Denver Broncos Release Two Defensive Lineman: Which 5 Teams Could Use Them?

In the early stages of rebuilding their defense, Denver released veteran defensive linemen Jamal Williams and Justin Bannan on Thursday 

Williams had 47 tackles in 2010, while Bannan had 35.

The Broncos gave up 471 points last season, the most in the NFL. Their 155 rushing yards allowed per game was second most in the league, only better than Buffalo.

Many NFL teams are in need of an extra defensive lineman, even one in their 30s like Williams or Bannan.

Here are five teams that could benefit from picking up Jamal Williams or Justin Bannan.

5. Tampa Bay Bucaneers

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks is stopped at the goal line by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Imag

Tampa Bay went 10-6 last season, just missing the playoffs, and the Buccaneers feel like an extra defensive tackle might have made the difference.

Playing in the same division as quarterbacks Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, it is very important for Tampa Bay to have adept pass rushers line in order to contend.

As a team, the Buccaneers had just 26 sacks, the second fewest in the NFL.

4. New England Patriots

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 14: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs by the New England Patriots defense during the game on November 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

New England, despite going 14-2 during the regular season, did not have a great defense.

This cost them dearly in their lone playoff game, as Mark Sanchez received very little pressure and was not sacked throughout the whole ball game. 

The Patriots also suffered several injuries to their defensive line last season, showing that they could certainly use some more depth alongside Pro Bowl tackle Vince Wilfork.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Running back Jackie Battle #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball over the top of the defense to score a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas C

Despite an overall record of 65-63 with Jacksonville, the Jaguars have only won one playoff under head coach Jack Del Rio.

The biggest issue over the last few seasons has been the lack of a strong pass rush, particularly against thier divison rivals, the Colts and quarterback Peyton Manning, who have reigned over the AFC north for the better part of a decade.

Overall, the Jaguars had just 26 sacks as a team, second fewest in the league, as well as the fifth worst passing defense in the NFL.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

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CLEVELAND - OCTOBER 04: Eric Steinbach #65 of the Cleveland Browns defends against the Cincinnati Bengals during their game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on October 4, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Cincinnati Bengals won the NFC North in 2009, in big part because they had the fourth best defense in terms of yards allowed,

Last season their defense fell down to No. 15 in the NFL, as the Bengals went just 4-12 on the season.

The Bengals could benefit greatly with the addition of Jamal Williams or Justin Bannan to improve their defensive line, as well as add necessary veteran leadership to a dysfunctional franchise. 

1. Washington Redskins

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Donald Penn #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defends against Brian Orakpo #98 of the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Larry Fren

Pro-bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who has five seasons left of a seven year, $100 million deal, will likely depart the Redskins before the start of next season.

This is not good news for the Redskins' defense, which gave up the second most passing yards in the NFL.

Washington plays six of its games against Michael Vick, Tony Romo and Eli Manning, so having a strong defensive line is a must.