The Broncos bolstered their defense on Thursday, signing free agent defensive lineman Jason Hunter.

Hunter, a fifth-year pro out of Appalachian State, has racked up 66 tackles and 7 sacks in 56 career games with Green Bay and Detroit.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a career season with the Lions in 2009, notching 34 tackles and five sacks in 14 games, including nine starts.

Detroit released Hunter on Monday, two days after he recorded a pair of tackles in the team’s preseason-opening loss in Pittsburgh. The Broncos host Hunter’s former team on Saturday in their preseason home opener.

- Eric Detweiler, DenverBroncos.com