The Denver Broncos lost Jeff Heuerman for the season after the tight end tore his ACL in rookie minicamp and now Peyton Manning will work with Owen Daniels, Virgil Green and James Casey as the main tight ends on offense and Daniels likely will start for Manning as long as he remains healthy after signing in free agency.
Heuerman played four years at Ohio State and he is expected to make a full recovery for next season, according to DenverBroncos.com. Heuerman was expected to contribute for Peyton Manning and help the Broncos replace Julius Thomas, who signed with Jacksonville in the offseason. Heuerman has dealt with injuries in the past and he comes in after being the number 92 pick in the draft in the third round by the Broncos.
Daniels signed with the Broncos in the offseason and he is expected to be the starter for Peyton Manning. Daniels previously was with Gary Kubiak in Houston and he had his most productive years while working with Kubiak on the Texans. Last season Daniels was with the ravens after being injured the previous season in Houston and now he has the chance to be a very productive option for Manning. Jermaine Gresham remains a free agent and while the team already brought in Daniels, they could look at signing Gresham if he doesn't ask for too much.
Gresham had surgery this offseason on his back and that is one reason why he is not yet signed to a deal by anyone. Gresham has had a solid run with the Bengals and he has had interest this offseason from the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders. After the draft the Raiders are likely out after taking Clive Walford, but the Cardinals just had John Carlson retire and they could see Gresham as a replacement option on the roster with Troy Niklas.
Daniels signed a three-year, $12 million contract this offseason and he comes in after making 48 catches for 527 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games in Baltimore. The Broncos felt comfortable allowing Thomas to leave with Green being re-signed, as he has similar size and has the potential to break out just like Thomas did over the last two years. Green only has 23 career receptions, but he has the chance to be a strong red zone target for Manning and the Broncos.
Heuerman started for three seasons for the Buckeyes and this year he won the national title with the team. Heuerman was impressive during pre-draft workouts and he was compared to Heath Miller by some scouts leading into the draft. Heuerman has 52 catches and 792 yards in his career and over the past two seasons he has put up six of his seven touchdowns.
The Broncos like to use their tight ends a lot and Manning found Thomas 24 times over the past two seasons for touchdowns. The Broncos likely want some depth at the position with Green being inexperienced and Daniels dealing with injuries over the past couple seasons. Gresham is coming off of surgery and that makes his status a question, but reports have him ready for training camp and the start of the season. This all comes as the Broncos still are working on a contract with Demaryius Thomas, who was hit with the franchise tag this offseason.