Wide receiver Brandon Stokley, one of the last remaining big-name players on the free-agent market, visited the Broncos on Tuesday.
Stokley’s agent, Rick Smith, said Tuesday night he had nothing new to report on negotiations. Denver is expected to talk to the player’s representatives later this week.
The Broncos will have competition for Stokley, who visited New Orleans last week. The Saints remain strongly interested in the former Louisiana-Lafayette star.
Stokley, 30, is considered an ideal No. 3 slot receiver when healthy. He still is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon that cut short his 2006 season with the Indianapolis Colts.
Stokley also had ankle and knee injuries last season. Because of his history of injuries, Stokley likely will have to sign an incentive-laden contract.
His best NFL season was with the Colts in 2004, when he had 68 catches for 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has career totals of 22 starts and 199 receptions for 2,829 yards and 22 touchdowns in 74 games with the Colts and Baltimore Ravens.
The Broncos are expected to use veteran wideout Rod Smith as a key backup with Brandon Marshall, a rookie last season, getting a chance to be a starter along with Javon Walker.
The Broncos also are high on wide receiver Domenik Hixon, a fourth-round draft pick in 2006 who was injured and didn’t play last season.
Smith, the Broncos’ all-time leading receiver, restructured his contract last week and turns 37 in May.
In addition to Stokley, Denver visited with free-agent defensive tackle Ian Scott on Tuesday. The Broncos are expected to continue talks with Scott and remain in contact with free-agent defensive lineman Alfonso Boone, who has visited with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Peterson returning
The Broncos re-signed another unrestricted free agent Tuesday, retaining defensive end Kenny Peterson. Wide receiver and kick returner Quincy Morgan re-signed Monday.
Peterson’s return has been in the works for several weeks.
Peterson, 28, originally signed with Denver last October and played in three games for the Broncos. He was cut by the Green Bay Packers in September.
Peterson played in Green Bay for Jim Bates, Denver’s new assistant head coach in charge of defense, and bolsters the Broncos’ depth at his position.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
