Virgil Green Re-Signs with Broncos: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

The Denver Broncos were in danger of losing two tight ends in free agency this offseason, especially after Julius Thomas reportedly agreed to join the Jacksonville Jaguars, per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. But Denver ensured that wouldn't happen Tuesday, re-signing Virgil Green.    

The Broncos announced the news on their official website:

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Green, who was set to hit the open market in free agency on Tuesday, has agreed to terms on a new three-year contract in preparation for his fifth NFL season. He was drafted as one of Elway's first picks.

“Virgil has been a big part of our team the last four years and will continue to be in the future,” Elway said. “He’s been a reliable, solid contributor since the day he was drafted. We’re very excited Virgil is returning to the Broncos.”

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Green, 26, has been largely utilized as a blocking tight end in Denver's offense. He caught just six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in 2014, and he has just 23 career receptions for 206 yards and a score, so he isn't exactly going to replace Thomas' productivity in the passing game.

However, his ability as an in-line blocker or even his capability to fill in as a fullback will make him very valuable in new coach Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme.

Still, Denver's going to need to find a pass-catching tight end on the market. Mike Klis of The Denver Post floats out one possibility in that regard:

So no, the team's work at the position isn't done. But Green made a ton of sense to retain given Kubiak's system, so the Broncos have to be quite pleased that they kept Green from getting away.