The Denver Broncos had one of the worst run defenses in all of football last season, and that position group has been an area of focus for Sean Payton and George Paton this offseason. The Broncos added a long-time veteran defensive lineman to the mix on Monday to help bolster their depth.

Denver Broncos sign defensive tackle Angelo Blackson to one-year deal

The Denver Broncos are signing 10-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Angelo Blackson to a one-year deal to help add to the depth of their defensive line, as first reported by 9News’ Mike Klis.

Last year’s performance by the Broncos defensive line wasn’t good enough to sustain comfort heading into the 2024 NFL season. Changes this offseason included Denver moving on from veteran Jonathan Harris and letting former defensive line coach Marcus Dixon find opportunities in Minnesota.

In free agency, the Broncos went out and signed former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Malcolm Roach. They have made a few depth moves here and there, including the new addition of Blackson on Monday.

Blackson is a 10-year NFL veteran who has played for the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and now the Denver Broncos.

He’s a 6’4, 305lb defensive tackle who has appeared in 128 games with 42 career starts. In his 10-year career, Blackson has accounted for 179 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 27 quarterback hits, and four fumble recoveries.

Blackson was a member of the Jaguars in 2023, where he had 13 tackles and three fumble recoveries in just 11 games last season.

His addition isn’t likely meant to be one that is designed at getting after the quarterback, but is more than likely a move that will help bolster the size of the Broncos defensive line, specifically in the A and B gaps.

Roach, Denver’s key offseason addition in free agency will not be an every down player on defense, which makes the addition of Blackson valid.

The key for new defensive line coach Jamar Cain and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who Blackson has played for previously, is to have a solid rotation that doesn’t feature any drop-off when Roach leaves the field.

Blackson will compete with Elijah Garcia, Jordan Jackson, and former Arizona Cardinal Rashard Lawrence for playing time behind Roach.