Injuries derailed Derek Wolfe’s season, and almost ended his career in 2017.

While Derek Wolfe remains a fan favorite in Broncos Country, the defensive lineman struggled with injuries in 2017. It looked like his career might have been over, but those fears seem to have subsided. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods informed MHR’s Jeff Essary that things were looking up for Wolfe while the Broncos were at the Senior Bowl.

With an injury shortened season, Wolfe didn’t grade out as highly as he would have liked. However, with his neck issues figured out, perhaps there will be a turnaround in 2018.

Derek Wolfe Stats 2017

In just 11 games Wolfe accumulated 18 solo tackles, 13 assists, and just 2 sacks. The Broncos were vastly improved against the run, and Wolfe was a part of that, but his production was way down.

Derek Wolfe PFF Grade

According to Pro Football Focus, Wolfe was an average interior defensive lineman with a score of 78.0, ranking 58th in the league. While battling through injuries caused Wolfe to struggle, the positive side is that he was still average.

When Wolfe was placed on IR his PFF score against the run was 82.1. In the two seasons after the Super Bowl run in 2015, Wolfe has seen his score drop over 5 points. This downward trend should be concerning to the Denver Broncos moving forward.

Derek Wolfe Contract

Derek Wolfe’s current contract has two remaining years. He is due $8 million guaranteed in both seasons. With almost $5 million in dead money and a plus $4 million dollar price tag, he should be with the team through 2018.

2018 Status

Derek Wolfe will be back with the Denver Broncos in 2018. With his neck issues figured out, there would be no reason to move on from him. John Elway had a choice to make in 2015 between Wolfe and Malik Jackson. It could be argued that Elway made a poor choice. However, Wolfe is a leader in the locker room, and will continue to be an integral par of the defense in the coming season.