ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --Just before the start of the 2014 free-agency period, the Broncos made sure one of their own didn't hit the market.
On Tuesday, the team agreed to terms to re-sign wide receiver Andre "Bubba" Caldwell to a two-year contract. Caldwell was set to become an unrestricted free agent.
"I just felt this was the best situation for me and my family coming into a system that I know," Caldwell said. "I felt like I made the most of my opportunities when they gave me a chance to play. I think I made the most out of the limited time I had last year. Hopefully I can compete for an extended role this year and contribute a lot more to the team."
In his second season as a Bronco, Caldwell's production increased significantly. He played in all 16 games for the second time in his career, hauling in 16 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned six kickoffs, averaging 23.5 yards per return.
That came after a 2012 campaign in which he played in eight games for Denver and caught just one pass for 18 yards.
"My comfort level has gone up tremendously since last year," Caldwell said in December. "Being in there, getting those reps in the game and in practice, makes you more confident. I feel like I'm one of the guys and I can go out there and make plays every week."
When wide receiver Wes Welker missed time with a concussion, Caldwell's number was called to help fill in during that absence.
"That was really important," Caldwell said. "That was like a showcase for me to prove to the Broncos and the organization and also my teammates that I was a valuable player on the team and that I could help them whenever my number is called."
He recorded the first multi-touchdown game of his career against the San Diego Chargers during that stretch, and went on to start the final two games of the regular season.
"With Wes out, we called on him and I thought he stepped in and did an excellent job," Head Coach John Fox said. "I think it's a tribute to Bubba working, staying positive."
Caldwell played in all three of the Broncos' postseason games in the 2013 campaign as well.
The six-year veteran spent his first four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, the team that originally drafted him in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
Blessed to continue my career with the BRONCOS #UnfinishedBusiness #12 http://t.co/AKlpza5oMv — Andre Caldwell (@Acaldwell17) March 11, 2014
