The Denver Broncos on Wednesday signed free-agent wide receiver Kenny Bell, tackle Andreas Knappe and defensive lineman DeShawn Williams to future contracts, the team announced.
Bell (6-1, 188 pounds) is a third-year player from the University of Nebraska who most recently competed on the Ravens (2017) and Buccaneers’ (2016) practice squads. Selected by the Buccaneers in the fifth round (162nd overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, he spent his rookie year with Tampa Bay on injured reserve.
Bell’s father, Ken, spent his entire NFL career with Denver (1986-89) and ranks tied for second in team history with 104 kick returns for 2,218 yards (21.3 avg.).
Knappe (6-8, 315 pounds) is a first-year tackle from the University of Connecticut who competed on practice squads with the Falcons, Redskins and Colts during the 2017 season. Knappe, a native of Silkeborg, Denmark, entered the NFL as college free agent with Atlanta on May 1.
Williams (6-1, 292 pounds) is a third-year defensive lineman from Clemson University who most recently competed on the Bengals’ practice squad in 2017. He appeared in four games and recorded two tackles (1 solo) and 0.5 sacks (1.0 yds) with Cincinnati in 2016 and spent his rookie year on its practice squad after the Bengals signed him as a college free agent on May 8, 2015.
The Broncos have now agreed to future contracts with 13 players.
The Broncos previously signed the following players to their reserve/future list: Paul Boyette (DT, Texas), River Cracraft (WR, Washington State), Stansley Maponga (OLB, Texas Christian), Jordan Leslie (WR, BYU), Jordan Moore (DB, Texas-San Antonio), Brian Parker (TE, Albany), Tim Patrick (WR, Utah), Jeremiah Poutasi (OL, Utah), Marcus Rush (LB, Michigan State) and Jhaustin Thomas (DE, Iowa State).
The future contract signees will be officially added to the roster at the start of the league year on March 14.
