The Denver Broncos have made their first splash in the free agent market, reportedly coming to terms with free agent running back Willis McGahee on a 3-year contract. According to Pro Football Talk, the deal is worth $7.5 million with $3 million guaranteed.
Jason LaConfora, however, tweeted moments later that there wasn't an agreement with McGahee:
There's some confusion on the McGahee front. Checked with more sources and told no deal with DEN. Team likely to workout RBs this weekend...
Why the confusion? Simple, the Broncos can't talk to Willis McGahee until the official personnel list is released by the NFL at around 4PM et this afternoon. PFT has the details.
The Broncos felt the need to add a running back to compete with Knowshon Moreno, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency over his two years in Denver.
McGahee is entering his 8th season in the NFL and has compiled 6,167 yards and 55 touchdowns with the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens. McGahee saw his workload reduced with the Ravens the past 3 seasons with the emergence of Ray Rice and had just 100 carries for 380 yards in 2010. McGahee scored 12 touchdowns in 2009 on just 109 carries.
McGahee's best season came in 2005 with the Bills when he rushed for 1247 yards on 325 carries. McGahee has never been a high yards per carry back, averaging just 4.0 for his career.