DENVER (AP) – Veteran running back Willis McGahee has signed with the Denver Broncos.
The 29-year-old McGahee figures to complement incumbent starter Knowshon Moreno with his powerful style. New coach John Fox wants to lean heavily on the running game after the Broncos were pass-heavy in 2010 under Josh McDaniels.
The 6-foot, 235-pound McGahee spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens after four years with the Bills. Denver running backs coach Eric Studesville was McGahee’s position coach in Buffalo from 2004-06.
McGahee has 1,541 career carries for 6,167 yards and 55 touchdowns.
McGahee hasn’t been a full-time starter since shortly after being picked for the Pro Bowl in 2007.
Under the new labor rules, McGahee can’t practice until Thursday.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – Willis McGahee won’t be the only new running back in Denver’s backfield if Knowshon Moreno can help it.
Noticeably leaner, the Broncos’ top draft pick in 2009 reshaped his body through vigorous offseason workouts and insists he’ll finally be able to flash his true talents in his third NFL season.
Little has gone right for Moreno since former Broncos coach Josh McDaniels made him his top draft pick in 2009. He’s had more significant injuries (three) in the NFL than 100-yard games (two). And he hasn’t been the big-play threat many envisioned or the sure thing in short-yardage many expected.
Knowing this is a make-or-break year for him, the third-year tailback from Georgia came to camp with a slimmer torso and bulging biceps, less body fat and more strength.