Broncos likely to sign Mendenhall

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2013, 9:32 PM EDT
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We reported over the weekend, which feels like it was a year ago, that the Broncos are interested in running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Interest could soon become something more.

Per a league source, the Broncos are likely to add the former first-round pick, whose rookie contract with the Steelers officially expired earlier today.

Mendenhall suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 of the 2011 season, and he battled an Achilles injury during the 2012 season.  He also had an Osama bin Laden Twitter misadventure two years ago, not to mention a decision to stay home after he was informed he’d be deactivated for a December game against the Chargers.

The Broncos don’t seem to be deterred.

Also interested are the Cardinals.  But the Broncos are deemed to be the favorite to land him.

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26 responses to “Broncos likely to sign Mendenhall”

  1. Seems like a low-risk high reward signing like Willis McGahee was a few years ago, Denver needs a power back and Peyton can really utilize him in a way similar to how Stevan Ridley is in New England.

  5. Tonyugoh,

    Mendenhall is NOT a power back. He plays like cedrick benson before he left chicago…

    By that, i mean he has the size of a power back, but no power and has good, but not elite speed. He does everything kind of average. He’s average and he’s a pain in the locker room.

  8. Mendy will put up nice numbers in Denver..they have a better O-Line (run blocking)

  9. this guy has good football left in him, I personally will miss him in the black and gold.

  12. Mendenhall is a very charitable citizen. He can bring his buddy, Al Quida, to town for even more charitable events. Class move by the Broncos, good for the locker room too.

  13. This guy is a good player. He can bounce outside and make a big run and he can catch the ball.

    He bascially had 3,500 yards in 3.5 seasons..the first blown out by Ray Lewis, the first half or more of last season coming off the major injury.

    He’s a loner and a little quirky what with the tweeting stuff.

    I think Peyton and that offense will make him a really good pickup.

    Sorry to see him go.

  15. Low risk high reward. Are you Steelers fans telling me that when he was healthy that he wasn’t productive? Plus he’s only 25 and he will play alongside Ronnie Hillman. Good move as long as the price is right

  17. Mendenhall was a tremendous back for us when healthy. And despite all the harping about his forced fumble in the Super Bowl, he was remarkably sure-handed that season. I’d like to see him start fresh with a new team, and hope a move to Denver would work out well for all involved.

  18. Seems like a good signing for the Broncos. I always like Mendenhall and thought he got a bad rap in Pittsburgh(some from his own doing). I think he’ll be a 1k yard rusher for the Broncos

  19. I’d roll the dice with Knowshon in 2013 and focus the improvement in the secondary via free agency

  20. SOLID PICK UP (IF IT REALLY HAPPENS)
    one of the glaring needs for the Broncos last year was a true threat at RB…R.M. would give them that + depth.
    I like the move.
    Elway is showing that a project like the one Josh McDaniels left may not be a 6-8 year plan.
    hE IS TRYING TO PUT A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM TOGETHER IN 3 YEARS.
    sorry about the caps….i’m buzzed.
    and so far looks pretty good at making a true contender out of a circus team

  21. Say Garity, let’s keep it to football, your opinions otherwise seem out of place. There are other websites for you to attack our country’s constitution, keep it away from PFT. Mendenhall will blossom under Adam Gase and Foxy, I wish the kid the best. Also, LOVE the Vasquez pickup. Keeping fingers crossed for DRC and Knighton…..

  23. If they do sign him, I hope he come with a better attitude and winning mentality. The broncos are focused and don’t need any headaches in the locker room and I’m sure they let him know. Of all RBs and the market, he’s probably more of a bargain when you think of guys like bush, Jackson, etc. broncos are spending smart at the same time adding talent, that’s what real contenders do.

  24. As a die hard Bronco fan with an effin tattoo on his leg of the Broncos I hope to hell we dont sign this effin clown! Where is Marice Clarrettt he may do better!

  25. stiller43:
    I take it that you’ve spent a lot of time in the Steelers’ locker room?
    Mendenhall was the Steelers’ best running back up until 4 pm on Tuesday. He played one full game this past season: He carried the offense in a 16-14 win against the Eagles.
    Just because Tomlin publicly disliked him and didn’t use him right, that’s no reason to think Mendenhall was a pain in the locker room.
    There’s no bigger pain on the entire team than Roethlisberger, who has All-Pro defensive teammates (James Harrison) rushing for the locker room exits.

  26. This guy was in the league 5 yrs & didn’t realize that even though you get scratched for a game, you still have to be on the sidelines (San Diego gm in Dec). It’s a friggin shame the Steelers selected him in the draft instead of Ray Rice. He didn’t listen to Steeler brass – think he’ll listen to Peyton Manning???

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