Three players on the Denver Broncos- safety Brian Dawkins, defensive end Jason Hunter and linebacker Joe Mays- have spoken with the team about re-signing rather than hit free agency, according to Denver radio host Brandon Spano.
Dawkins, 38, started 12 of the 14 games that he appeared in for Denver last season, but injuries caused him to break down at the end of the season. He was still effective, though, recording 38 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble while being a leading voice in a defensive unit loaded with young players.
Hunter appeared in 15 games for the Broncos in 2011 but started only twice. The 28-year-old recorded 17 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble, but it was a decline in playing time from the previous two years, during which he recorded a combined eight sacks over 30 games, including 21 starts.
Mays emerged as a starter for Denver at linebacker last season, appearing in all 16 games while making 13 starts. He failed to record a sack, interception or forced fumble, but the 26-year-old did 67 tackles. He's been a project for the team since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 draft out of North Dakota St.
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