Broncos Punter Colquitt Signs Free Agent Tender

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - Denver punter Britton Colquitt has signed his free agent tender that will pay him $1,323,000 next season.

The Broncos gambled slightly by tendering him with a "right of first refusal" distinction, a tender that paid him less than the $2,023,000 that comes with a "second round" distinction and opened the possibility of other teams making a bid on him.

The Broncos have told Colquitt, who made $615,000 last year, that they hope to discuss a long-term contract before the season.

Colquitt ranked third in the NFL in 2012 in net punting with a 42.1-yard average, second with a 6-yard return average and second with 45 punts inside the 20 with only seven touchbacks.

He is the franchise leader in career gross (46.1) and net (39.5) punting averages.

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