Russell Wilson threw a dart at a fan during his introduction to the crowd. (0:22)
The door is open for some of the team's free agents to return to the Broncos, even more than a month into free agency, according to George Paton.
On Tuesday night, Gordon III agreed to go through that door. The 29-year-old, eight-year veteran agreed to terms on a one-year deal to return to the Broncos in a package that includes performance incentives.
Gordon is the third unrestricted free agent to re-sign with the Broncos on a one-year deal. The contract terms were reported by a reporter.
The veteran's return indicates he knows he will share carries with Javonte Williams once again. The Broncos don't believe enough help could be found at that position in the draft. As a result, the Broncos are expected to open the season with the same three running backs as last year: Williams, Gordon and Mike Boone.
The Denver Broncos posted a picture of running back Gordon with quarterback Russell Wilson after the game on Tuesday. They will be backfield mates.
👐👐👐 pic.twitter.com/jkjswc0dox
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 27, 2022
After Tuesday's minicamp practice, Williams was asked if he thought Gordon would return to the team.
Williams said that he has been talking to Mel recently to see how he is. It doesn't matter if I split carries or if I am the starter. I'm just trying to win the Super Bowl.
Gordon had said as last season drew to a close that he believed Williams had the skills to be the team's top back, and because of that he hoped to find a situation where he could be the unquestioned No.
Gordon and Williams each had 912 yards rushing, Gordon leading the team with 918 yards. Gordon missed just one game this past season, the Broncos Week 13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, due to a variety of injuries.
First-year coach Nathaniel Hackett likes what he has seen from Williams and thinks he could be a lead back. When minicamp opened Monday, he wanted more depth at the position.
When Gordon signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Denver Broncos before the 2020 season, he always seemed to be the target of criticism from the team's faithful. He has scored 20 touchdown in 31 games in the past two seasons.
Gordon was asked if he would leave in free agency as last season ended.
I am thinking about it. I would love to be here. I don't think a lot of people want me here. I would like to be here. I have been seeing a lot of things. I understand. I understand. I love it here. I like the guys here. I would love to be here. Right now, regardless of the hate. I think it is mostly because of fantasy. People are a little tight in the back end of the fantasy football world.
He was considered the veteran most responsible for taking carries away from Phillip Lindsay, a Denver South High School graduate, in 2020. Some fans wanted to see Williams carry the ball more.
Gordon persevered. He has rushed for 6,144 yards and 53 touchdown and has 284 reception for 2,244 yards and 14 touchdown in seven seasons.
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