Ty Law signs with Denver, giving Broncos’ seasoned secondary another veteran

Pro Bowler Ty Law signs with Broncos

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Ty Law spent the first half of the season waiting for the right team to come calling. Now that it has, he doesn’t want to waste any more time getting back on the field.

Law came out of what he called “semiretirement” Saturday to join the Denver Broncos and counts on contributing Monday night when the Pittsburgh Steelers bring three wide receivers to Invesco Field who are averaging more than 14 yards per catch.

“They’re trying to get me ready to play this week in a limited fashion,” Law said. “I did it last year.”

The 15-year veteran joined the Jets at midseason in 2008 and played aplenty a few days later against New England.

“I’m just going to kind of wing it and go out and do the best I can,” Law said. “But right now they’re just shoving a lot down my throat because the terminology is totally different.”

The 35-year-old Law gives the Broncos five players in the defensive backfield who are older than 30. Law said it was comforting to join a seasoned secondary that features Champ Bailey, Andre’ Goodman, Renaldo Hill and Brian Dawkins.

“It’s different between walking into a situation where you’ve got a bunch of young guys, a bunch of first- and second-year guys. This is perfect. I can take my time and learn the system because it’s already established and all I’m doing is trying to help,” Law said.

The five-time Pro Bowl cornerback passed his physical and practiced with the Broncos on Saturday, trying to acclimate himself to the altitude after signing what was believed to be a one-year deal.

Law, who gives the Broncos a defensive backfield that now sports a combined 20 Pro Bowl selections, also is familiar with Denver coach Josh McDaniels, who was an assistant with the Patriots during his time in New England.

Law helped New England to three Super Bowl titles. He signed with the Jets in 2005 after being released by the Patriots, and had a career-high 10 interceptions and was voted to the Pro Bowl. He was released by the Jets after that season and followed coach Herm Edwards to Kansas City, where he played two years before being cut in the offseason.

“He gives us some depth at corner. He played obviously a long time in this league. He knows how to play inside, outside and he’s in good shape and ready to go,” McDaniels said. “We feel like hopefully it will take us take a step forward.”

To make room on the roster, the Broncos waived defensive back Jack Williams. Law’s signing also likely means reduced playing time in the nickel and dime packages for rookie Alphonso Smith.

Two of the Broncos’ last three opposing quarterbacks — New England’s Tom Brady and Baltimore’s Joe Flacco targeted Denver’s third cornerback with great success.

Law had been training in Florida and said he hadn’t counted on staying on the sideline much longer.

“I trained to play. I wouldn’t be out there if I didn’t,” he said. “(I) had some closure in my career as far as what I’ve done and what I’ve accomplished. I’ve accomplished a lot of things. But I still had the itch.”

Law said he spurned other teams’ offers this season and never expected the Broncos to call, but jumped at the chance when he heard from McDaniels. He said he later heard Indianapolis had some interest, too.

But this seemed like the perfect fit.

“First, I’m familiar with a lot of their guys here. They’re hungry. They’re winning and then, my familiarity with Josh McDaniels. I’ve won a few championships with him,” Law said. “Other than going back to New England, this would be the ideal situation for me.

“There are a bunch of guys out there hungry to get a championship and that’s what I’m looking for, to try and capture another championship before I shut down for good.”