The Denver Broncos lost another veteran presence in the locker room Wednesday afternoon when defensive tackle Mitch Unrein, a northern Colorado native, left for greener pastures.
According to multiple reports, Unrein signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Chargers after he and the Broncos were unable reach an agreement on a new contract. Mike Klis of the Denver Post reported that the deal is worth $1.9 million.
Unrein was a positive force in the Broncos locker room and a consummate professional but his playing time dwindled in 2014 after some promise in the preceding three seasons.
Coming out of the University of Wyoming, Unrein played very sparingly in 2011 but in 2012 he made some significant contributions, playing in nearly every game. He even caught a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning at home in December of 2012, becoming the only Bronco defensive lineman to do so in franchise history. He again had a decent year in 2013 as the team reached the Super Bowl but 2014 would yield him less than 50 snaps on the field.
It seems that due to a conflict of money Unrein was forced to take the better offer from the Chargers. It appears the Broncos also believe that the youth and depth they already posses along the defensive line is enough moving forward.
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