The Denver Broncos just signed Free Agent Safety Jim Leonhard two days ago to a 1-year contract. There was a question on whether he could pass the physical. It turns out that Leonhard did not pass the physical, yet the team still signed him and he is being placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. That was reported by the Denver Post and in this morning's Horse Tracks.
What this means:
- Leonhard cannot play until he passes his physical.
- He counts as a roster spot.
- He can come off the PUP list at any time.
Leonhard can also be placed on the Reserve/PUP list because he hasn't played in Training Camp. That would give him an extra six weeks to heal without losing him for the season and also be an insurance policy in case of injury to the current Safety corps (Quinton Carter). So the signing wasn't without purpose. I don't know where Leonhard is at with his health, but the Broncos seem to think he can contribute this year.
It is unknown at this time, what the cost of Leonhard's salary is, but the league minimum for a player with 8 years vested, is $825,000. His previous contract with the Jets paid an average of $1.95 Million per season. Considering he only draws that salary if he is on the Active Roster, it's a reasonable insurance policy. We already know what he can do when healthy.
Go Broncos!
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