The Broncos on Wednesday signed backup linebacker Jamie Winborn to a two-year contract extension. So why mention it on the Internet?
Because, while it may appear to be a transaction barely worthy of the agate page, it is the latest small step in the Broncos’ attempts to rebuild their defense.
Winborn has been a solid special-teams player in his time in Denver, and will compete for a starting outside-linebacker job in training camp. If he wins one, he could be one of a handful of new starters in 2008.
The defensive line already has three new starters compared to those who reported to camp. But don’t be surprised if the Broncos use their No. 1 draft choice on yet another D-lineman.
If not, they figure to address their needs at linebacker or safety, where John Lynch’s career is a year-to-year proposition. Add it all up and there could be six or seven new starters on defense compared to the unit that opened camp at the top of the depth chart.
The Broncos’ defense will be different, all right. Question is, will it be better?
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily Broncos commentaries on The Jimmy Page at 7 a.m. and noon, and read his columns on Sundays and the day after Broncos games at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
