Dec 22, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) is tackled by Cleveland Browns strong safety T.J. Ward (43) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Browns 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
FINALLY! One of the names on my previously posted shopping list has been signed by the Denver Broncos. Former Cleveland Browns safety, T.J. Ward was inked this afternoon to become a member of Broncos Country. The deal is reportedly for 4 years and $23 million with $14 million guaranteed.
What does this mean for the Broncos? It means that we get a safety in his prime at 27 years old. It means that we get a guy who finds his way to the ball and makes plays (112 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1.5 sacks, 1 touchdown, and 1 fumble recovery last season). It means that we get a durable, hard hitting safety who has played at least 14 games in 3 of his first 4 season (16 each in 2010 and 2013) and has started every game in his career in which he has played. Lastly, it means that we instantly have a pretty formidable set of starting safeties if Raheem Moore is healthy and ready to go at the start of the 2014 season. John Elway took to Twitter just after the signing this afternoon.
"“Excited to announce we’ve agreed to terms with strong safety T.J. Ward. He’ll bring energy and toughness to our secondary”, tweeted Elway."
ProFootballFocus.com has Ward listed as the sixth best safety in the NFL and for a Broncos’ defense that was 21st against the pass in 2013, T.J. will surely help better that ranking in 2014.
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