Report: Broncos NT Mike Purcell Restructures Deal, Activated from NFI
Mike Purcell is returning to the defensive lineup — under new contractual terms.
The Denver Broncos' veteran nose tackle agreed to restructure his deal for the 2023 season, according to 9NEWS' Mike Klis, and was subsequently activated from the Non-Football Injury list on Wednesday after passing a physical.
"So put Purcell on your projected 53," Klis affirmed.
Entering his fifth year in Denver — a walk year — Purcell, 32, was due to collect $2.75 million in non-guaranteed base salary, counting $3.786 million against the team's salary cap, per Spotrac. The terms of his restructured pact were not available at press time.
Klis expects Purcell, who's missed the entirety of training camp while recovering from offseason surgery, to begin practicing on a limited basis, potentially as soon as Thursday.
Once fully ramped up, Purcell will provide an early-down run-stuffing presence at the center of Vance Joseph's defense. He appeared in all 17 games (four starts) last season despite lingering injuries, notching 21 solo tackles, four quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. Pro Football Focus ranked Purcell as the No. 42 interior defender among 127 qualifiers.
Likely locked into a final roster spot, his activation doesn't bode well for newly-signed DT Tomasi Laulile, whom the Broncos added hours before the Purcell news came down.
Follow Zack on Twitter @KelbermanNFL
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
