Report: Broncos sign running back Theo Riddick

According to 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis, recently released veteran running back Theo Riddick is expected to sign with the Denver Broncos.

Riddick visited with the Broncos earlier this week and took a physical with them before departing without a contract signed. Reports were that he was deciding between the Broncos and Saints. Well, it appears he decided to join the Broncos instead.

Riddick was recently released by the Detroit Lions after they signed veteran defensive lineman Mike Daniels formerly of the Green Bay Packers.

He played a total of eight seasons in the NFL and all of them were with the Lions. During that span, Riddick totaled 288 carries for 1,023 yards and 5 touchdowns. The best part of his game, however, was his receiving ability. During his career, Riddick caught 285 balls for 2,238 yards and 14 touchdowns. This past season for the Lions, Riddick totaled 40 carries for 171 yards while also catching 61 balls for 384 yards.

If/when this signing happens, Riddick will join a now crowded Denver Broncos backfield that includes Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman, Devontae Booker, and others. Riddick will mostly be a pass-catching/third-down back for the Broncos so he can likely be penciled in as the third back on the roster. This, however, puts Devontae Booker’s roster spot very much in danger.

Booker has been the Broncos third-down/pass-catching back and I assumed he would once again fill this role for them again this year. However, the addition of Riddick would likely put him on the trading block and on the likely to be cut list if a trade doesn’t happen.

In the end, this gives the Broncos another excellent pass-catching option out of the backfield. Kyle Shanahan’s offense has utilized a split backfield look so I would assume we would see a few looks with both Phillip Lindsay and Theo Riddick in the Broncos backfield at the same time.

How do you feel about this expected signing Mile High Report? Do you like it? Hate it? Prefer to stick with Booker? Let us know below!

Update: Klis clearly meant 30 minutes later after sending his tweet when he said later this week because ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Riddick has indeed signed with the Broncos.

Well there you go!