Denver Broncos Sign Steven Johnson, Former KU Linebacker, with $12,000 Bonus

The Denver Post is reporting that the Broncos have just agreed to terms with former Kansas linebacker Steven Johnson and 12 other undrafted college rookies.

Johnson, a 6-foot, 239-pound defensive back, received a $12,000 signing bonus as a part of his contract, which, according to the NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement, pays out $355,000 per year and can be terminated at any time.

“I’m happy,” Johnson told KU Sports after his deal was made official. “I’m a little overwhelmed, and it hasn’t really set in yet.”

While he was humbled by the news of being drafted, Johnson said it didn’t come as a complete surprise.

Per Johnson, Denver actually tried to trade for a pick in the seventh round so it could draft the former Jayhawks standout, but could not secure a pick. That inspired the Broncos to tell Johnson they wanted to sign him as a free agent and, after mulling over offers from Denver, Tennessee and about half a dozen others, Johnson saw Denver as the best situation.

The Post writes that other undrafted players who received decent signing bonuses were cornerback Coryell Judie, defensive end Jamie Blatnik and linebacker Jerry Franklin, who each received $10,000. Duke Ihenacho, a safety, signed for $8,500.

The Denver Post’s list of the signing bonuses for the 13 undrafted Broncos can be seen below:

Steven Johnson, linebacker, $12,000
Coryell Judie, cornerback, $10,000
Jerry Franklin, linebacker, $10,000
Jamie Blatnik, defensive end, $10,000
Duke Ihenacho, safety, $8,500
Anthony Miller, tight end, $5,000
Mike Remmers, offensive tackle, $5,000
Aaron Brewer, long snapper, $4,000
Gerrell Robinson, receiver, $3,500
Elliot Coffey, linebacker, $3,000
Austin Wuebbels, guard, $2,500
Wayne Tribue, $2,000
Eric Page, receiver, $1,085

via Denver Post