Clockwork Orange
03-06-2007, 02:57 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5360431
After throwing punches at big-dollar targets since the free agency bell rang four days ago, the Broncos landed a knockout Monday with the high-profile signing of veteran running back Travis Henry.
In their biggest out-of-house transaction since the trade and signing of star cornerback Champ Bailey three years ago, the Broncos landed their most experienced, and expensive, tailback since the days of Terrell Davis.
The Broncos signed Henry to a five-year, $22.5 million contract. Henry, whose deal is front-loaded in the first three years, will make $12 million in guaranteed bonuses.
"I'm glad to be a Bronco," Henry said. "This is where I think I belong. The sky is the limit for me in Denver. ... With Jay Cutler being an up-and-coming star, this offense will be able to do great things."
The Broncos are not done swinging even though they lost out on defensive end Patrick Kerney. He chose to go to Seattle on Monday in a six-year, $39.5 million deal that includes $19.5 million in bonuses.
With Kerney out, the Broncos likely will turn their attention to the April draft for a new defensive end. The draft is heavy at the position, and Denver has the No. 21 pick.
Denver still is in the running for New England tight end Daniel Graham, a former Colorado star. Graham is awaiting word from Seattle. A decision could be made today.
Denver may have to cut a few players to find salary cap room to get its entire wish list. Even if they don't get Graham, the Broncos already are distinctly different from the team that faded and finished 9-7 after a 7-2 start.
The Broncos traded for cornerback Dré Bly on Thursday, traded for defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson on Saturday, signed New Orleans guard Montrea Holland on Saturday and signed fullback and special teams ace Paul Smith of St. Louis to a three-year deal Monday.
Bly and Henry are the biggest newcomers so far. The Broncos have found their starting tailback. There will be no trade to move up in the draft and select Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch. There will be no trade for Willis McGahee.
"When I was on my visit, I just knew Denver was the right place," Henry said. "I just felt so much love from Coach (Mike) Shanahan."
The Broncos have a proven NFL running back, which should help the Cutler era. Sure, the Broncos have had success trotting out the likes of Olandis Gary, Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns, Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell and Mike Bell, but Henry comes to Denver with a track record of NFL success.
Henry rushed for 1,211 yards with the Tennessee Titans last season. Henry, a 2001 second-round draft pick from the University of Tennessee, spent his first four seasons with Buffalo and the past two with the Titans. In 2002 and 2003, he combined for 2,794 yards rushing for the Bills. Henry should fit in well with the Broncos because he is a one-cut running back.
But Henry comes with a yellow caution flag. He already has served a four-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy. If he violates the policy again, he will serve a one-year suspension. Henry's last infraction was two years ago, and many in Nashville say he has been a model citizen since.
"This is just a great move for Travis," said his agent, Hadley Engelhard. "Denver is perfect for what he does. It will be a great fit."
Denver pounced on Henry as soon as he was cut by the Titans on Saturday. He was released because he would not restructure a contract that was scheduled to pay him an $8.3 million roster bonus Monday.
The Broncos kept Henry in town Sunday night, postponing his visit with Oakland. Now Henry will be an Oakland rival.
After throwing punches at big-dollar targets since the free agency bell rang four days ago, the Broncos landed a knockout Monday with the high-profile signing of veteran running back Travis Henry.
In their biggest out-of-house transaction since the trade and signing of star cornerback Champ Bailey three years ago, the Broncos landed their most experienced, and expensive, tailback since the days of Terrell Davis.
The Broncos signed Henry to a five-year, $22.5 million contract. Henry, whose deal is front-loaded in the first three years, will make $12 million in guaranteed bonuses.
"I'm glad to be a Bronco," Henry said. "This is where I think I belong. The sky is the limit for me in Denver. ... With Jay Cutler being an up-and-coming star, this offense will be able to do great things."
The Broncos are not done swinging even though they lost out on defensive end Patrick Kerney. He chose to go to Seattle on Monday in a six-year, $39.5 million deal that includes $19.5 million in bonuses.
With Kerney out, the Broncos likely will turn their attention to the April draft for a new defensive end. The draft is heavy at the position, and Denver has the No. 21 pick.
Denver still is in the running for New England tight end Daniel Graham, a former Colorado star. Graham is awaiting word from Seattle. A decision could be made today.
Denver may have to cut a few players to find salary cap room to get its entire wish list. Even if they don't get Graham, the Broncos already are distinctly different from the team that faded and finished 9-7 after a 7-2 start.
The Broncos traded for cornerback Dré Bly on Thursday, traded for defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson on Saturday, signed New Orleans guard Montrea Holland on Saturday and signed fullback and special teams ace Paul Smith of St. Louis to a three-year deal Monday.
Bly and Henry are the biggest newcomers so far. The Broncos have found their starting tailback. There will be no trade to move up in the draft and select Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch. There will be no trade for Willis McGahee.
"When I was on my visit, I just knew Denver was the right place," Henry said. "I just felt so much love from Coach (Mike) Shanahan."
The Broncos have a proven NFL running back, which should help the Cutler era. Sure, the Broncos have had success trotting out the likes of Olandis Gary, Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns, Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell and Mike Bell, but Henry comes to Denver with a track record of NFL success.
Henry rushed for 1,211 yards with the Tennessee Titans last season. Henry, a 2001 second-round draft pick from the University of Tennessee, spent his first four seasons with Buffalo and the past two with the Titans. In 2002 and 2003, he combined for 2,794 yards rushing for the Bills. Henry should fit in well with the Broncos because he is a one-cut running back.
But Henry comes with a yellow caution flag. He already has served a four-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy. If he violates the policy again, he will serve a one-year suspension. Henry's last infraction was two years ago, and many in Nashville say he has been a model citizen since.
"This is just a great move for Travis," said his agent, Hadley Engelhard. "Denver is perfect for what he does. It will be a great fit."
Denver pounced on Henry as soon as he was cut by the Titans on Saturday. He was released because he would not restructure a contract that was scheduled to pay him an $8.3 million roster bonus Monday.
The Broncos kept Henry in town Sunday night, postponing his visit with Oakland. Now Henry will be an Oakland rival.