Now the Broncos really need help at receiver and on special teams.
Former second-round pick and key special-teamer Cody Latimer signed a deal with the New York Giants, he announced on Twitter on Monday. In New York, Latimer will be reunited with former Broncos receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, who took the same job with the Giants this offseason.
Latimer’s departure, along with the Broncos’ decision to not tender restricted free agent receiver Bennie Fowler, leaves a massive void at the position behind starters Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.
Me and my family are Grateful for the opportunity to sign with an amazing organization @Giants let’s work!! #Newbeginnings 🔵🔴🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/SEVsYC94nu
— Clats12 (@CodyLatimer14) March 19, 2018
It also leaves the team thin on special teams; fellow special-teams contributor and linebacker Corey Nelson signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia last week.
Set to return for 2018 are receivers Carlos Henderson, a 2017 third-round pick who spent his rookie season on injured reserve; exclusive rights free agent Jordan Taylor; receiver/returner Isaiah McKenzie; and four receivers with no playing experience as Broncos — Kenny Bell, River Cracraft, Jordan Leslie and Tim Patrick.
Selected at No. 56 overall in the 2014 draft out of Indiana, Latimer struggled in his first couple of years in Denver with quarterback Peyton Manning. But last season was his finest as a Bronco, as he pulled in 19 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns, and returned eight kicks for 190 yards.
“I was very impressed with Cody from mid-season on,” coach Vance Joseph said at the end of last year. “Cody made big plays down the field for us — contested plays. That’s huge when you’re playing receiver in this league. … I’ve been impressed with him. As a gunner and a guy playing for (former special teams coordinator) Brock (Olivo), he’s been special for us. He had a good year in my opinion. Obviously, he missed the last couple games which is sad for him, but, he had a good year for us.”
In his four years, Latimer recorded 35 receptions for 445 yards and three touchdowns.
Latimer’s exit leaves center Matt Paradis and cornerback Bradley Roby as the only players remaining from the Broncos’ 2014 draft class. (Paradis has until April 20 to sign his second-round restricted free agent tender.)
Of the first five draft classes in John Elway’s tenure as the team’s head of football operations (2011-15), seven players remain on the roster: linebacker Von Miller (2011); defensive end Derek Wolfe (2012); Paradis and Roby (2014); and linebacker Shane Ray, tight end Jeff Heuerman and offensive lineman Max Garcia (2015).
