Broncos throw weight into beefing up defensive line, sign Peko, Kerr
Mar 11, 2017, 3:14 PM | Updated: 3:16 pm
After two days with relatively little movement from the Denver Broncos in free agency, general manager John Elway and company bought in bulk Saturday.
Denver inked defensive tackle Domata Peko and defensive end Zach Kerr, both to two-year deals, reports 9News Broncs Insider Mike Klis.
Huge day for John Elway: Broncos have agreed to terms on 2-year deals with Bengals DT Domata Peko and Colts DT Zach Kerr. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 11, 2017
Peko’s cousin, Kyle, is also a defensive lineman for the Broncos.
The pair of moves come after Denver bulked up on its offensive line in the first two days of free agency — signing guard Ron Leary on Thursday and tackle Menelik Watson on Friday — addressing two areas of concern from last season.
Get off Elway’s back! Broncos GM fortified the fronts on both sides of the ball. Ron Leary, Menelik Watson, Domata Peko, Zach Kerr. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 11, 2017
Peko and Kerr could help to shore up a Broncos defense that, while still ranking 4th in total defense, came in toward the bottom of the NFL in rushing defense. Denver gave up 2,085 yards on the ground last season, good enough for No. 28 in the league.
The duo will also help plug a whole left by the exiting Sylvester Williams, a first-round pick of the Broncos in 2013, who signed a three-year deal the Tennessee Titans on Friday.
Peko played all of his previous 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, playing all 16 games each season except for one — 2009, when he played in just 11 games.
In his career, Peko’s forced 3 and recovered 4 fumbles while grabbing 18.5 sacks.
Kerr spent his previous three seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, starting four games in each of the past two seasons.
Last season, Kerr earned 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
