The Broncos added depth to its defensive line Tuesday, signing Minnesota defensive lineman Shamar Stephen, a source confirmed to The Gazette. 

What Sam Darnold’s trade to Carolina means for Broncos

Stephen, 30, comes to Denver with seven years of experience, playing in Minnesota from 2014-17, Seattle in 2018 and back in Minnesota in 2019-20. He’s started 65 games in his career, totaling 173 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Last season, he played a career-high 662 snaps and started all 16 games for the Vikings, recording 34 tackles, two tackles for loss and half a sack. 

The addition makes sense for the Broncos, considering new general manager George Paton’s connection to Minnesota, having worked there while Stephen was a Viking. It was also a necessary move to add depth up front.

Broncos hope to have ‘full capacity’ at 2021 home games; adjusted season-ticket plan announced

Stephen’s role will likely be as a backup, behind Shelby Harris, Mike Purcell and Dre’Mont Jones. But in a league that defensive linemen rarely play more than 60-70% of the snaps in a single game, Stephen could play a big role for the Broncos.