The Broncos will bring back slot receiver and part-time return man Jordan Norwood on a one-year deal, the veteran wideout announced on his Twitter page (via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post).
Norwood will re-join a crowded stable of Broncos backup targets, one that also includes Cody Latimer and Bennie Fowler. The Super Bowl champions don’t have much statistical proficiency behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but the Broncos opted to use as many as six receivers regularly under Gary Kubiak last season.
Norwood visited the Jets and Lions during free agency but opted to remain in Denver. The Broncos possessed just $1.65MM in cap space — second-fewest in the league — prior to signing the experienced backup target for an undisclosed amount.
Prior to setting a Super Bowl record with a 61-yard punt return, Norwood saw extensive action in the slot for the Broncos last season, starting five games after missing 2013 and 2014 due to injuries. Norwood caught 22 passes for 207 yards and no scores last season, with the 22 receptions ranking third among Denver receivers.
A former UDFA, Norwood could fill Denver’s return specialist vacancies created by the UFA statuses of Andre Caldwell and Omar Bolden. A soon-to-be-30-year-old receiver, Norwood returned six punts for 51 yards during the regular season.
Prior to joining the Broncos, Norwood spent time with the Eagles and Browns, starting four games with the latter in 2011. Norwood has missed three entire seasons — 2010, 2013 and 2014 — but appears to have an opportunity to contribute for the defending champions, who now have five receivers under contract.