Derek Wolfe was one of the Broncos’ best defensive linemen from 2012-2019. After Wolfe left the team to join the Ravens during free agency, Denver replaced him with Jurrell Casey, a five-time Pro Bowler.
Wolfe was a great player for the Broncos but his replacement could prove to be an upgrade.
“To lose somebody like Wolfe but to gain somebody like him is just something that’s tremendous,” defensive lineman Mike Purcell said after practice on Aug. 17. “Jelling-wise, when we’re out there playing, I think it’s been going really well. It can only get better from now on.”
Wolfe totaled 33 sacks in eight seasons. Casey has totaled 51 sacks in nine seasons. It’s probably safe to assume Denver’s defensive line will be just fine even after losing Wolfe during free agency.
“He brings a lot of intensity and a lot of experience,” Purcell said. “I think those are like the biggest things. His experience and his knowledge of the game, everything like that, it’s helped us tremendously inside.”
