ENGLEWOOD – The Broncos continued their low-key approach to free agency with the signing of defensive lineman Vance Walker to a two-year, $4 million deal Thursday.

The versatile seventh-year pro is familiar to the Broncos because he’s spent the last two seasons in the AFC West.

Walker, who turns 28 next month, was a 3-4 defensive end for Kansas City last season and a 4-3 defensive tackle in Oakland the year before that.

Walker has played at least 15 games in five of his six seasons in the NFL. He said he can play all three positions along the line in the 3-4 scheme defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is installing in Denver.

“I can play any position. Really, whatever they need me to do,” Walker said. “It’s a penetrating type of defense, so really wherever they feel that I fit. I spoke with the coaches and they’re pretty impressed that I can play all positions.”

The Broncos have lost tight end Julius Thomas, guard Orlando Franklin and safety Rahim Moore to free agency so far, and with nose tackle Terrance Knighton about to sign with the Redskins, they’ll have to replace four starters next year.

Elway, who’s expecting to get four compensatory draft picks to go with the half-dozen he already has, will try to restock through the draft and second- and third-tiers of free agency this year. He said it’s time for young players who haven’t pushed for playing time yet – Ben Garland, Michael Schofield, Cody Latimer – to make big strides in 2015.

“We’ve got some young guys who have got to step up,” he said.

Elway said the Broncos plan to use Sylvester Williams and Marvin Austin Jr. at nose tackle next season. He also said he was hoping to work out a deal to keep free agent defensive tackle Mitch Unrein.

Former Ravens safety Darian Stewart visited Dove Valley on Thursday and the Broncos signed punter Karl Schmitz, who graduated from Missouri-St. Louis in 2011.