What was expected is now official — the Broncos have signed 28-year-old running back Theo Riddick to a one-year contract, KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis first reported Friday evening.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed but we do know Denver had $3,739,792 in remaining salary cap space before signing for the ex-Lions tailback.
Riddick will likely compete for the third-down role, a position that belonged to Devontae Booker last season. The roster spots of Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman are safe but the addition of Riddick could mean that Booker’s time with the Broncos is coming to an end.
Booker’s best trait is arguably his ability to be used as a receiver out of the backfield and Riddick has him beat in that category. Booker hauled in 38 receptions last season; Riddick caught 61 passes.
Since he entered the league in 2016, Booker has scored seven total touchdowns — one of them was a catch. Riddick has scored 11 touchdowns since 2016, including seven touchdown receptions. He certainly appears to be an upgrade.
Booker’s fate isn’t sealed just yet, though. He’ll get a chance to compete with Riddick for a spot on the roster during preseason.
