Free agent defensive tackles aren’t supposed to come cheaply: just ask the Washington Redskins. Even role players like Colin Cole and Rocky Bernard were awarded big deals this offseason.
The Denver Broncos, however, may have found a starter for a very reasonable price.
Free agent acquisition Ronald Fields is expected to be Denver’s starting nose tackle after signing a two-year, $5 million contract in March.
Fields doesn’t have a lot of starting experience, but knows defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s scheme from his days in San Francisco.
He has the requisite size for the position (6'2", 321 pounds) and is known as a strong player who can hold the line of scrimmage.
At his price, the Broncos aren’t looking for Pro Bowl production. Getting 16 starts from Fields would be quite a bargain for the transitioning defense.