The Broncos cut punter Eddie Johnson on Monday. He had been signed this year.
Denver likely will sign a rookie kickoff specialist/punter this week, along with several other undrafted free agents.
Barring a training camp collapse by recently re-signed punter Todd Sauerbrun, the team’s only potential kicking spot open is for a kickoff specialist. Incumbent Paul Ernster likely will compete with Sauerbrun for that role in training camp.
Just visiting
Players coming to Denver for predraft visits included Florida defensive tackle Marcus Thomas, Florida safety Reggie Nelson, Utah defensive tackle Paul Soliai and Michigan linebacker David Harris. Thomas, taken in the fourth round Sunday, was the only one of those four to be drafted by the Broncos.
Marshall update
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and attorney Harvey Steinberg expressed optimism that wide receiver Brandon Marshall will be cleared in a domestic violence charge stemming from an incident in Highlands Ranch last month.
Marshall was arrested after allegedly blocking a taxi his girlfriend was in as she was trying to leave his home.
“I am very confident that the case will be resolved in a positive manner within two weeks,” Steinberg said.
Footnotes
In addition to trying for Randy Moss, the Broncos had chances to trade for Carolina defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and Eagles running back Ryan Moats on draft weekend but declined to pursue the deals. … While the Broncos dealt next year’s third-round pick to Minnesota, they will have an extra fourth-round pick – from Washington, as part of the Ashley Lelie trade. … Shanahan said Sauerbrun likely will go to training camp as the favorite to be the holder on field goals and extra- point kicks. Quarterback Jay Cutler also can hold. … Kansas State defensive tackle Quintin Echols signed as an undrafted free agent with Indianapolis. Echols and Darrent Williams were close friends, and he was a pallbearer at Williams’ funeral.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
