Getty Derek Wolfe makes a tackle in 2016 as a member of the Denver Broncos.
Former Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe reached an injury settlement with the Baltimore Ravens and has been released from the team.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh announced the news during a press conference on June 14.
Wolfe played for the Broncos for eight years. During that time, he amassed 350 combined tackles, 34 sacks, 52 tackles for loss and 17 passes defended. He was an integral piece of the Broncos’ Super Bowl team in 2016. During their playoff run, he had 15 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks across three games.
Wolfe signed with the Ravens in 2020, appearing in 14 games and recording 51 combined tackles, six tackles for loss and one sack.
Wolfe, 32, signed a contract extension with the Ravens last offseason, but he struggled with injuries. He suffered a hip injury during practice and missed the entire 2021 season.
On June 13, Wolfe revealed on Instagram that he had undergone another hip surgery.
“Hey, guys, fresh out of my second hip surgery this year,” Wolfe said. “Feeling pretty good, pretty drugged up. But, yeah, we’re going to get a full recovery here and try to live a normal life.”
That “normal life” comment stands out. Wolfe has played nine seasons in the NFL. After multiple hip surgeries, he could elect to retire.
If Wolfe still wants to play, he could still make a strong impact. Although he did not generate astonishing pass-rushing numbers in 2020, he was still an excellent run defender, posting an impressive Pro Football Focus run-defense grade of 85.3.
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Broncos: Positive Update on Tyrie Cleveland’s Injury
Broncos wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland was carted off the field during practice on June 13.
Mike Klis of 9news tweeted at the time that the injury appeared to be “significant.” But there has been an update on Cleveland’s condition, and it is positive news for the Broncos. Cleveland himself tweeted later that afternoon that an MRI “came back good.”
“I’m okay everyone! MRI came back good,” Cleveland wrote. “I appreciate y’all.”
Cleveland suffered a sprained ankle, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The sprain is actually a good outcome for Cleveland and the Broncos because an Achilles injury possibly could’ve sidelined him for the entire season.
If Cleveland can make a quick recovery, he will compete for a roster spot at receiver where the Broncos currently have an abundance of options. Montrell Washington, Travis Fulgham, Kendall Hinton, Kaden Davis, Brandon Johnson, Trey Quinn, Jalen Virgil and Seth Williams are all competing with Cleveland to make the 53-man roster.
Broncos WR Recalls Idolizing Russell Wilson Growing Up
Broncos wide receiver Kendall Hinton opened up in an interview with The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider about idolizing new Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson while growing up.
“I idolized Russ coming up,” said Hinton, who played quarterback at Wake Forest before moving to wide receiver during his senior season. “That was my position. I was a quarterback, 5-foot-10. He went to N.C. State, and I was from Durham, 15 minutes away. So that was somebody I always followed coming up. So this is pretty unreal.”
Hinton, who is entering his third year in the league, is currently second on the depth chart behind Jerry Jeudy.