The Broncos spent Sunday night negotiating with veteran running back Travis Henry, a 1,211-yard rusher last season who was cut Saturday by the Tennessee Titans.
Ahman Green, who visited with the Broncos over the weekend, signed a four-year, $23 million contract with the Houston Texans on Sunday. Green’s deal likely will play a role in the Henry negotiations. The Broncos discussed a contract with Green’s agent Sunday but concentrated on striking a deal with Henry, 28.
Henry spent the night in Denver, said his agent, Hadley Engelhard. The Broncos are expected to try to get the deal done before Henry leaves. Oakland, Green Bay and the New York Giants and Jets also are interested in Henry, who has 5,395 yards rushing in six NFL seasons.
If the Broncos don’t get Henry, they could continue to talk to Buffalo about a trade for Willis McGahee or pursue Chicago’s Thomas Jones. The team has also talked to Philadelphia backup Correll Buckhalter. Jamal Lewis, a former Baltimore star, also is a possibility. But Henry appears to be Denver’s top choice.
While talking money with Henry, the Broncos were waiting to hear from the agents of Atlanta defensive end Patrick Kerney and New England tight end Daniel Graham. Kerney and Graham, a former Colorado All- American, ended their Denver visits Saturday and were in Seattle on Sunday night. Graham visited Oakland between trips to Denver and Seattle.
Kerney is discussing deals with Denver and Seattle and might decide today. Graham’s decision also could come today, with the Broncos or Seahawks his likely new team. Graham, a Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, is said to want to play for the Broncos.
Seattle is believed to be offering Kerney and Graham more than Denver and was pushing to get a deal done with Kerney on Sunday.
Broncos safety John Lynch helped his team entertain Kerney and veteran quarterback Brad Johnson over the weekend. Johnson, who would be Jay Cutler’s backup if he signed with the Broncos, left Sunday night to visit the Dallas Cowboys. His decision could come today.
Johnson, 38, has spent all of his 13 seasons playing for NFC teams and is close with new Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. But Johnson’s friendship with Lynch is in Denver’s favor. They were road roommates while with Tampa Bay.
“Brad is certainly serious about Denver,” Lynch said. “Brad sees Denver as an interesting possibility.”
Trying to secure Cutler’s backup, the Broncos have a visit set for today with Cincinnati backup Anthony Wright.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
