Subscribe
Follow Us
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Mike Purcell had been with six different teams and cut 10 times before arriving in the Mile High City in 2019.
But Purcell no longer has to worry about his staying power.
The Broncos are reportedly signing Purcell to a three-year extension worth $14.8 million and $6.8 million guaranteed. The deal will keep Purcell in Denver through the 2023 season:
The #Broncos are giving DT Mike Purcell a 3-year extension in total worth $14.8M with 6.8M guaranteed, source said. https://t.co/2nsh4V9zyY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2020
Purcell had not played an NFL game in three years when he came to Denver, but he has been a menace since taking over as Broncos nose tackle.
The 29-year-old racked up 48 combined tackles and eight tackles for a loss in just 13 games (seven starts) last season, and he was promoted to full-time starter ahead of Week 1. The move has paid dividends.
Purcell has 13 combined tackles (two for a loss) and a sack through the team's first four games, making him a vital piece of a Broncos defense that ranks 13th in rushing yards against this season.
Denver has a fairly strong foundation on the defensive line, or at least it did at the start of the year.
Von Miller was sidelined early due to injury, but the Broncos also lost defensive tackle Jurrell Casey for the season after Casey suffered a torn bicep in Week 3.
However, second-year end Bradley Chubb continues to show promise, and Broncos general manager John Elway has extended Purcell to ensure added future depth, particularly against the run. Purcell grades out as elite defending the run game:
The #Broncos are finalizing a long-term extension with DT Mike Purcell, per @MikeKlis. Purcell played for 6 teams and was cut 10 times before landing in Denver last season. He graded out as the league's best run defender in 2019 among interior linemen, according to PFF.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 6, 2020
Of course, more of Denver's issues have come on the offensive side of the ball without Drew Lock under center.
Still, it is clear Elway hopes to keep the defense mostly intact by inking Purcell.
