The Denver Broncos have been in search of a defensive end to
replace Elvis Dumervil since the free-agency period began. While they’ve been
tied to several high-profile players – including Indianapolis Colts free agent
Dwight Freeney – the Broncos found their replacement in the form of San Diego
Chargers free agent linebacker Shaun Phillips.
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Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that the Broncos
will shift Phillips from linebacker to defensive end to help fill in for
Dumervil. Phillips is more than OK with the move, as he called himself a
natural defensive end.
“I played [down] all the time in San Diego, so I was up and down most of the time, but I’ve played defensive end my whole career,” Phillips said, via comments distributed by the team. “In San Diego I was more like a hybrid — I had my hand down 55 percent of the time, and I was in a two-point stance the other 45 percent. It’s comfortable for me. I’m a natural defensive end that [the Chargers] moved to linebacker, and so for me it’s like going back home for me if I have to put my hand in the dirt.”
Phillips looks forward to joining a team that Peyton Manning
is leading, and he’s excited to play with Broncos linebacker Von Miller, whom
he considers to be a “good friend.” It will be interesting to see how the
veteran can fill in for the gifted pass rusher Dumervil.
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