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The Denver Broncos have taken a vastly different approach to the free agent signing period this year than they have in year's past, not really signing very many players at all and sticking to the whole "youth movement" mantra. That doesn't mean the Broncos have done absolutely nothing this offseason as a few smaller moves have come in over the last couple of days.
Here is the run-down on the free agents the Broncos have brought in, and guys who can't actually practice with the team until the new CBA becomes official.
Willis McGahee, Running Back, Age 29
The Broncos signed former first round pick and University of Miami star running back Willis McGahee to a very favorable four year contract, and he will jump in right away to compete with Knowshon Moreno for carries. McGahee is familiar with Broncos running backs coach Eric Studesville from their days in Buffalo, where McGahee ran for over 1,000 yards twice under his tutelage.
McGahee has ran for over 1,000 yards three times in his career, and he has 55 career touchdowns, which is a pretty outstanding number.
I really like the signing of McGahee for the Broncos, and I think he can make an impact in his first year with the team provided he can stay healthy, which is always something up in the air for running backs. If he can come in and provide the Broncos with a tough inside presence near the end zone, he could be a much more significant addition than we are being led to believe.
David Anderson, Wide Receiver, Age 28
David Anderson is a veteran wide receiver who has played his entire career for the Houston Texans where he really hasn't been an integral part of the offense. Still, when Josh McDaniels was hired on and he brought Brian Xanders with him, the first move they tried to make in 2009 was to sign Anderson to an offer sheet when he was a restricted free agent.
Anderson has 81 career receptions for 886 yards and three touchdowns, and with the Broncos' trade of Jabar Gaffney to Washington and Demaryius Thomas figuring to be out for quite some time, adding Anderson makes a lot of sense. He's a 5'10" 198 pounds and he is definitely a possession, slot type of receiver.
Dante Rosario, Tight End, Age 26
Dante Rosario comes to the Broncos after having spent the last four years with John Fox and the Carolina Panthers. Since he came into the league, he has increased his reception totals every year, including a career high 32 catches last year.
Rosario is a good receiving tight end who came into the league with a splash four years ago when two of his six receptions went for touchdowns. He has five career touchdown receptions to go along with playing in all 16 games in every year but 2009. He's a pretty athletic player who knows how to get open, and he can help the Broncos especially when they run two-tight end sets.
He is familiar with the Broncos' coaching staff, and he can help ease the development of Julius Thomas, who has really been turning heads at training camp.
Daniel Fells, Tight End/H-Back/Fullback, Age 27
The Broncos made a good move by bringing in Fells, a five year veteran who has spent the last four with the St. Louis Rams. He is a 6'4" 272 pound bruiser who had a fantastic year last year with St. Louis, catching 41 passes for 391 yards and two touchdowns. Last year against the Broncos, Fells wasn't the random tight end/fullback scoring touchdowns against us, but he did have two receptions for 23 yards.
There are reports that Fells is going to be used by the Broncos as an H-back and fullback, which is encouraging because there aren't a ton of tight end spots available on the roster.
He is a big guy with good athletic ability as well as soft hands, and he's pretty quick for his size. I really like this sign for the Broncos, and I think he has a chance to really make an impact as a fullback, h-back, tight end, or wherever the Broncos decide to use him.