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Stokley signs on for a one-year deal

Broncos pick up ex-Colts receiver in bargain basement

Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News

Published March 21, 2007 at midnight

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The Broncos took a chance. Brandon Stokley took a chance.

And if things work as each hopes, both sides will be happy when the 2007 season is said and done.

"I think when you look at it, that's why you do a one-year deal," one of Stokley's agents, Mark Bartelstein, said. "He gets one year in a great offense, they get one year with one of the best slot receivers in football. And then next year, he's in the market, or they can see where they are at."

Which is why the Broncos were able to agree to terms with the veteran receiver Tuesday on a one- year contract worth more than $1 million. Stokley's deal also will have performance incentives - including playing time and catches - that could boost his salary significantly.

Stokley also had visited the New Orleans Saints since free agency started March 2.

The Broncos, who met with Stokley last week, were looking for some help at receiver given Rod Smith's recent left hip surgery.

Stokley, 30, still is recovering from a ruptured right Achilles' tendon he suffered last season. He also missed six games in 2006 because of a sprained left knee and had missed a significant part of last summer's training camp with a sprained left ankle.

He finished 2006 with eight catches for 85 yards and one touchdown.

"But he's ahead of schedule," Bartelstein said. "He's on track to be ready to go by the time they get to camp. He's not going to be running for a bit yet, but all indications are he'll be ready."

Stokley spent the past four seasons with the Colts, and his best year came in 2004, when he made 68 receptions for 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He also played four seasons with Baltimore, earning the first of his two Super Bowl rings in 2000 with the Ravens.

With Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall expected - at least, before the Broncos dive into next month's draft - to be the starting receivers, the No. 3 spot was in limbo with Smith's recovery.

Smith underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left hip just after the season ended and was using crutches in recent days.

Smith is expected to miss about four months of the offseason program, but the Broncos believe he could be ready to go in training camp. However, at this point, Stokley and Smith are not expected to take part in the team's passing camp in May or the June minicamp.

ANOTHER EX-BROWN IN FOLD: Following a familiar pattern of the past two seasons, former Cleveland Browns defensive end Alvin McKinley agreed to terms with the Broncos.

He was the third defensive lineman to visit the team's Dove Valley complex in the past week, but one of those targets, former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Alfonso Boone, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

McKinley, who OK'd a four- year deal, played end in the Browns' 3-4 but most likely will play tackle in the Broncos' 4-3 scheme.

Entering his ninth season, Mc-Kinley finished with 45 tackles and one sack in 14 games last season.

He had career highs in 2005 when he finished with 68 tackles and five sacks.

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