Denver Broncos Sign Six on Day One, But Are They Done Yet?

The Denver Broncos, as I expected them to, got very busy on Friday and hauled in a large group of free agents. 

In the early goings of Thursday night, it was reported by ESPN's John Clayton that the Broncos would host free agent running backs J.J. Arrington (formerly of the Arizona Cardinals) and Correll Buckhalter (formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles). 

That rumor proved to be true, and the Broncos have basically shot down my initial projection of Shonn Greene heading to Denver via the draft. Agreements were reached on four-year deals with both running backs.

The Broncos also made former New England Patriots special teams ace and long snapper Lonie Paxton the second-highest paid player at his position in the NFL, signing him to a five-year, $5.3 million deal.

In addition to those three, the Broncos added valuable depth at the wide receiver position in former New England Patriot Jabar Gaffney.

Gaffney will compete with Brandon Stokley as the third receiver, but most likely will get playing time as the fourth receiver in Denver's offense. Gaffney signed a four-year, $10 million deal with the Broncos.

At this point, Denver fans are wondering: Where the heck is the defense? The answer literally came minutes later. 

Signing literally a copy of Gaffney's four-year contract was former Miami Dolphins safety Renaldo Hill. Hill provides the Broncos with a good, veteran safety and he is a significant upgrade over Marquand Manuel.

Maybe the biggest news of the day has just come through the wire. In reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and confirmed on ESPN.com, the Denver Broncos have reached an agreement with veteran safety Brian Dawkins, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Terms of the deal have not been given, but it is reported that the length of the contract is two years. 

Two years, two words: Instant credibility.

While Dawkins probably isn't the elite athlete he once was, he knows what it takes to play on a tough defense, and he is a leader.  Great sign by Denver.

Still, the Broncos are not done yet. Denver still wants to add depth at linebacker and cornerback before the draft, and possibly even a good young safety to compete for the starting job with Renaldo Hill. 

In that vein, I'm confirming from ESPN.com's Bill Williamson that the Broncos are scheduling a visit to meet with former Cleveland linebacker Andra Davis.  Stay tuned Denver fans, this is going to be a wild weekend.