Broncos agree to terms with Lynch and Elliss, sign Raylee Johnson
By JOHN MARSHALL, AP Sports Writer
March 22, 2004
DENVER (AP) -- John Lynch agreed to terms Monday with Denver, as the Broncos continued to revamp their defense.
Denver added two other veterans, signing defensive end Raylee Johnson and agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Luther Elliss.
Lynch played his entire 11-year career with Tampa Bay, but the Buccaneers released him last week. The five-time Pro Bowler was a key part of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl team two years ago, but was scheduled to make $4.2 million next season.
Lynch, 32, can play either safety position, although he has played primarily free safety throughout his career.
Johnson, who spent his first 11 seasons in San Diego, signed a three-year, $3.3 million contract that includes a $1 million signing bonus. The 33-year-old is expected to split time with Reggie Hayward at right end, helping compensate for the loss of Bertrand Berry, who signed with Arizona.
The Chargers released Johnson earlier this month to save salary-cap space, but tried to re-sign him. He also visited Baltimore.
The Broncos have added Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey in a trade with Washington, signed defensive end Marco Coleman and re-signed middle linebacker Al Wilson.
Elliss spent his first nine seasons with Detroit and was a Pro Bowler in 1999 and 2000, but was released by the Lions on March 2 in a cost-cutting move.
All three moves come with risks.
Lynch struggled with neck problems last season with the Buccaneers and had surgery to remove bone spurs in January. He chose Denver over the New York Jets, coached by close friend Herman Edwards.
Johnson has 26 1/2 sacks the past three seasons, but missed the final seven games last year with a foot injury.
Elliss has been plagued by injuries the past few seasons, missing 11 games last year with chest muscle injury suffered during offseason workouts and a concussion late in the season.
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