DENVER (April 1, 2005) -- The Denver Broncos signed former New York Giants running back Ron Dayne, and re-signed defensive tackles Luther Elliss and Monsanto Pope.
The Broncos also re-signed unrestricted free agent tight end Patrick Hape.
The 27-year-old Dayne played six seasons with the Giants after winning 1999 Heisman Trophy at Wisconsin. He has rushed for 2,067 yards and 16 touchdowns in 62 games.
Dayne was signed to help offset the loss of Reuben Droughns, who was traded to Cleveland on March 30 for linemen Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers.
Ellis, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, had two sacks and six tackles last season before being placed on injured reserve with a lower-back injury. Pope, who has started in 21 of 46 regular-season games with Denver, played in 16 games last season, finishing with a career-high 30 tackles, one sack and knocking down one pass.
Hape has played five years for the Broncos after spending four seasons with Tampa Bay. He has 51 career receptions for 287 yards and 11 touchdowns.
