ENGLEWOOD, Colo. –After signing with the Broncos in the morning, linebacker Paris Lenon was at practice Tuesday at Dove Valley.
The signing comes on the heels of the news that Stewart Bradley injured his wrist. The current scenario has led Head Coach John Fox and his staff to the decision to move Wesley Woodyard to the middle linebacker position.
"That was going to be a move we made regardless," Fox said about moving Woodyard to the mike position. "Because of (Bradley's injury), it's a big reason why we signed Paris Lenon, who we have high regard for.
"He started the last 16 games for the last three years in a row. He's an athletic guy that we think can help us."
They are also beginning the process of evaluating where Lenon – a 12-year veteran -- can best help the defense. He spent most of Tuesday's practice observing.
Lenon entered the league undrafted in 2000 out of Richmond University but was released before the start of the season. He played in the only season of the XFL for the Memphis Maniacs in 2001 and then returned to the NFL with the Green Bay Packers.
He spent five seasons with the Packers before spending time with four other teams over the next seven season, most recently the Arizona Cardinals. He was a captain for the Cardinals in both 2011 and 2012 and registered at least 100 tackles in each of his three seasons there.
After an offseason of anticipation in free agency, he's a Denver Bronco.
"It's a good football team, and I think was a great opportunity for me to come and be a part of this organization," Lenon said. "I think they're going places."
Lenon said that he would prefer the position that gets him playing time but that he would "probably feel more comfortable inside." But Tuesday was only his first practice in a Broncos uniform and he is focused on learning the playbook for right now.
"I'm going to come out here first of all and learn, you know?" Lenon said. "I just got here. Everything is brand new, and I'm trying to learn as fast and as much as I possibly can.
"Once I get that down, and get going and just try to get in a groove and try to help this team the best way that I can."
