Broncos claim DL Joel Heath off waivers

The Broncos claimed former Texans defensive lineman Joel Heath off waivers.

In addition to signing 15 players to reserve/future contracts, the Denver Broncos also acquired a player off waivers on Tuesday.

The Broncos claimed nose tackle Joel Heath, who was waived by the Houston Texans on Saturday. Denver will officially acquire Heath’s rights on Feb. 3, the day after Super Bowl LIV.

It’s an interesting move for the Broncos because Heath is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. Denver might be planning to place a tender on the 6-6, 302-pound defensive lineman.

Heath entered the league as a college free agent out of Michigan State with the Texans in 2016. He played in 25 games in his first two years in the NFL, totaling 32 tackles and three sacks. Heath was plagued by injuries during the 2018 season and only dressed for two games this year.

Shelby Harris, Mike Purcell and Kyle Peko were the Broncos’ nose tackles this season. All three of those players are set to become free agents in 2020, but Purcell and Peko will be restricted free agents.

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