Wes Welker sure knows how to pick his quarterbacks.
The star receiver, Tom Brady’s favorite target, is leaving New England and heading to Denver, where he’ll join Peyton Manning and the Broncos.
Also getting new deals were Reggie Bush in Detroit, Dashon Goldson in Tampa Bay and even Ray Lewis — with ESPN.
Day 2 of the NFL’s free agency frenzy was highlighted by Welker grabbing a two-year deal with the Broncos, who had the AFC’s best regular-season record in 2012. He gives Manning one of the steadiest targets the four-time league MVP ever has had.
Broncos boss John Elway said on Twitter: “Excited to have Wes join the Broncos. His production & toughness will be a great asset!”
The best slot receiver in the league, Welker caught 118 passes for 1,354 yards and six TDs last season.
Denver added defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, too.
Bush agreed to a four-year deal and could fill a huge hole at running back. The Lions haven’t been able to count on 2010 first-round draft pick Jahvid Best, whose career is in doubt because of concussion issues.
“It’s a running back’s dream,” Bush said.
Bush adds to a strong offense led by record-setting All-Pro receiver Calvin Johnson. The second overall pick in 2006 by New Orleans, Bush rushed for 986 yards for Miami last season after gaining 1,086 yards in 2011, his first season with the Dolphins.
“The thing that was important to us was not just the talent of Reggie Bush, but also the way those talents complemented the other players we have on offense,” coach Jim Schwartz said. “That was really the basis of our interest in Reggie.”
The Lions also landed safety Glover Quin and defensive end Jason Jones. They retained cornerback Chris Houston.
All-Pro safety Goldson, who played at the University of Washington (2004-06) and has spent all off his six-year NFL career with San Francisco, gets a five-year contract worth $41.25 million. He receives $8.25 million per year and $22 million guaranteed. He spent the past two seasons on one-year contracts with the 49ers, including last year with the franchise tag for $6.2 million.
Cleveland remained active, agreeing to terms with linebacker Quentin Groves and tackle Desmond Bryant to further bolster a defense that added Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger hours after free agency began.
Kruger is one of many Super Bowl winners to leave the Ravens, including hard-hitting safety Bernard Pollard, who was released.
A big loss for Baltimore was Lewis, who announced in early January that he was ending his 17-year career then led the Ravens to the championship.
On Wednesday, he joined ESPN as a studio analyst.
“I’m ready to bring the same level of passion to this next phase of my life as I brought to the field during my years as a player,” Lewis said.
ALSO WEDNESDAY:
• Baltimore signed defensive lineman Chris Canty, offensive lineman Ramon Harewood and running back Damien Berry.
• Kansas City added cornerback Dunta Robinson, receiver Donnie Avery and offensive lineman Bryan Mattison to the three free agents it signed the previous day.
• Chicago released tight end Kellen Davis after signing Martellus Bennett away from the Giants on Tuesday to replace him.
• The Giants signed veteran placekicker Josh Brown, who was with Seattle from 2003-07, to join ex-Cowboys kicker David Buehler on the roster. That may indicate free agent Lawrence Tynes, who twice made winning overtime field goals in NFC Championship games to send the Giants on to Super Bowl victories, won’t be back.
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