© Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
DE Zach Allen Breaks Silence on Broncos Wild Offseason Moves
The Denver Broncos' defensive end sounded off on some recent happenings with the roster.
One of Sean Payton’s first tasks during 2023 was to fortify the Denver Broncos defensive trenches after losing former DE Dre’Mont Jones to the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. Last offseason, former Arizona Cardinals DL Zach Allen was inked to a massive three-year $45.75 million contract that kept him with his former DC, Vance Joseph in Denver.
But just like the team’s (8-9) losing season, Allen’s first year in orange had mixed results, leaving Broncos Country yearning for more out of the six-foot-five, 285-pound defender. In 2023, Allen recorded 60 tackles (27 solo), 24 QB hits, eight tackles for losses, 24 QB hits, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble in 17 games.
“It wasn’t the year we wanted, but in some aspects, it was still successful, and we hope to keep going up and up,” Allen told CTInsider.com during a recent interview in his hometown.
The 26-year-old was born in New Canaan, Connecticut, where he was named the state’s 2014 Gatorade Player of the Year in addition to leading his high school to two state championships. Allen went on to play for Boston College for four seasons before being drafted by the Cardinals (No. 65) in 2019.
In Arizona, Allen played for Joseph’s defensive for the duration of his four-year career, earning praise and respect for his work ethic, high motor, and exceptional athleticism.
“My whole NFL career has been with Vance, and I’ve known no other way, so that was really cool,” Allen revealed. “He was helpful in getting me acclimated.”
Some fans in Broncos Country remain undecided when it comes to Joseph’s second season as DC. After all, ‘VJ’ was unsanctimonious fired as Broncos HC after two failed seasons in which he amassed an 11-21 record. One of many reasons why folks were downright confused and frustrated when Joseph was hired to lead Denver’s defense in 2023.
“For a lot of guys, you see free agency, and then you struggle the first year, and everyone kind of writes them off,” Allen said. “Vance did everything to make me as comfortable as possible, whether it was football or finding a house or anything.”
But what about Sean Payton, the unapologetic, brash, and opinionated leader visibly frustrated throughout the 2023 season?
“Necessary changes are being made,” Allen explained. “Coach Payton is awesome, he’s the real deal, and the Walton family has been awesome with the investment in the team. They care about everything and everyone.”
This offseason, the Broncos defensive unit has lost starters and rotational players such as S Justin Simmons, LB Josey Jewell, DL Jonathan Harris, and CB K’Waun Williams.
Meanwhile, Allen, who’s headed into just his second season with Denver, restructured his contract to free up cap space in the wake of Russell Wilson’s expensive release. LG Ben Powers and RT Mike McGlinchey, who were signed at the same time as Allen additionally restricted their contracts to assist the Broncos cap figures last March.
This season, Allen welcomes Denver’s freshest crop of free agents to Denver as the Broncos signed S Brandon Jones, DL Malcolm Roach, and LB Cody Barton.
Despite last season’s drama and seventh consecutive losing season for the Broncos, Allen remains stout in his decision to live in ‘The Mile High City.’
“I love it,” Allen gleaned. “Denver’s great, the city is amazing, the team is awesome, and the organization is great.”
Here’s to hoping for some ‘great,’ play out of this Broncos defender who will likely assume a leadership role in 2024.
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