Broncos' Zach Allen returns to Arizona, the team that drafted him in 2019

He posted 7 sacks in 17 games for Denver in 2025

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Allen is a menace. Via @TroyRenck on X

What happened: Zach Allen goes back to Arizona with the Denver Broncos to face the Cardinals, who drafted him in the third round in 2019. The Denver Post describes him as one of the NFL's best defensive tackles. Troy Renck put it more simply: "Allen is a menace.

Why it matters: Denver is 4-2, has won two straight and holds the No. 5 seed after a 17-14 win over Seattle on Oct. 15. Allen is the same Zach Allen who has anchored the Broncos' interior since before Week 1, and Denver relies on him to push the pocket from inside.

By the numbers: 2019 NFL Draft: Round 3, No. 65 overall to Arizona, out of Boston College. 2025 with Denver: 38 tackles, 7 sacks in 17 games. Broncos 2026: 4-2, W2, No. 5 seed. Last result: W 17-14 vs. Seattle (Oct. 15).

What to watch: Watch whether Allen gets pressure up the middle against the team that drafted him as Denver tries for a third straight win.

Sources

@TroyRenck 2026-10-24T03:06:52.657427+00:00

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