The
Denver Broncos have won their first AFC West battle of 2012.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Denver has signed cornerback
Drayton Florence to a two-year deal. Florence, who has started 45 games in the past three seasons, was cut by Buffalo last week.
Florence was highly coveted after being released by the Bills. He visited Tennessee on Wednesday. San Diego, where he spent his first five NFL seasons, was also trying to sign Florence. Schefter reports Denver will pay Florence fairly well.
San Diego wanted Florence, 31, as a nickel cornerback, and that is likely the role he will have in Denver. He adds depth to a talented cornerback crew that includes starters
Champ Bailey and
Tracy Porter.
I could see some situations where Bailey plays nickel in some instances. He played some nickel last season. The Broncos also have
Chris Harris, an undrafted player in 2011 who played well, and 2012 fourth-round pick
Omar Bolden. He missed last season with a torn ACL, but the Arizona State product was considered a second-round talent before his injury.
Thus, Denver has a deep and talented cornerback group, and the Florence addition strengthens it. Last month, Denver tried to trade for
Asante Samuel, but it couldn’t come to an accord with Samuel.
