ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - A person familiar with the negotiations says the Denver Broncos have signed former Chicago Bears backup quarterback Caleb Hanie to a two-year deal to back up Peyton Manning.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced by the team. ESPNChicago.com first reported the deal earlier Saturday.
Hanie, 26, who played at Colorado State, spent the last three seasons in Chicago. He replaced an injured Jay Cutler in the NFC championship two years ago and nearly rallied the Bears past the Packers. But he went 0-4 in place of Cutler last season, including at loss at Denver.
The Broncos signed Manning on Monday and then dealt Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. They also considered signing free agent Billy Volek.