Terrance Knighton wants to stay with Broncos

Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton says he was to remain with the team and would be willing to take “somewhat of a hometown discount.”

Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton says he wants to remain with the team and would be willing to take “somewhat of a hometown discount.” Knighton is scheduled to be a free agent next month.

"I think I've made it very clear to them [Denver management] that I want to be a Bronco,” he said to ESPN.

“To be quite honest with you, it's frustrating and it's somewhat disrespectful just knowing how important I was to the team and what the defense could've been without somebody like me," Knighton added. "It's almost like, the longer they wait, the worse it is going to be."

• BANKS: Questions linger as GMs, coaches face media at NFL combine

Knighton, 28, recorded 30 total tackles and two sacks in 2014 for the Broncos, his second season with the team.

Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said he appreciates and respects the way Knighton played during Del Rio’s tenure as defensive coordinator and interim head coach with the team.

"We drafted him. We thought at that time he was kind of a dancing bear type," Del Rio said. "A big, powerful man that could stay on his feet and run down the line. So, you know, this game is about big, powerful men so that the guys that have the skill level can do their things.

Knighton said he would be interested in reuniting with Del Rio if the Broncos don’t re-sign him. Del Rio was the coach in Jacksonville when Knighton was drafted in 2009 and coached Knighton the past two seasons in Denver.

“There's been a lot of talk about me going to Oakland because of coach [Jack] Del Rio," Knighton said. "He and I have a great relationship. I know his defense. I know exactly how he wants his nose tackles to play, and I am a very loyal person."

- Scooby Axson