Broncos Working To Re-Up Ware, Okung

Although DeMarcus Ware is eyeing a return to Dallas, where he spent the first nine years of his illustrious career, Denver isn’t giving up on re-signing the pass rusher. Broncos general manager John Elway has met with Ware regarding a new deal, tweets Troy Renck of Denver 7. However, Ware is likely to test the market, according to Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter link).

DeMarcus Ware (vertical)

Ware, who will turn 35 in July, is coming off a career-low 10-game season, which came on the heels of a then-worst 11-game showing in 2015. The 12-year veteran has remained productive, though, as he managed eight starts and four sacks in 2016. All told, Ware has piled up 21.5 sacks in three years as a Bronco, giving him 138.5 for his career. He’s now eighth on the all-time sack list and figures to vault up the list at least a couple more spots in 2017 – perhaps in a different uniform.

Meanwhile, Elway has also discussed a return with left tackle Russell Okung, per James Palmer of NFL Network (Twitter link). The Broncos elected in late February to decline his option, but that’s not necessarily going to lead to a divorce. Picking up that option would have triggered the remainder of the four-year, $48MM deal (including $20.5MM in guarantees) an agent-less Okung signed with the Broncos last offseason. Okung then proceeded to notch the first 16-start year of his career, though Pro Football Focus ranked his performance a mediocre 38th among 78 qualified tackles.

Since the Broncos (briefly?) cut ties with Okung, several other teams have come up as potential suitors. Because he’s still representing himself, Okung is not allowed to speak with teams during the legal tampering period.

View Comments (1)