Knowshon Moreno and the Denver Broncos Finalize Contract Talks

NFL News - August 8th, 2009 - Written by Ryan Smith

Knowshon Moreno, the first running back taken in the 2009 NFL draft this April, has finally signed a contract with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos selected Knowshon Moreno with the 12 overall pick in the first round of the draft. After 8 days of holding out on joining the team in mini camp, Knowshon Moreno and his agency staff agreed on a 5 year rookie contract. The contract is worth an estimated $ 23 million with incentives enclosed, and $13 million of the contract is in the form of guaranteed money.

Knowshon Moreno will comprise most of the offense, during the first year of rebuilding in Denver, under new head coach Josh McDaniels. Moreno played two seasons as the starting running back for the University of Georgia, and accumulated 2,734 total yards, and 30 touchdowns in those two years of collegiate football. The Deal was finalized late Friday evening, and Moreno will not be able to attend his first practice until Sunday, as the Broncos have an off day on Saturday.

ESPN reports Denver's new head coach Josh McDaniels had this to say about the 8 day hold out "His representatives are doing what they feel is best for him ... and we're both trying to do what's best for Knowshon and get him here as fast as we can." McDaniels later stated about Moreno's chances of becoming the starting running back "No. I think every body's competing. He's missed 12 practices, so I think ... he'll earn his role after he gets here, that's the best way to say it," Mcdaniels also said "Whatever he does with his opportunities he has once he gets here, that will tell us where to play him and how much to play him, and that really goes for everybody."

Moreno will join a team that already has 4 potential starting running backs in Lamont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter, Peyton Hills, and Ryan Torian. Moreno will have to earn is position on the team, but chances are his youth will play a huge factor in McDaniels decision. The Broncos will need Knowshon Moreno's talented abilities on the football field, especially with new quarterback Kyle Orton under center this season. Orton threw two interceptions on Thursday nigh, at Invesco field in front of a crowd of over 13,000 Broncos fans. The Broncos will rely on the run game and defense to get wins in 2009.

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