Sam Adams close to signing with the Broncos

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One-year offer for huge tackle

By Bill Williamson

Denver Post Staff Writer

Article Last Updated: 06/04/2007 12:03:57 AM MDT

The busy franchise is on the verge of acquiring a player who would fill one of the few holes left unfilled during this kinetic offseason.

According to an NFL source close to the situation, the Broncos are expected to sign veteran defensive tackle Sam Adams to a one-year contract. The deal, barring an unexpected breakdown, could be announced as soon as today.

Adams is the biggest name remaining in a slim free-agent market.

The 6-foot-4, 340-pound Adams, who turns 34 on June 13, would give Denver a massive player in the middle of its defensive front. Adams would fit perfectly into Jim Bates' system. Bates, the Broncos' new assistant head coach

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in charge of defense, loves big defensive tackles. Denver tried to fill the need when trading for Miami's Dan Wilkinson (6-4, 353) on March 3. But the trade was voided March 31 because Wilkinson never reported to the Broncos.

Denver selected Florida defensive tackle Marcus Thomas in the fourth round of the April draft. Thomas (6-3, 296) is expected to get a chance to earn plenty of playing time as a rookie. The Broncos also have signed Alvin McKinley (6-3, 294) of Cleveland. Adams likely would play in a rotation and could start alongside veteran Gerard Warren (6-4, 325).

The Broncos would be Adams' sixth NFL team. Adams began his career with Seattle, which selected the Texas A&M product eighth overall in the 1994 draft. Adams has made three Pro Bowl teams, the last in 2004 while with Buffalo.

The Broncos began looking into signing Adams the day after he was cut by Cincinnati last month. Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson coached Adams at Texas A&M.

Adams, who has 44 sacks in 13 seasons, would be the 13th veteran the Broncos have added this offseason. During the recent draft, coach Mike Shanahan said he thought the Broncos were done adding veteran players. But he added that if a quality veteran were to hit the open market and he fit the Broncos' needs, they would consider signing him.

Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6054090

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that broncos team is going to be stacked this year

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that broncos team is going to be stacked this year

Yes, yes it is. San Diego and Denver are going to be the class of the AFC along with the Pats and Colts. Sub in Cincinnati and Baltimore and there are your '07 playoff teams, unless the Jets can find ways to beat those teams to help their status.