As they turn away from the big-check glamour of the first phase of free agency, the Broncos enter the second phase with the middle of their defensive line in mind.
The Broncos are visiting with Chicago defensive tackle Alfonso Boone, his agent Craig Domann confirmed. Boone, 31, played in 12 regular-season games and started the final four games of the season for the NFC champion Bears. The six-year veteran’s 6-foot-4, 318-pound frame fits the mold of what new assistant head coach Jim Bates seeks in interior linemen. Bates likes to use tall defensive ends and stout, quick defensive tackles in an attempt to free up the linebackers to make plays.
Denver’s interest in Boone may be a sign of uncertainty about whether newly acquired defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson will report. Wilkinson added fuel to speculation he may retire when he said on Wednesday he had issues to address before thinking about playing again. When Wilkinson, who will turn 34 next week, was asked if he planned to retire, he said he had no comment.
Wilkinson was acquired from Miami on March 3 for a sixth-round pick. If he retires, the deal may be void.
Like Wilkinson, Boone would be a part-time player in a rotation. Denver is going to play a technique-based, anchored- down defense without the frequent movement the line was using last season.
The Broncos could turn to their own free agent Michael Myers to fill a tackle spot. Myers, 6-2, 300, is not as big as Denver prefers its defensive linemen.
In addition to Boone, other free agents Denver is considering include cornerback David Macklin and Jets offensive lineman Wade Smith. Denver also may have interest in Dallas tackle Marc Colombo, but he could be too pricey.
Plummer update
An NFL spokesman said the league still hasn’t received retirement papers from former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer. The filing of the papers is a formality, and those close to Plummer, 32, maintain he still plans to retire. Plummer’s rights were traded to Tampa Bay last Saturday.
Footnotes
Before the signing of backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey became official, the Broncos had just more than $2 million in salary cap room. … Denver place-kicker Jason Elam turned 37 on Thursday. Elam, coming off his best season, has maintained that he wants to play several more seasons. … Bates said this week that he’d like free-agent defensive lineman Kenny Peterson back. Peterson, expected to re-sign with Denver, played for Bates in Green Bay. … New special-teams coach Scott O’Brien said he believes special-teams captain Keith Burns will return to the team. Burns is a free agent. O’Brien also said he likes current return men Domenik Hixon and Quincy Morgan, a free agent who is expected back. O’Brien said he is excited about new additions Troy Fleming and Eddie Moore as coverage unit candidates. … Denver will stay interested in Philadelphia running back Correll Buckhalter if he wants to be a backup.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
