Bly and Henry restructure contracts to stay in Denver

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INDIANAPOLIS — The Broncos answered one of their biggest offseason questions by agreeing with embattled running back Travis Henry on a restructured contract that will keep him in Denver.

The new deal gives Henry the opportunity to atone for a miserable first year in Denver. His agent said that was the primary reason for Henry's return.

"Travis wants to make it right in Denver," his agent, Hadley Engelhard, said Wednesday. "That is the big reason why he is back. He thinks it can work there."

Engelhard did not disclose the terms of the restructured deal. Originally, the Broncos would have owed a large portion of a $6 million option bonus to Henry on Feb. 29. Henry still has four years remaining on his contract.

Last March, Henry signed a five-year, $22.5 million deal with Denver after being a salary cap casualty at Tennessee. Henry received a $12 million bonus as part of the contract.

The marriage between Henry and the Broncos started beautifully as he led the NFL in rushing after the first four games of the season. However, things went south.

In early October, word broke of Henry's positive drug test, which could have resulted in a year's suspension. After a 54-day saga, Henry won an appeal with the NFL.

But Henry suffered a series of knee and rib injuries that ruined his season. In the final 12 games, he missed four games and didn't have more than 65 yards in a single game. He didn't have a carry in the season finale against Minnesota.

Back in August, it was disclosed in a Georgia court that Henry had fathered nine children by nine women. Late last month, Henry said his issues wore on him. He said then he wanted to come back to the Broncos to show he could be productive on and off the field. He talked to team officials this month and they were satisfied with what they heard.

"He knows Denver is a good place for him," Engelhard said. "He knows he can be a productive player there."
Henry will work in the backfield with Selvin Young, who had a productive rookie season in 2007.

Henry will likely take the role of the short-field bruising back, while Young offers Denver a breakaway threat.

The Broncos have been studying free-agent running backs and could look at some from a pool that includes Dallas' Julius Jones and Tennessee's Chris Brown. But the decision to stick with Henry makes it clear he will be a big part of the offense.

Earlier this week, the Broncos secured a deal with cornerback Dre Bly that will keep him in Denver. The Broncos now will concentrate on wide receiver Javon Walker, linebacker Ian Gold and safety John Lynch.

The team is trying to trade Walker and Gold. Lynch is considering retirement.

I'm glad with the re-structures, but them trying to trade Ian Gold is making me a little irritated.