Lofa Tatupu works out with Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos helmet awaits use. Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
One of the Denver Broncos needs this offseason is at middle linebacker, and it’s probably their biggest need with Wesley Woodyard set to hit the free agent market. The Broncos hosted veteran D’Qwell Jackson on a visit yesterday, and he was reportedly “impressed” with the organization. That’s not a surprise, and the Broncos should be regarded as the front-runners to land the former Cleveland Browns leader. He wants a ring after spending his entire career with the Browns, and he’s a better fit as a 4-3 MLB. Even though there are plenty of other teams interested (his next meeting is with the Indianapolis Colts), I don’t think there is a better landing spot out there for him.
Anyway, the Broncos could use more depth at linebacker with veteran Paris Lenon also set to hit free agency, and I wonder if this former star could even be a contingency plan if they aren’t able to sign Jackson. I doubt it, but it’s extremely interesting to hear ESPN’s Adam Schefter report that former Seattle Seahawks star and locker room leader Lofa Tatupu is working out with the Broncos today.
Tatupu hasn’t played in a game since recording 88 tackles and eight passes defended in 16 games in 2010, which was his final season with the Seahawks. He tore his pectoral in late July of 2012 and was promptly released by the Atlanta Falcons, and that’s the last team he’s ever been on the roster of. Tatupu used to be a great player in this league, but he’s 31 and hasn’t played in a long, long time. At this point, he’s just intriguing, weird depth interest for the Broncos, and I doubt this is anything more than a swift kick of the tires. But we’ll see.