The Broncos have not given up on the idea of having Dan Wilkinson clogging the middle of their defensive front.
The Broncos and Miami Dolphins have agreed to extend Wilkinson’s reporting date with Denver, keeping alive the trade the teams made March 3, an NFL source confirmed. Today was the original reporting date for Wilkinson to show up and take a physical, as written into the trade. If the deal is voided, Wilkinson’s rights go back to the Dolphins and the Broncos get back the sixth-round pick they agreed to send the Dolphins for the April 28-29 draft.
The teams can agree to extend Wilkinson’s reporting date as long as they wish. The ultimate deadline, though, must precede the draft because both teams need to know the status of the pick.
The extension seems to indicate Denver intends to have the 340-pound Wilkinson, who turned 34 on Tuesday, in the middle of its defense. Wilkinson fits the system of Jim Bates, Denver’s new assistant head coach in charge of defense. Bates likes to have big, quick defensive tackles.
The Broncos seem confident Wilkinson will decide to play for them. Last year, when Wilkinson went from the Detroit Lions to Miami, he didn’t report to the Dolphins until several weeks after agreeing to terms.
Wilkinson, a former No. 1 overall pick, has been reluctant to attend offseason workout programs. Denver’s offseason conditioning program begins April 2.
While waiting on Wilkinson, the Broncos brought in defensive tackles Alfonso Boone and Ian Scott for visits. Scott is in talks with Minnesota, Chicago, Atlanta and Kansas City. Boone is talking to Kansas City and Chicago in addition to Denver.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
