Broncos sign veteran wide receiver to fill out camp roster

On the eve of training camp, the Broncos filled the last spot on their 90-man roster.

The Broncos signed wide receiver Corey “Philly” Brown on Friday afternoon, the team announced. Brown arrived in town Thursday night for a physical and will now compete for a roster spot.

Brown worked out with the Giants, Jaguars, Colts and Bears this summer,according to Pro Football Talk, but never found a new home until coming to Denver.

Brown, 26, played three seasons for the Panthers from 2014-2016, but didn’t land a job last season after spending training camp with the Bills. His best season came in 2015, when he caught 31 passes for 447 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season and 10 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown during Carolina’s run to Super Bowl 50.

At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Brown projects as a speedy threat from the slot, if he sticks in Denver. He’ll compete with Isaiah McKenzie, Carlos Henderson, Jordan Taylor and the rest of the Broncos’ depth receivers for the last wide receiver spot or two on Denver’s roster.

The former-Buckeye was a punt returner in college and during his rookie season, and should compete with Isaiah McKenzie, Philip Lindsay and others for the Broncos punt returning job. He also returned kicks with the Panthers.

Brown takes the last spot on the Broncos’ 90-man training camp roster. Henderson, a third-round pick last year, isn’t at camp due to personal issues and Jimmy Williams is reportedly “contemplating his football future.” Both are on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, which means they don’t count against the 90-player limit.

Head coach Vance Joseph spoke about Henderson’s absence during his press conference Friday.

“He’s having some family problems right now, and it’s strictly on Carlos if he wants to continue to play football and wants to come back to camp and compete. That’s strictly personal with Carlos.” Joseph said. “We’re at 90 and we’re moving on and we’re focused.”

Undrafted receiver Mark Chapman signed with the Broncos yesterday, filling one of the two open jobs, and also projects as a slot threat and punt returner, if he proves to be an NFL-caliber player.