Denver Broncos blog, news and rumors


FB

[hype it up!]
[Share with Yardbarker]

Published on 08/06/2012 at Mon Aug 06 15:54.
Tagged: ,,,.



Veteran linebacker Keith Brooking signs with Broncos

Posted Mon Aug 6th by

Keith Brooking at Broncos practice

Linebacker Keith Brooking talks to his new teammates at Denver Broncos training camp hours after signing with the club Monday August 6, 2012. (courtesy DenverBroncos.com/Gray Caldwell)

The Denver Broncos have signed veteran linebacker Keith Brooking Monday, the team announced.

Brooking, a 15th-year player, was a rookie for the Atlanta Falcons in 1998 — the year they played the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.

Brooking is a five-time Pro Bowl selection who has seen action in 209 career regular-season games (179 starts) with Atlanta (1998-2008) and Dallas (2009-11), totaling 1,387 tackles (1,070 solo), 21 sacks (148.5 yds.), 13 interceptions (185 yds.), 64 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries, the Broncos said in a release.

At 36 years old, Brooking isn’t going to push for starting time, but at 6-2, 240 lbs., he’ll add size (very needed) and experience to this linebacker corps. We’ll see if he makes it through camp and preseason.

  • Mergrath

    Welcome Mr. Brooking! I loved watching you play in your early days with Atlanta. Looking forward to your leadership and hopefully whatever playing ability is left!

  • Paradisimo

    I like the experience they have added in Brooking and Leohnard. I have to imagine the deals are pretty team friendly so if they work out great and if not then no biggie.

  • rcsodak

    Evidently the FO isnt liking what theyre seeing in the run defense? Leonard is strictly an in the box S and brooking is the same.

  • http://www.facebook.com/samjsmithjr SÃ…m Smith

    Leadership with a good head on his shoulders. Good move to counteract the “dyme life”.

  • http://Twitter.com/Jon_BT Jon

    Here, here!

  • http://Twitter.com/Jon_BT Jon

    He looks like the ultimate tough guy.

  • Speer999

    Veterans just want a superbowl ring. Nothing less.

  • MrEast

    Ugh. As much as this looks like a good signing on the surface, I am uneasy of it.

    Does this mean that Denver is that unsure of what they have at MLB that they have to sign a guy who is beyond the twilight of his career?

    This move is very reminiscent of the Simeon Rice signing.

  • http://twitter.com/jrodz19 Jeff Rodriguez

    I agree that both of these recent veteran signings raise a red flag about how our run defense is shaping up. Let’s hope we don’t need to use them too much as there can’t be much left in the tank for these guys. Guess I won’t erase “Big, stout, run-stopping DT” from the top of my 2013 Draft needs just yet.

  • MeOMy

    I’ve always loved the idea of mixing aging veteran players with younger developing players. A lot of time they can still play at a high level they just aren’t able to play a full game. Allows you to give the young guys experience but you always have that vet to throw in when the game is on the line and you need someone to make that big play.

  • Andpark

    Great point

  • Doom92

    I’m betting he has a good bit “left in the tank”. I as well like both signings. Hey I’m not sure what it means either but if it helps it doesn’t matter. So I’m glad they are trying to beef things up a little. Better than sitting back and doing nothing at all…

  • BroncoOrange87

    Meh I dont love the signing but can see the LB Corp needing some vet presence. Even if DJ wasnt suspended I dont see him as much of a leader for the younger guys. As MrEast pointed out what really worries me is what this means for Irving and Mohommed. Apparently neither of those guys are stepping up to fill roles. I had high hopes for Irving when he was drafted and i have not heard good things this camp. Brooking had 50 tackles last year (34 solo). Ill be happy if he does that this year in a reserved role. My question is when is he used? At this point in his career he is too slow for coverage and I thought I read he had lost a step against the run as well. Assuming he is purely for depth.