Domata Peko, Broncos Agree to 2-Year Contract

Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko will don a new uniform for the first time in his NFL career after agreeing to a deal with the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos announced the deal Monday after Mike Klis of 9News reported details of the two-year, $7.5 million deal Saturday. It carries $3.8 million in guarantees.

Peko played the first 11 years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has been a rock on the defensive line, starting all 16 games in each of the previous seven seasons and nine times since 2007.

His overall performance has been erratic, though there have been moments throughout his career when the glimmers of his potential shine through. The 32-year-old had a career-high five sacks in helping the Bengals win the AFC North in 2015.

Peko is not without limitations as a player whose job is to plug holes in the middle of the line. Following the Bengals' Week 8 tie against Washington, he was ranked as the 86th-best interior defensive lineman in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (h/t Jason Marcum of CincyJungle.com).

The Bengals had younger and potentially better alternatives to build their defensive line around. Andrew Billings, who was drafted in 2016 but unable to play after suffering a torn meniscus during the preseason, should see time on the field next season.

Given Peko's advanced age and declining performance, the Broncos may opt to use him in a different role than what he has had with the Bengals. His ability in certain pass-rush situations makes him best suited for part-time duty. Klis reported Denver also agreed to terms with defensive tackle Zach Kerr, so Peko might wind up being part of a rotation at the position.

The move also unites Peko with his cousin Kyle Peko, who joined the Broncos last season as an undrafted free agent.

Whatever Peko winds up doing, his ability to stay on the field and add depth to the defensive line is a luxury in this free-agent market.