Broncos GM John Elway meets with DeMarcus Ware about returning

DENVER -- No one leads like DeMarcus Ware. He is a coach, a friend and a mentor. 

In three seasons in Denver, the outside linebacker has left an indelible footprint. Ware owns 21.5 sacks and an additional 3.5 during the Broncos' playoff run to a Super Bowl 50 championship. 

The Broncos want him back. General manager John Elway met with Ware on Tuesday to touch base about re-signing him, according to a player source. Wrinkles must be ironed out. Ware will be 35 in July and has to accept a limited role of roughly 20 plays per game. He worked with the Broncos a year ago on a restructured contract. Now he is a free agent, however, and could find a bigger opportunity and more money elsewhere, including Dallas. 

Ware made his mark in Denver not only on the field, but off it. All-Pro Von Miller credits Ware for serving as a older brother figure in his life. Miller grew up idolizing Ware, and Ware's attention to detail in his diet and game preparation rubbed off on Miller. Ware finished last season injured, undergoing surgery to repair a bulging disc in his back. He says he feels terrific, and wants to keep playing. He boasts 138.5 career sacks, leaving him a compelling argument to make the Hall of Fame.

In Denver, however, the depth chart at his position is growing crowded. Shane Ray produced a breakthrough season in his second year, notching eight sacks and 48 tackles. Former Colorado State star Shaquil Barrett continues to show potential as well. It makes keeping Ware a potential luxury if the salary is not right. Tuesday offered a chance for the sides to get an idea of what it might take to facilitate Ware's return.