The Broncos made a splash Tuesday, signing veteran free-agent nose tackle Jamal Williams from San Diego and defensive end Jarvis Green from New England.
Williams rejoins Broncos defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely after the two spent 10 seasons together with the Chargers. Under Nunnely, Williams made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2005-07. The Chargers released Williams on March 4.
Williams, 34, was one of the most high-profile nose tackles on the free-agent market. But he played in only one game in 2009 after he injured his triceps in the season opener and spent the rest of the season on injured reserve.
With Green, Denver dipped back into the New England player pool. The Broncos signed him to a four-year deal. Green will receive a $2.5 million signing bonus and a guaranteed $800,000 salary for 2010. He can make another $3 million in salary and bonus in 2011.
Green visited with Broncos officials at Dove Valley on Monday. His agent told the Boston Herald last week that Green’s priorities in the offseason were to re-sign with New England or move to Denver.
The 31-year-old Green, at 6-feet-3, 285 pounds, played eight seasons for the Patriots. His time there overlapped with Broncos coach Josh McDaniels from 2002-08.
He will join several former New England faces in Denver, including McDaneils, wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, long-snapper Lonie Paxton and offensive lineman Russ Hochstein.
Bring back the kicker
Broncos kicker Matt Prater had his best season as a pro in 2009 and the Broncos made sure he’d be back to kick this year.
Prater, who was an exclusive rights free agent, signed a deal to return to the team. The Broncos turned the contract into the NFL today.
Prater made 30-of-35 field-goal attempts last season and did not miss an extra point.
— Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
