Report: Denver Broncos Expected To Show Interest In ILB Daryl Smith
By Andrew Dill
Aug 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Daryl Smith (51) celebrates after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Broncos To Be Interested In Daryl Smith
The Denver Broncos will be looking for inside linebacker help this offseason whether it will be in the draft or free agency. They experimented with outside-linebacker Wesley Woodyard at the middle linebacker position and Woodyard looked out-of-place at times and lost. According to a report from Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com, the Denver Broncos could pursue the 31-year-old linebacker Daryl Smith.
Smith will be entering his 11th NFL season as he has spent nine years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His first year in the league he was coached by now Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio from 2004-11′. He spent his first season as a member of the Baltimore Ravens last season as he appeared in all 16 regular season games recording 57 tackles, 18 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, and 5.0 sacks.
Here is more from Clifton Brown, Ravens Insider.
"Set to become a free agent next month, Smith will command more than the one-year, $1.125 million base salary he agreed to with the Ravens in 2013. After the season, Smith said he wanted to return. But money talks. Smith will draw interest from teams that need help at inside linebacker, with the Broncos and Titans being two of his potential suitors."
Paris Lenon filled in for Wesley Woodyard as the starting linebacker later on in the season and will likely be let go by the Broncos as they are searching for a younger replacement. Woodyard is expected to be a free-agent along side key defensive players Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Shaun Phillips.
Denver should be able to retain OLB Wesley Woodyard and possibly Shaun Phillips, but their main priority is locking up cover corner DRC. Here is what DRC said via the official website of the Denver Broncos.
"“I feel like I came here and had a good year,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “I love our secondary and the way things are going. I would love to be here.”"
The Broncos will need to address some needs on the defensive side including safety, cornerback, and inside linebacker. Free-Agency is set to begin March 11th at 4:00 PM ET.