The Broncos saw defensive end Malik Jackson sign with the Jaguars as free agency opened, leaving them without a key starter from last year’s defense and with a hole to fill up front heading into 2016.
They’ve added a player who can help them fill that void on Wednesday. The Broncos announced that they have signed former Texans defensive end Jared Crick to a two-year deal.
Crick was a fourth-round pick by the Texans in 2012, which means he joined the team while current Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and defensive line coach Bill Kollar were filling the same roles in Houston. Crick made just one start in his 31 appearances in his two seasons, but moved into a bigger role in the last two seasons.
Crick started every game in 2015 and 15-of-16 games during the 2014 season, making 104 tackles and 5.5 sacks while also forcing a fumble. With Jackson gone, he could remain a starter in Denver next season.