Defensive tackle Mitch Unrein has accepted and signed his restricted free agent tender from the Broncos, reports Mike Klis of the Denver Post (via Twitter). Denver had tendered Unrein a contract offer at the lowest RFA level, so the veteran will be in line for a $1.431MM salary in 2014.
In addition to re-signin Unrein, the team has also officially locked up three exclusive rights free agents, says Klis. Cornerback Tony Carter ($730K), safety Duke Ihenacho ($570K), and linebacker Brandon Marshall ($495K) have all signed their ERFA contract tenders.
Carter, Ihenacho, and Marshall weren’t bona-fide free agents, since their lack of experience meant they had to accept the Broncos’ offer if they wanted to play in the NFL this year. Unrein, on the other hand, could have signed an offer sheet with another team, which Denver would have had the opportunity to match. The 27-year-old, who has provided the Broncos with depth on the defensive line for the last three seasons, either didn’t generate much interest on the open market or simply preferred to return to Denver.