At last some news! ESPN.com is reporting the Broncos came to terms with former Bills and Titans Running Back Travis Henry on a 5-year deal that will include $12 million in guaranteed coin. Henry, who became a much sought after commodity after the Titans decided to release him instead of paying an $8.3 million roster bonus, was also thought to be pursued by the Raiders and Jets.
Henry doesn't arrive in Denver without his share of risks, however. After being traded from Buffalo to Tennessee Henry was suspended for the first 4 games of the 2005 regular season for violating the league's substnace abuse policy. That means should Henry have another hiccup the running back would be looking at missing an entire year, something the Broncos no doubt to into account with the contract.
If Henry can stay clean off the field there is no denying what he can do on it. In each of the 3 seasons Henry was his team's featured back he eclipsed the 1200 yard mark, with his best season coming in 2002, when the former Tennessee Volunteer rushed for over 1400 yards for the Bills. Last season, Henry beat out Colorado product Chris Brown and rookie LenDale White to be the Titan's #1 back and finished the season with over 1200 yards rushing.
There is no doubt that Travis Henry improves the Broncos running game. There are some off the field concerns the Broncos fans have to worry about, and Shanny proved once again he is not afraid to take a chance. You win some, you lose some in these situations, however, let's hope for the team's sake this is a big win for Denver.
Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com