The Denver Broncos wasted no time Tuesday replacing Julius Thomas, who is reportedly leaving. The team shored up the tight end position just moments after free agency began.
After reaching a three-year deal with Virgil Green earlier in the day the Broncos have signed their next pass-catching tight end. Adam Schefter of ESPN was the first to report that the Broncos signed Owen Daniels to a three-year contract.
Daniels played for the Baltimore Ravens under Gary Kubiak as offensive coordinator last season and previously played for him as a Houston Texan from 2006 to 2013.
“I’ve had the opportunity to coach Owen for the last nine years, and he’s a consummate pro,” Kubiak said in a team statement Tuesday. “He has one goal, to win a championship. Owen is a great player and an even better person and teammate. He is a leader and the type of guy you want on your football team.”
Daniels has been a reliable tight end, even earning two Pro-Bowl nods in the NFL but it remains to be seen if he has much left in the tank. His best season was seven seasons ago in 2008 when he caught 70 passes for 862 yards. According to Pro Football Focus, during his 10-year career he has had only three seasons in which he played in less than 900 snaps.
At 32 he is an aging tight end but he should make a quick and easy transition to the Broncos. His experience with Kubiak makes the move seem like a good fit for all involved.
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