Fansided

Each NFL team’s worst free-agent signing

By Jarrett Bailey

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 14: Nnamdi Asomugha #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammate Brandon Boykin #22 after intercepting a pass against the Detroit Lions during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 14, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lions won 26-23 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 14: Nnamdi Asomugha #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammate Brandon Boykin #22 after intercepting a pass against the Detroit Lions during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 14, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lions won 26-23 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Daryl Gardener (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Daryl Gardener (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos: Daryl Gardener

This is a story that seems to get lost in the annals of NFL history, but it’s a fascinating one, nonetheless. Gardener was a very productive defensive tackle for the Dolphins and Washington from 1996-2002. Prior to the 2003 season the Broncos signed Gardener to a seven year contract that paid him $5 million per season.

What was looked at as a good signing by the Broncos turned out to be a nightmare. Gardener got into an altercation at a restaurant after signing with the Broncos, and then was suspended by the team after a rant during a radio interview.

Gardener referred to then-Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan as a “little man” and said that the Broncos couldn’t win a Super Bowl without him being on the team. After all the issues in such a short time, the Broncos released Gardener- his Broncos career lasting just five games. What Denver thought would be an upgrade on their defensive interior turned out to be a whirlwind of off the field problems, and a locker room cancer that didn’t even last a whole season. Gardener didn’t play another down in the NFL after being released by the Broncos.

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