Within the past 24 hours the Broncos have released two key members of their defense.
Yesterday they released defensive end Kenny Peterson. The move didn’t come as much surprise considering Peterson struggled in 2009 and the Broncos have signed three new defensive linemen this offseason. However, Peterson did start 14 games for the Broncos and could have been valuable in a reserve role this upcoming season.
This afternoon the Broncos released Andra Davis, who started 13 games at inside linebacker and was arguably the most productive member of the Broncos front seven, particularly in run support. After a slow start to his career in Cleveland, Davis has excelled at inside linebacker since the Browns made the transition under Romeo Crennel. He was signed by the Broncos prior to the 2009 season.
Davis immediately becomes one of the more intriguing names on the free agent market.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are left without an obvious choice at the strong-side middle linebacker position. Davis took nearly every snap at the position in 2009 and they don’t currently have a strong option on the roster to fill his slot.
The moves, likely financially motivated, could change their draft plans. There is a strong possibility that the consensus No. 1 inside linebacker Rolando McClain will be on the board when the Broncos are on the clock at No. 11. McClain is a big, physical linebacker with great instincts – all the same qualities that made Davis so productive for the Broncos this past season. He is perfectly suited for the Broncos 3-4 system and the selection would seem like a no-brainer if they’re unable to fill the void through free agency.
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