Much predraft speculation involving the Broncos and Mississippi linebacker Patrick Willis might have been off the mark.
The Broncos made one last predraft free-agent splash by signing two veteran linebackers Thursday. The team signed Warrick Holdman to a two-year deal worth $2.7 million, and D.D. Lewis to a one-year contract. Both players are outside linebackers. The Broncos have signed or traded for 12 veteran players in the past eight weeks.
It appears the two will compete in training camp to replace D.J. Williams at strongside linebacker. Williams is set to move to middle linebacker, replacing former defensive captain Al Wilson, who was released this month.
Veteran linebacker Nate Webster also is likely to get an opportunity for significant playing time. It would seem Holdman would be the favorite to win the starting job. The nine-year veteran started 16 games for Washington last season and made 69 tackles. He was a star for Chicago early in his career.
“Warrick is really excited about this,” said his agent, Fletcher Smith. “He’s going to a winning team, and he thinks he can help Denver.”
Lewis played only five games last season, and his career has been limited by injuries. But he has proven to be a solid performer when healthy with Seattle. He also is likely to contribute on special teams.
The Broncos surveyed several other linebackers in the wake of Wilson’s departure, including Ed Hartwell and Wali Rainer. While it would be a surprise if Denver made a leap for Willis, the team still could look at linebackers in the lower rounds of this weekend’s draft.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
