The Denver Broncos have put together a defense that many believe could be the best in the league in 2025. But there’s no such thing as too many pass-rushers on an NFL roster.
The Broncos led the league in sacks in 2024 despite not having what many believe to be a tier 1 option at the edge rusher position. However, Nik Bonitto is slowly turning into one of those options and the Broncos have Jonathon Cooper, who is a reliable pass-rusher as well. But what if the team added a proven stud in that department?
Though Za’Darius Smith will turn 33 years old in September, he could still be a great situational pass-rusher for several teams. Ethan Woodie of NFL Trade Rumors took a recent look at the top landing spots for Smith, and the Broncos are on that list.
Woodie sees the Broncos as a team on the rise that could add Smith this season. A proven player such as Smith, who has 69 career sacks and has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times, is looking for that kind of situation, where he can get a decent one-year contract to come in and help a team win the Super Bowl.
That was the plan for the Detroit Lions when they traded for Smith ahead of the trade deadline. Smith made seven starts for the Lions and registered four sacks, but their hopes of winning the Super Bowl were dashed when they were upset by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Broncos are entering a potential championship window and though they have Bonitto and Cooper, some more depth could be needed, as the next two guys on the depth chart are second-year player Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman. Smith could provide an experienced insurance policy for a defense that looks great on paper, but is still young and thin at several spots.
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