Wesley Woodyard, Ryan McBean Sign Tenders

Ryan McBean #98 of Denver Broncos waits for a play during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 31, 2010 in London, England. This was the fourth occasion where a regular season NFL match was been played in London. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Broncos outside linebacker Wesley Woodyard has signed his restricted free agent tender and defensive tackle Ryan McBean has signed his exclusive rights tender, Denver announced on Friday evening.  Denver’s kicker, Matt Prater signed his tender earlier this afternoon.

All three players will be added to the 90-man training camp roster, but cannot practice with the team until the new league year officially begins (August 4th).  Offensive lineman Ryan Harris and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas are two other free agents Denver may try to re-sign as well.

Woodyard, at age twenty-five, is a three year veteran.  Woody started the final three games of 2010 and has been a leader on special teams since arriving in Denver in 2008.  Playing in 11 games, Woodyard recorded 37 tackles and 1 sack last year.  He is expected to compete for a linebacker position and hold on to his special teams captain’s role.

McBean, a twenty-seven year old player entering his fourth season, had a rotational role on Denver’s defensive line last season.  It is expected that he will play defensive tackle in Fox’s 4-3 defense.  Appearing in every game (starting four) last season, McBean recorded 19 tackles.  McBean will probably again compete for a rotational role on Denver’s line this season.

It’s nice to have these players out of the way, now the team needs to focus on signing a solid defensive tackle.