DeMarcus Ware is recovering quite well from back surgery. Now, he has is sights on returning to the gridiron.
“I definitely want to play,” Ware told ESPN on Friday. “I’ve got a lot of passion; I’m always chasing that ring.”
The question then becomes, will Ware continue chasing that ring in the Mile High City? Considering that the Denver Broncos have Von Miller and Shane Ray, it’s easy to envision them moving on from their defensive captain. According to Ware however, that may not be the case.
“I talked to [Broncos head coach] Vance [Joseph], and he said I’m part of the equation,” Ware said. “Hopefully, I come back there, and I want to, but it’s also about the man who writes the checks and that’s [Broncos general manager John] Elway; but I’m ready, I’m passionate and I want to lead that defense.”
The 34-year-old Ware took a paycut last season to remain with the Broncos. He will be an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins in March. He would likely have to take a team-friendly, short-term deal for Denver to have any interest.
Last season, Ware was hampered by a ruptured disk in his back (which he suffered during the 2015 season), opting to play through the plain. In 10 games, the linebacker had 15 tackles, four sacks and one pass defensed.
A respected leader in the locker room, it may behoove the Broncos to re-sign Ware, as much for his impact off the field as on it.
