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
