Derek Wolfe's season began with a four-game drug suspension and will end with a four-year contract extension.
The Denver Broncos and the defensive end agreed to the deal Friday.
“Derek is a very talented and hard-working player who has improved every season since we drafted him in 2012,” Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager of the Denver Broncos, John Elway said. “This year, Derek’s developed into one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in football. We’re excited to reward one of our key emerging players and ensure that Derek is part of our team for many more seasons.”
After three up-and-down years, Wolfe became the inside force in 2015 that the Broncos projected when they selected him in the second round in the 2012 draft.
In a testament to his run defense and interior pressure, Wolfe earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Green Bay in November even though he didn't record a sack in that game.
He recorded at least a half-sack in six of Denver's final eight games.
Wolfe set career highs with 49 tackles, 35 solo and 5 1-2 sacks in 12 games in 2015.
Watch the moment the defensive end signed the contract early Friday afternoon:
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
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