Today’s questions about the Broncos come from Robert Jordan in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Q: How come the Broncos haven’t expressed any interest in acquiring linebacker Lofa Tatupu? I realize he has had some injuries, and his 88 tackles last year were a career low for a full season. Still, that’s more than Mario Haggan made last year in 16 starts. Wouldn’t Tatupu be a significant upgrade in Denver over Haggan and Joe Mays? Tatupu is only 28.
A: Tatupu could be signing with the Raiders soon. The Redskins and Bears also are in the picture.
Other than giving defensive tackle Ty Warren a two-year contract and running back Willis McGahee a four-year deal, the Broncos haven’t shown much interest in investing in high-price veteran free agents. Coming off a 4-12 season, the Broncos want to rebuild with a younger, more athletic roster.
The Seahawks asked Tatupu to take a pay cut from his $4.5 million base salary. He wouldn’t accept a pay cut, so the Seahawks released him.
Tatupu missed most of the 2009 season after tearing a chest muscle and had arthroscopic surgery on both knees after the 2010 season. He is a three-time Pro Bowler who had 100-tackle seasons in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
The Broncos believe outside linebacker D.J. Williams can have a big year. His new position coach is Richard Smith, a longtime NFL assistant who will push Williams harder than he has been pushed in his long career with the Broncos. They want to see more impact plays from him, including forced fumbles and tackles for losses.
Rookie outside linebacker Von Miller also is expected to be a key contributor for the Broncos this season.
At middle linebacker, Mays is being pushed by Haggan for the starting job. Mays has big-hit potential and likely will be a full-time starter during his NFL career. In the Denver defense, the interior linemen chew up the blockers to keep the linebackers free. That means Mays and Haggan have to be quick to the ball. The Broncos believe both can be productive, but they need to avoid missed tackles.
Denver wants more speed on defense, and Tatupu hasn’t shown much of that recently. He also will want a contract the Broncos likely have no interest in offering.
Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
