Theo Riddick reveals why he chose to sign with Broncos

Since entering the league as a Detroit Lions' sixth-round pick in 2013, Theo Riddick ranks among the NFL's leaders at the running back position in receiving touchdowns (14, second), receptions (285, third) and receiving yards (2,238, fourth).

That's how the 5-foot-9, 201-pound RB has carved out a niche for himself in the league. When he got the call a little more than a week ago that Lions had released him, he looked for the next place he would hang his NFL hat.

I've been told as many as 10 NFL teams showed interest in Riddick, but the main players came down to the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints. Riddick ultimately chose to accept Denver's offer of a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, with $1 million guaranteed and now we have have little more context behind why he chose the Broncos.

“Because they are going to utilize my talent and my strengths," Riddick said on Sunday following the Broncos' practice at team headquarters. "I have a lot of experience being in the game for six years. We got a young room—very talented, but hopefully, I can help them out in terms of things they can see before it happens. You only can get that from experience, so hopefully, it comes in handy.”

I've already explained how the Riddick signing affects Devontae Booker. However, head coach Vic Fangio, at least publicly, doesn't see it quite my way.

“I don’t know if it puts any more pressure on any one guy," Fangio said on Sunday, regarding Riddick's arrival. "Obviously when you add a quality player to a group it’s to be noticed. When it comes down to picking the final team it’s fluid. It’s pretty etched in stone [in that] you have to have these 40 guys—meaning position-wise—how many numbers at a position, and your last 10, 13 guys is based upon fit and ability and future and all that.”

Focusing on what Riddick brings to the table for the Broncos, it all comes down to running routes and catching balls. Even Pro Bowl cornerback Chris Harris, Jr. shared what immediately jumped out to him upon watching Riddick during his first Broncos practice.

“He looked real smooth today," Harris said Sunday. "He looked real smooth. I didn’t see him run the ball, more like catching the rock out the backfield and running routes. But he’s definitely going to be another threat—another receiving threat at the running back that we need.”

Clearly, offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello has some designs for Theo Riddick. He's a great utility knife Scangarello can deploy on gamedays.

I know it was only the backups, and backups to the backups, in the preseason opener but after seeing how clanky the Broncos' passing game was, I'm not sure Riddick is going to be able to provide a value to the offense commensurate with his contract. It'll come down to Scangarello's play-calling and design and the triggerman, Joe Flacco, getting him the ball at opportune times and exploiting matchups.

“I just think it's more just in terms of versatility," Riddick said, explaining what he brings to the table as a RB. "There's one more guy out there that can relieve some of the stress off some of the main receivers here.”

The Broncos gave him $1M guaranteed but Riddick is going to have to justify and earn that money in what remains in the preseason. The Broncos' RB stable is young, deep and talented.

I'm curious to see how Devontae Booker responds to the sudden arrival of Riddick. One aspect that might be able to help Riddick hit the ground running in Denver is the presence of RBs Coach Curtis Modkins, whom Riddick played under his first three years in the league.

Modkins' presence was also likely a deciding factor in Riddick choosing the Broncos. It gives Riddick an immediate familiarity and coaching comfortability — knowing what to expect.

“He is pretty blunt and he's pretty honest," Riddick said with regard to Modkins' coaching style. "He's going to tell you when you're doing something very well and he's going to tell you when something is a little messed up. And that's what I love—I love honesty.”

It's unclear what jersey number Riddick will wear, as the pool is pretty well full with a 90-man roster. Riddick wore No. 25 for the first six years of his career in Detroit. For now, he'll have to take what's available, maybe 40 or 41, as we know that Chris Harris, Jr. isn't about to give up 25. Maybe No. 27 — currently worn by CB Horace Richardson, will be Riddick's if/when it becomes available.

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen.