Broncos agree with Arrington

Mar 6, 2010 - 3:59 AM ENGLEWOOD, Colo.(AP) -- The Denver Broncos are bringing back J.J. Arrington, agreeing to a deal with the tailback who sat out last season with a right knee injury.

Denver also agreed to terms with defensive lineman Justin Bannan and cornerback Nathan Jones on Friday.

Arrington originally signed a four-year contract last March with Denver that was worth about $10 million, but the team waived him two months later when he failed a physical due to the balky knee.

The 27-year-old Arrington figures to be a third-down specialist for the Broncos, a role he played for Arizona in 2008 when the Cardinals advanced to the Super Bowl.

He will compete for carries with Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.

The Broncos also agreed to terms Friday with two veterans who played for them last year: offensive lineman Russ Hochstein and receiver Brandon Lloyd.

Hochstein is a 10th-year pro who played in 15 games, starting 10 of them, in his first season with the Broncos last year after being acquired from New England in a trade Aug. 25.

Lloyd is an eighth-year pro who played in two games for Denver last season, including a start in the regular season finale, when Brandon Marshall was held out for being late to a therapy session for a hamstring injury.

Bannan, 30, arrives in Denver after playing the last four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Before that, the 6-foot-3, 310-pound lineman spent four seasons in Buffalo. Bannan was a standout player down the road at the University of Colorado.

"Justin will fit into our scheme very well, and having played his college ball at Colorado, he's thrilled to return to this state as a Bronco," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said.

Jones, 27, adds versatility to the Broncos' secondary with his ability to play outside corner, the nickel spot and fill in at safety.

With the Miami Dolphins last season, Jones had two interceptions, broke up 10 passes and forced two fumbles. He also had 19 tackles on special teams, tying for 10th in the league.

"He makes plays on defense and has been a core contributor on special teams," Broncos general manager Brian Xanders said.