Broncos. They also re-signed Kevin Vickerson who played very well for them before going down with a season ending hip injury, and they spent a first round pick on Sylvester Williams for flashed his potential and played very well after Vickerson went down for the year.
With the Broncos currently set at the defensive tackle position, I do not expect them to make any major signings at the defensive tackle position this offseason.
With that in mind here is your complete list of the Free Agent Defensive Tackles.
Full list of free agent Defensive Tackles:
1. Henry Melton
2. Linval Joseph
3. B.J. Raji
4. Jason Hatcher
5. Randy Starks
6. Paul Soliai
7. Clinton McDonald
8. Jonathan Babineaux
9. Kevin Williams
10. Alex Carrington
11. Pat Sims
12. Earl Mitchell
13. Vance Walker
14. Tony McDaniel
15. Corey Peters
16. Ziggy Hood
17. Ryan Pickett
18. Ropati Pitoitua
19. Fred Evans
20. Jay Ratliff
21. Mike Patterson
22. Terrence Cody
23. Johnny Jolly
24. Fili Moala
25. Peria Jerry
26. Cam Thomas
27. Clifton Geathers
28. Nate Collins
29. Chris Baker
30. Al Woods
31. Colin Cole
32. Aubrayo Franklin
33. Leger Douzable
34. Gary Gibson
35. Kyle Love
36. Vaughn Martin
37. Antonio Johnson
38. Derek Landri
39. Landon Cohen
40. Andre Fluellen
(Via: Rotoworld)
Likely To Sign: Mitch Unrein
We broke down Denver's free agent situation in its entirety last week, and we noted that Defensive Tackle Mitch Unrein is a restricted Free Agent. Unrein has been a solid reserve for the Broncos, and I would expect them to bring back the restricted Free Agent this offseason. Last season Mitch Unrein totaled 20 tackles for the Denver Broncos which tied a career high for the 4th year pro.
Unlikely To Sign: Any Of The Top Free Agent Defensive Tackles
The Defensive Tackle position is an area of strength for the Broncos. Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton is coming off a very good season for the Broncos, Kevin Vickerson played very well before getting injured, 2013 first round pick Sylvester Williams played improved as the season went on, and Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe are both capable of playing Defensive Tackle as well.
On Our Radar: A Bargain
The Broncos potentially may look to add depth at the Defensive Tackle position if a few things happen.
They Let Mitch Unrein go: As I said Unrein is a restricted Free Agent, and could be brought back relatively cheap. If they let him walk they could look for a replacement via Free Agency. They could even look to bring in some competitionIf there was a player they liked on the market who could be signed for a reasonable price.
If Kevin Vickerson has any setbacks: Vickerson went on the I.R last season with a dislocated hip. If there is any set backs in his recovery the Broncos might be forced to look for a replacement. However his recovery seems to be going well.
Everything is getting better," Vickerson said of his health. "A long offseason for me – starting out rehabbing, I already started and the strengthening process. So now it’s just getting back in shape and getting the strength back, too."
He added that he "should be ready" for OTAs this offseason. But like many of the Broncos who cleaned out their lockers Tuesday at Dove Valley, Vickerson will take some time to let the season soak in before getting geared up for the next one.
(via: DenverBroncos.com)
A few names that could possibly interest the Broncos are Ziggy Hood, Terrance Cody, and Cam Thomas.