BREAKING: Denver Broncos HC Sean Payton to Reunite With Former Player in New $8 Million Move

The Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton are set to sign defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, who formerly played under Payton with the New Orleans Saints.

Roach came into the league in 2020 and played under Sean Payton for two years before Payton “retired.” the former Texas Longhorns standout is coming off his most productive season in the NFL. He will now look to sure up a defensive line that lacked talent in 2023.

Malcolm Roach will likely have a larger role with Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos than he did during his first stint under Payton

Future Denver Broncos defensive lineman Malcolm Roach will likely have a larger role under Sean Payton’s current regime than he did when he originally played for Payton.

During the first two years of his career, Malcolm Roach was a rotational depth piece for the New Orleans Saints. In 2021 and 2022, Roach played in just 16 games total. He didn’t record a single sack and only had 26 tackles during that time.

Since Payton departed from the Saints, Roach’s role has increased. He still hasn’t played a full season in the NFL, but played 13 and 12 games in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He matched his career total in tackles in 2022 alone with 26 tackles, which was the same year he recorded his only NFL sack.

Roach improved even more in 2023 by accruing 38 tackles in 12 games. His ability to clog up run lanes along with his effort down the field makes him a valuable piece for the Denver Broncos.

Malcolm Roach strikes & maintains his gap while showing great lateral movement. Roach sheds & helps make the tackle! #stoptherun #saints pic.twitter.com/JAgAZ8rUzU

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) September 13, 2023

We probably don’t talk about Malcolm Roach as much as we should. This ball was snapped at the Chiefs’ 46 yard line. Not too often you see a defensive tackle making a stop 15 yards downfield. But there he is. #Saints pic.twitter.com/k3C85sHNUc

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 15, 2023

The Denver Broncos and HC Sean Payton desperately needed improvement on the defensive line, and Malcolm Roach can provide help with that

The Denver Broncos’ defensive line and pass rush lacked talent in 2023. Linebackers Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto led the team with 8.5 sacks and 8 sacks, respectively.

The Broncos had one of the worst defenses in the league in 2023. They ranked 29th in total defense by allowing 370.8 yards per game. Their rush defense, which is what Malcolm Roach will help with the most, was also at the bottom of the league.

They allowed 137.1 rushing yards per game, which was good for 30th in the league. Only the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals were worse on rush defense.

The Green Bay Packers were the only team with a rush defense worse than 20th in the league to make it to the playoffs, which goes to show just how important the ability to stop the run is in the NFL.

The Broncos need help everywhere on the defensive line and Roach provides that versatility. He said he prides himself on being so versatile in an article from the Saints’ website.

“My dad always told me, you might not always be the most valued person in the room, but you always can be the most valuable person in the room,” said Roach, who purposely is listed as a defensive lineman, rather than at a specific position. “That’s something that’s really stuck with me throughout playing football, just being able to play multiple positions and being able to do more. (defensive end) Cam (Jordan) always says, ‘The more you can do.’

“And that’s something that sticks with me – I’m able to play nose guard and I’m also able to play defensive tackle. Being able to play those two positions is two totally different things, but me learning that at an early stage of my career, how to play the nose guard position but also just having a natural ability to play three-technique (defensive tackle) is something that, I think, is going to take me a long way. To be honest, (it has) kept me around here for a little while.”

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who commanded a late-season turnaround last year, will likely use Roach as a nose tackle since he runs a base 3-4. That being said, Joseph is also a big fan of the Double Mug look, where two linebackers clog both A gaps. This would put Roach a little bit further outside, which his versatility allows him to do.

Get More NFL and College Football Content

For more news and trends in the college football world, click here or follow me on Twitter @KusleikaAndrew.