March 28, 2024

Welker to Broncos caps Wednesday’s NFL moves

Day 2 of the NFL’s free agency frenzy was highlighted by Wes Welker grabbing a two-year deal with the Denver Broncos. He gives Peyton Manning one of the steadiest targets the four-time league MVP ever has had.

Welker was one Tom Brady’s favorite targets and considered the best slot receiver in the league. He caught 118 passes for 1,354 yards and six TDs last season.

Also getting new deals were Reggie Bush in Detroit, Dashon Goldson in Tampa Bay, and even Ray Lewis — with ESPN.

Bush agreed to a four-year deal and could fill a huge hole at running back. The Lions haven’t been able to count on 2010 first-round draft pick Jahvid Best, whose career is in doubt because of concussion issues.

All-Pro safety Goldson gets a five-year contract worth $41.25 million. He receives $8.25 million per year and $22 million in guaranteed money. He spent the past two seasons on one-year contracts with the 49ers, including last year with the franchise tag for $6.2 million.

Free agent defensive back Charles Woodson had a meeting with the NFC champion Niners in the Bay Area on Wednesday, according to his agent, Carl Poston. Also Wednesday, former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Glenn Dorsey signed a two-year contract after meeting with the Niners.

Lewis, who announced in early January that he was ending his 17-year career, joined ESPN as a studio analyst — an intense one, no doubt.

“I’m ready to bring the same level of passion to this next phase of my life as I brought to the field during my years as a player,” Lewis said.