Aug 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Richard Gordon (89) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
When the Denver Broncos released James Casey to make room for Derek Wolfe, the versatility of Casey left as well. He would line up in the full back position. However, it appears that the Broncos have found another “James Casey” in regards to those terms.
The Denver Broncos announced on Wednesday that they have signed free agent tight end Richard Gordon. The versatile tight end has played in 34 games with five starts.
#Broncos make a roster move http://t.co/870ziB1lzS pic.twitter.com/5ytYhfdHqf
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 14, 2015
In order to make room for Gordon, the Broncos have decided to waive tight end Mitchell Henry, whom was on the active roster but was a gameday inactive for each game except for last week against the Raiders.
Gordon stands at six feet, four inches tall and weighs 265 pounds. This seems like the perfect guy to take on the roles needed for a tight end hybrid. During his career, he has recorded four receptions for 14 yards and one touchdown.
He does play some special teams as well, where he has recorded 18 tackles during his career.
One thing to note is that he has stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders on his resume. He was selected by the Raiders in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft from the University of Miami. He was in Oakland for two years before spending time with the Steelers, Titans, and Chiefs.
This move comes as somewhat of a surprise to me. If they were going to release Henry, why not keep Casey and do that instead? This maybe a case of me being a fan of Casey because of his talents, but perhaps the Broncos saw something that I did not.
Another possible reason behind the move was the injury to Juwan Thompson. He did not participate in practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring. So, the move could be as a precaution in case Thompson will not be able to go on Sunday.
Either way you slice it and dice it, Broncos Country welcomes Richard Gordon to the Broncos.