In the search for defensive line depth following the indefinite suspension of Eyioma Uwazurike and Mike Purcell being on the active/non-football injury list, the Broncos reached out to a familiar face.
Denver held a visit for veteran defensive lineman Shelby Harris on Friday. Denver head coach Sean Payton thought the visit was worthwhile since Harris, who played five seasons for the Broncos, lives in the area. No further action was taken outside of the meeting as Payton expects the team to continue to explore their options.
“We’ll have a few others that we’d look to bring in,” Payton said without disclosing names. “Nothing other than that.”
The Broncos’ defensive line was one of the biggest question marks going into training camp, and things got more complicated due to Uwazurike’s suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. Harris, who was sent to Seattle in 2022 as part of the Russell Wilson trade, could fill Denver’s need for an interior D-lineman who can rush the passer.
Harris recorded 21.5 sacks during his time in Denver, including two seasons where he had six sacks. He also has familiarity with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who was his head coach in Denver from 2017-2018. Outside of Harris, there are a handful of veteran defensive linemen who are still free agents. Among them: Michael Brockers, Matt Ioannidis and Akiem Hicks.
Fleming’s experience “big plus” for Denver
As the Broncos spent the offseason revamping the offensive line, Payton found a need for Cam Fleming’s experience, which led to the ninth-year pro returning to Denver on a one-year deal.
“His experience is a big plus for us,” Payton said.
Fleming, who has played in 111 career games, has started 19 of 20 matchups over the past two seasons with the Broncos. In 2022, he led Denver offensive linemen in snaps played, starting in 15 of 17 regular-season games. He is projected as a swing tackle option for the Broncos this season.
“We’ve paid a lot of attention to (the offensive line) in the offseason, overhauling that room and changing it to what we want it to look like,” Payton said. “(Fleming) will be a part of it.”
Planning ahead
The Broncos have an off day Sunday, but Payton will still be working.
Payton said he and the coaching staff will be planning out the next seven days with scripted practices that they created during the spring.
“We planned the first six practices…scripted all of it so it will be ready when camp began,” Payton said. “Tomorrow we will get another seven days of practice planning, we’ll look at cut-ups, talk about the (next) four or five days and look at the depth chart.”
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