The Broncos brought back two of their most professional veterans today by re-signing guard Russ Hochstein and receiver Brandon Lloyd.
Hochstein was acquired in training camp last season from New England. He started 10 of the 15 games he played for the Broncos, missing the final game with a knee injury.
Lloyd was rewarded for his team-first attitude last season. Here’s a guy who once made big money. In 2006, Washington acquired him from San Francisco for a third- and fourth-round draft pick. The Redskins then gave Lloyd a $10 million signing bonus.
He’s a legitimate deep-threat receiver who has averaged 14.5 yards per catch in his career. Yes, he’s only averaged a disappointing 23.4 catches per season in his seven-year career. But Lloyd’s stock soared last year because of his attitude. He not only didn’t play in the Broncos’ first 14 games, he didn’t even dress.
Yet, when the Broncos needed him to replace an injured Eddie Royal in the final two games, Lloyd was ready. He had eight catches for 117 yards.
It’s likely both Hochstein and Lloyd were signed for around the seven-nine year minimum salary of $760,000.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com
