ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --Early last week, the Broncos made an offer to keep defensive end Elvis Dumervil in orange and blue. After nearly a week of contemplating the offer, Dumervil agreed to terms to become a Baltimore Raven on Sunday.
"As we have from the start of this process, we worked diligently over the last week to find a way for Elvis Dumervil to remain a Denver Bronco," Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway said in a statement. "Although we made multiple contract offers to Elvis after being forced to release him, we were unable to reach an agreement and are now moving forward without him."
The process began after Dumervil agreed to a restructured contract to remain a Bronco, but the paperwork wasn't submitted before a 2 p.m. MT waiver wire deadline, forcing the team to release the seven-year veteran.
Dumervil ranked seventh on the Broncos' career sack list with 63.5 quarterback takedowns, including a league-leading 17 in 2009, which was the franchise's single-season record until linebacker Von Miller surpassed the mark in 2012.
The three-time Pro Bowler and Miller combined for 29.5 sacks during the 2012 campaign, the most of any two teammates in the league. Among players with at least 40 sacks, Dumervil has averaged the fourth-most sacks per game -- .70 -- since he entered the league in 2006.
In 91 regular-season games with 75 starts, Dumervil also amassed 264 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, 12 passes defensed and an interception.
So far in free agency, the Broncos have addressed the interior of the defensive line, re-signing tackle Kevin Vickerson and signing free-agent tackle Terrance Knighton, who previously played under Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville.
A number of pass-rushers are still available on the free-agent market, and the Broncos have been reported to be interested in the likes of Dwight Freeney and John Abraham.
Currently on the roster are three players listed as defensive ends -- Robert Ayers, Jeremy Beal, and Derek Wolfe -- and one listed as a defensive lineman -- Malik Jackson.
Ayers is the most veteran of the group, entering his fifth NFL season.
"Elvis was a team captain and a talented player who made a great impact during his seven seasons in Denver," Elway said. "I appreciate all of his effort on the field and the work he did in the community. I wish Elvis all the best as he continues his NFL career."
