After the Broncos lost defensive end Vance Walker to a season-ending ACL injury, we quickly thought of free agent options for the team. We also made a list of potential players that Denver could trade for.

As it turns out, Walker’s replacement may already be on the roster.

Related 7 defensive ends that Broncos could trade for or target after NFL roster cuts

Jared Crick (6-4, 285 pounds) signed with the Broncos during free agency on April 6. The 26-year-old defensive end spent the first four seasons of his career playing across from J.J. Watt, recording 104 tackles and 5.5 sacks over the past two years.

“He’s fit right in very quickly. Obviously he is going to move up the ladder right now,” coach Gary Kubiak said of Crick after practice Tuesday, according to a quote sheet released by the team. “He’s had a good camp.”

Crick is penciled in as the starter across from Derek Wolfe, but the Broncos will likely rotate players across the defensive line. Among the players that Denver can utilize will be Adam Gotsis.

Gotsis (6-4, 287 pounds) was selected by the Broncos out of Georgia Tech in the second round of this year’s draft. His snaps are expected to increase following the Walker the injury.

Denver diehards seem confident that Crick and Gotsis can get the job done, as 75 percent of polled fans said they are not worried about the defensive end position. Are you?