Blast from the past: Lofa Tatupu working out for Broncos

When we tell you our due diligence pales in comparison to John Elway's due diligence, we mean it. The Broncos GM is searching every nook and cranny for the next Broncos player - even nooks and crannies circa 2010.

Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who hasn't played a regular season snap since 2010, is working out for the Broncos today, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

The news comes a day after the Broncos worked out middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who left Denver without a contract and will reportedly make a decision by the end of the week.

Tatupu, 31, spent six seasons with the Seahawks and started in all 18 games for them (two postseason) in 2010. According to Wikipedia, Tatupu was released in July 2011 after he and the Seahawks could not come to terms on a restructured contract (and after Tatupu underwent double knee surgery in January 2011). He spent 2011 out of football, but signed a two-year, $5.75 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2012. Then, Tatupu suffered a torn pectoral muscle in July 2012 and was released the next day.

Tatupu, a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All Pro, has accumulated 549 tackles, 8.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and ten interceptions in his career.

Tatupu, listed at 6-0 and 250 lbs., was a force for the Seahawks for six seasons, but injuries have kept him sidelined the past three years. This looks like more than just a D'Qwell Jackson negotiating tactic from John Elway; Tatupu has "Jack Del Rio guy" written all over him. The Broncos thrive on letting players on the defense compete and earn a starting spot, and that's what Tatupu would have to do. If he shows he's healthy in this workout, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Broncos sign him to a one-year "prove it" deal they have shown to like so much.