Multiple players who exceeded expectations for the Denver Broncos in 2015-16 re-signed with the team Friday.
OL’s Matt Paradis and Sam Brenner along with WR Bennie Fowler all signed their exclusive rights free agent tenders and as a result, one player was released by the team.
The Broncos will also be re-signing Safety Shiloh Keo, who signed with the team late last season after he tweeted his availability to Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
Paradis will earn a $525,000 salary in 2016. Paradis, the only player to not miss a snap in the 2015-16 season, became a lynch pin along the offensive line at center and as a result earned a performance-based bonus of $391,647.56, the biggest in league history according to the team. In his second year, the only season he saw playing time, he was a vital piece to an often-injured unit. He was selected 207th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft from Boise State University.
Fowler, a rookie in 2015, also signed his exclusive rights free-agent tender Friday. He was also a surprise this season as he gained more playing time on offense and special teams than the highly touted second-year wide receiver Cody Latimer. His tender amount has not yet been released. He played in 23.8 percent of offensive snaps last season including some big catches down the stretch and into the playoffs. He also caught Peyton Manning’s last pass in Super Bowl 50 for a two-point conversion.
“It feels great to continue my career here in Denver. I’m happy to be back,” Fowler said via the team’s website.
As a result of Paradis signing, former Colorado Buffalo and three-year NFL veteran tight end Nick Kasa was waived. He was signed to the Broncos Jan. 25 to add depth and for use as a Greg Olsen-like practice squad competitor leading up to the Super Bowl.
Keo is returning to the Broncos and will reportedly re-sign with the team when they report back to work on Monday per Nicki Jhabvala. Keo received a DUI shortly after the Broncos victory in Super Bowl 50 and his future of the team was unknown but his play on special teams and fill-in Safety in 2015 has earned him another shot in Denver.
Paradis, Fowler, and Keo made impressive plays in their first year. Their experience in 2015 will surely add to their progress in the upcoming season in which many young players will be relied on.
