Omar Bolden, Denver’s most effective return man last season, is joining the cavalcade of former Broncos in Chicago, signing a one-year, $760,000 deal with the Bears.
Former Broncos coach John Fox continued his yearlong reunion with Denver players, adding Bolden to linebacker Danny Trevathan, long snapper Aaron Brewer and offensive guard Manny Ramirez this offseason. Bolden informed the Post of the Thursday’s agreement.
A fourth-round draft pick in 2012 out of Arizona State, Bolden suffered through pain and poor luck last season.
He experienced multiple leg and foot injuries. A hamstring issue on Dec. 6 sidelined him for four weeks. He returned for the divisional round playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, producing a 42-yard first quarter punt return in the victory. Moments later, he sprained a ligament in his right knee, ending his season.
“I got the short end of the stick this year (with injuries),” said Bolden, who did not require surgery.
A defensive back by trade, Bolden showed explosiveness when available. He produced the Broncos’ longest punt return last season, an 83-yard second quarter touchdown burst that kept Denver within striking distance in a Nov. 8 loss at Indianapolis. He led the Broncos with 342 yards on 15 kick returns. Jordan Norwood, who set a Super Bowl record with a 61-yard punt return, took over for Bolden on special teams. The Broncos re-signed him Norwood last week, making Bolden expendable.
Bolden lamented that he was unable to re-sign with Denver but said he is happy to be in Chicago.
“Will miss the No Fly Zone, my teammates, coaches and, most importantly, the fans,” he said. “Sad things didn’t work out with Denver, but I am happy to be a Chicago Bear!”
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck
