Broncos unlikely to pursue sprinter Jeff Demps

(Image courtesy of Kelly Lambert/Athens Banner-Herald)

On Tuesday, former Florida Gators running back/wide receiver/returner Jeff Demps caused a stir when he announced that he had filed paperwork with the NFL in hopes of pursuing a career in football.  Demps was undrafted in April due in part to the fact that he told teams he planned to pursue track fulltime.

After winning a silver medal at the 2012 London Games as part of the USA men’s 4×100 relay team, Demps apparently changed his mind and is now pursuing a career in the NFL.  According to one ESPN report, at least seven teams have shown interest in the 5-foot-7-inch tall, 175 pound return specialist.

It is unknown if the Broncos are one of the seven teams that have pursued Demps, but it appears unlikely that they have.  While the Broncos are in need of a returner, the team already has stiff competition at the RB and WR positions and may not be willing to add another player to the mix, which would force the team to make room on the roster by cutting a player they may want to see more of in the preseason (e.g. Xavier Omon or Jason Hill).  

I do not expect the #Broncos to be interested in Jeff Demps, the rookie free agent / Olympic sprinter.

— Lindsay Jones (@PostBroncos) August 16, 2012

Demps has reportedly ran a 4.18 forty-yard dash and averaged 28.8 yards per return during his four-year career at Florida.  As a Gator, Demps recorded 2,470 yards rushing and scored 23 touchdowns.

He is an intriguing player that would undoubtedly improve the Broncos return game, but Denver seems unlikely to use a precious roster spot on a one-trick pony.  Demps is expected to sign with a team in the coming days, so we’ll know soon enough how interested (if at all) the Broncos are.

Do you think the Broncos should kick Demps’ tires?  Who do you think should be the team’s punt and kick returners this season?  Dish out your thoughts in the comments below!