WR Latimer goes to Giants
Now the Broncos really need help at wide receiver and on special teams.
Former second-round pick and key special-teamer Cody Latimer signed a deal with the New York Giants, he announced Monday on Twitter. In New York, Latimer will be reunited with former Broncos receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, who took the same job with the Giants this offseason.
Latimer’s departure, along with the Broncos’ decision not to tender restricted free-agent receiver Bennie Fowler, leaves a massive void at the position behind starters Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. It also leaves the team thin on special teams; fellow special-teams contributor and linebacker Corey Nelson signed a oneyear deal with Philadelphia last week.
Set to return for 2018 at wide receiver are Carlos Henderson, a 2017 thirdround pick who spent his rookie season on injured reserve; exclusive-rights free agent Jordan Taylor; receiver/returner Isaiah McKenzie; and four guys with no playing experience as Broncos: Kenny Bell, River Cracraft, Jordan Leslie and Tim Patrick.
Selected at No. 56 overall in the 2014 draft out of Indiana, Latimer struggled in his first couple of years in Denver with quarterback Peyton Manning. But last season was his finest as a Bronco, as he pulled in 19 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns, and returned eight kicks for 190 yards.
In his four years in Denver, Latimer recorded 35 receptions for 445 yards and three touchdowns.
Latimer’s exit leaves center Matt Paradis and cornerback Bradley Roby as the only players remaining from the Broncos’ 2014 draft class. (Paradis has until April 20 to sign his second-round restricted freeagent tender.)