Broncos agree to terms with veteran RB Arrington, three others

Published: Mar 05, 2010 at 04:59 AM

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos are bringing back J.J. Arrington, agreeing to a deal with the tailback who sat out last season with a right knee injury.

The Broncos also agreed to undisclosed terms with defensive lineman Justin Bannan and cornerback Nathan Jones on Friday.

Last March, Arrington originally signed a four-year contract that was worth about $10 million, but the Broncos waived him two months later when he failed a physical because of the balky knee.

Arrington, 27, figures to be a third-down specialist for the Broncos, a role he played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2008 when they advanced to the Super Bowl. He will compete for carries with Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.

The Broncos also agreed to undisclosed terms with two veterans who played for them last season: offensive lineman Russ Hochstein and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.

Hochstein is a 10th-year pro who played in 15 games, starting 10 of them, in his first season with the Broncos last year after being acquired from the New England Patriots in an Aug. 25 trade.

Lloyd is an eighth-year pro who played in two games for Denver last season, including a start in the regular-season finale, when Brandon Marshall was held out for being late to a therapy session for a hamstring injury.

![](http://blogblitz.nfl.com)

![](http://blogblitz.nfl.com/denver-broncos) For more on the Denver Broncos, check out the latest from our bloggers.

» **Blog Blitz: Broncos**

Bannan, 30, arrives in Denver after playing the last four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Before that, the 6-foot-3, 310-pound lineman spent four seasons in Buffalo. Bannan was a standout player down the road at the University of Colorado.

"Justin will fit into our scheme very well, and having played his college ball at Colorado, he's thrilled to return to this state as a Bronco," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said.

Jones, 27, adds versatility to the Broncos' secondary with his ability to play outside corner and the nickel spot and fill in at safety.

With the Miami Dolphins last season, Jones had two interceptions, broke up 10 passes and forced two fumbles. He also had 19 tackles on special teams, tying for 10th in the league.

"He makes plays on defense and has been a core contributor on special teams," Broncos general manager Brian Xanders said.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.