Broncos agree to deal with journeyman DE

Blackson has served as a rotational defender for much of his career, but he served as a full-time starter with the Texans in 2019. That campaign was followed up by a single season in Arizona, where he played under Vance Joseph. The latter is in place as Denver’s defensive coordinator.

Since his Cardinals stint, Blackson has spent time with the Bears and Jaguars. The 31-year-old matched his career high with 2.5 sacks in 2021, his first season in Chicago; Blackson also set a new personal high with 43 tackles that year. He saw a notable drop in playing time the following season, though, leading to a free-agent departure.

Blackson initially joined the Ravens last offseason, but he was among the team’s final roster cuts. That left him free to find a new team in advance of the campaign, and he took a one-year pact with Jacksonville. 

That agreement did not lead to a notable role (30 percent defensive snap share), nor any production in the pass-rush department. It did, though, allow Blackson to play with a third AFC South team after he began his career in Tennessee and Houston.

Rather than attempting a sweep of the division in Indianapolis, the Auburn product will look to earn a roster spot in Denver. The Broncos have already added Malcolm Roach to their defensive interior this offseason, signing the former Sean Payton Saints contributor to a two-year deal. 

Blackson could help fill the void created by the departure of Jonathan Harris, and his addition could impact Mike Purcell‘s chances of being re-signed.