The Denver Broncos signed former Seahawks defensive end Michael Sinclair to a one-year, $750,000 contract to replace Paul Toviessi, a second-round choice who's had three knee surgeries and was released.

Sinclair had been talking to the Rams and was awaiting an offer, but the Broncos entered the picture at the last minute and worked out a quick deal. He had been released by the Seahawks in March.

"Anytime you're out of a job, you say, 'Which team has a strong possibility of getting to the playoffs and to the Big Show?''' said Sinclair. "The Broncos do. Hopefully with this ballclub, I can help these guys get to the Big Show.''

Sinclair, 34, is a 6-4, 275-pound defensive end who has 83.5 career sacks in 154 NFL games. After having 31½ sacks from 1996 to 1998, Sinclair has only had 13 the last three seasons.

During those seasons, Sinclair would wear down because of his diabetes. He recently changed medicine and says he feels it will help him retain weight and stamina.

"I remember him being a pesky player,'' Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said. "Everybody's eyes lit up around here when we found out he was available.''

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.