ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos have signed 10 players to future contracts, including seven who were on their practice squad at the end of the season, the team announced Wednesday.

Quarterback Garrett Grayson, wide receiver Chad Hansen, linebacker Alexander Johnson, defensive end Caushaud Lyons, running back Khalfani Muhammad, guard Austin Schlottmann and cornerback Linden Stephens will officially return to the roster when the league year begins on March 13. Andreas Knappe, who finished the season on the practice squad/injured reserve list, also signed a future contract.

Joining them are former Broncos safety Shamarko Thomas, who appeared in six games for Denver in 2018, and first-year wide receiver Fred Brown, who most recently was a member of the Rams' practice squad. Over eight preseason games with the Rams in 2018 and the Colts in 2017, Brown recorded 20 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown.

Three of the Broncos' future-contract signings ahead of the 2018 season made it to the active roster this past season. Wide receiver River Cracraft became the team's starting punt-returner in Week 10 and caught the first pass of his career in Week 17 for 44 yards. Wide receiver Tim Patrick was one of the Broncos' more explosive receivers in a reserve role, gaining an average of 13.7 yards on his 23 catches for 315 total yards and one touchdown. Tight end Brian Parker appeared in 13 games for the Broncos, with one start, and recorded 33 yards on five catches.

One 2017 future-contract signing has also been a key contributor since joining the team. Nose tackle Shelby Harris has been a key member of the defensive line rotation, taking down opposing quarterbacks for seven sacks over the past two years. He also had a goal-line interception of Ben Roethlisberger in Week 12 to secure a win over the Steelers.