Veteran RB Riddick expected to sign
CANTON, OHIO» The Broncos are expected to sign veteran running back Theo Riddick, a league source confirmed Thursday.
When he signs, Riddick instantly becomes the favorite to be the Broncos’ third-down back, supplanting Devontae Booker. Riddick, who also drew interest from the New Orleans Saints, visited the Broncos’ complex on Monday.
Following the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against Atlanta, the Broncos have two days off. If signed in time, Riddick’s first practice could be Sunday morning.
Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay have both exhibited decent pass-catching ability during training camp, but Riddick has more experience in pass protection, which could leave Freeman and Lindsay in the regular personnel roles they had as rookies last year. Lindsay had 35 catches in 2018 and Freeman 14 receptions. Riddick has 285 career catches.
Riddick, 28, was cut by Detroit last week, which created $3.55 million in cap space for the Lions, which was then allocated to former Green Bay defensive lineman Mike Daniels.
A sixth-round pick in 2013, Riddick has career totals of 288 rushes for 1,023 yards and five touchdowns and 2,238 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
Riddick has at least 53 catches in four consecutive seasons.
He became expendable in Detroit for multiple reasons: Kerryon Johnson is the starter. Former Broncos running back C.J. Anderson was signed to be his backup. Because Riddick doesn’t play special teams, he fell behind Zach Zenner and sixth-round pick Ty Johnson. And new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell could use the running back position differently than Riddick is suited.
Booker is in the final year of his rookie contract so his cap number of $818,848 could be easily moved to a team that needs thirddown help. Booker slid down the depth chart last year after the Broncos drafted Freeman in the third round and signed Lindsay in undrafted free agency.
Bowlen honored.
Late Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and the rest of the 2019 Hall of Fame class were recognized before the game.
The Broncos and Falcons lined up at the 45-yard lines and the Hall of Famers plus six of Bowlen’s children walked across the 50-yard line. Representing their father were Amie Klemmer, Beth Bowlen Wallace and Patrick, Brittany, Annabel and Christianna Bowlen.
Former Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey received a loud ovation from the Denver-centric crowd.
Hall of Fame visit.
Upon landing in Cleveland on Wednesday afternoon, the Broncos traveled to Canton to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Among the busts on display is Broncos offensive line coach Mike Munchak, who had a Hall of Fame playing career for the Houston Oilers.
After practice on Tuesday, Fangio said he had visited the Hall “a few times.”
“I like to always zero in on some areas,” he said.
Fangio said he grew up a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and “those were some down times. (Former coach) Dick Vermeil should be in the Hall of Fame. There are guys who have made it coaching-wise with (fewer) accomplishments than him. I was a fan of (Chicago linebacker) Dick Butkus from afar. I was a fan of (Jets quarterback) Joe Namath from afar.”
Azzanni’s challenge.
Since camp began July 18, the Broncos have signed receivers Steven Dunbar, Jamarius Way and Nick Williams. Additionally, Emmanuel Sanders only debuted in 11on-11 work on Monday and River Cracraft (oblique) has been out nearly two weeks.
The turnover and injuries has created a challenge for receivers coach Zach Azzanni.
“But that’s part of NFL football,” Fangio said. “One of the biggest differences in coaching NFL vs. college is when you bring a guy in off the street who’s starting from ground zero … you have to catch a guy up quick whereas in college, everybody’s on campus and have at least been there.”