The Baltimore Ravens revamped their defensive line room during the 2020 offseason, bringing in Calais Campbell in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars as well as originally signing former Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Michael Brockers. However, once the deal with Brockers fell through Baltimore pivoted to a former Denver Broncos player in Derek Wolfe.
Wolfe signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Ravens in 2020, but played so well during that season that the team rewarded him with a three-year, $12 million extension. However, multiple injuries forced Wolfe out of action for the entire 2021 season, and despite making his intentions clear that he was looking to return for the 2022 season, a pair of other surgeries resulted in an injury settlement between him and Baltimore, ending his Ravens tenure on a disappointing note.
On Friday, Wolfe announced that he was retiring from the NFL, doing it as a member of the Broncos by signing a one-day contract with the team.
“After 🔟 seasons in the NFL, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the game. Time for a new beginning.” #ThankYouDWolfe x @Derek_Wolfe95 pic.twitter.com/qeCyOrKLw7
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 29, 2022
#ThankYouDWolfe 🐺 pic.twitter.com/ZbfQjO197b
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 29, 2022
.@Derek_Wolfe95’s top 3️⃣ moments as a Bronco:
1️⃣ Getting drafted
2️⃣ Securing a sack in #SB50
3️⃣ Retiring a Bronco pic.twitter.com/ZNmQcWW104— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 29, 2022
A standing ovation for @Derek_Wolfe95 from #BroncosCountry 🧡 pic.twitter.com/82L35Iud6O
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 29, 2022
One more howl. 🐺#ThankYouDWolfe x @Derek_Wolfe95 pic.twitter.com/Rowh4Qhedg
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 29, 2022
In nine NFL seasons on the field, Wolfe totaled 350 total tackles and 34 sacks. He also won Super Bowl 50 with Denver during the 2015 season.