Ty Law’s semi-retirement officially ended today after he passed a physical and signed a one-year contract with the Broncos.
Law, 35, a five-time Pro Bowl cornerback, participated in the team’s light practice this afternoon and attended team meetings and is preparing to play in Monday’s home game against Pittsburgh.
“I’ve trained and stayed in shape in case the right opportunity came along, but the right opportunity didn’t come along. Now it finally did,” Law said. “I had to jump on it.”
Law’s contract will pay him $800,000 in base salary, and he also received a $200,000 signing bonus. He could earn an additional $400,000 in incentives.
To make room for Law on the 53-man roster, the Broncos released second-year cornerback Jack Williams, a fourth-round draft pick in 2008. Williams had split time as the team’s nickel corner with rookie Alphonso Smith in recent weeks.
McDaniels today said he thought the Broncos had been a “pretty solid coverage group,” but that the secondary would be improved with the addition of Law, who, at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, is two inches taller and more than 15 pounds heavier than Williams.
“It’s a thing where we felt he could come in and help us, in more than one way, give us some depth at corner,” McDaniels said of Law. “He’s played a long time in this league, knows how to play inside, outside. He’s in good shape and ready to go.”
Law, who celebrated the birth of his third child, a daughter named Phoenix on Tuesday, said it was a “shock” to hear from McDaniels, but an easy decision to come to Denver.
“I’ve got a good situation here, veteran guys,” Law said. “This is perfect. I can take my time, and learn the system because it’s already established. I’m just trying to help.”
With Champ Bailey and Andre’ Goodman as the outside corners, opponents have increasingly attacked the Broncos’ nickel corner in recent weeks, and especially last Sunday, when Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco completed 12-of-15 passes against the nickel package, with completions of 18- and 21-yards against Williams in the third quarter.
“Its funny, it happened so fast. We’re definitely getting a guy with a lot of experience, a guy that’s made a lot of plays,” Bailey said. “I think it’s a good addition, I think he can help us, I just hope it works out well.”
Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com
