Veteran running back Melvin Gordon III, 29, returns to Denver Broncos on a one-year contract

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos general manager George Paton has said «the door is open» for some of the team's free agents to return to the team, even well more than a month into free agency

On Tuesday night, running back Melvin Gordon III agreed to walk through that door. The 29-year-old, eight-year veteran agreed to terms on a one-year deal to return to the Broncos in a package that includes performance incentives.

Gordon is the third unrestricted free agent to re-sign with the Broncos on a one-year deal in recent weeks, joining safety Kareem Jackson and defensive tackle DeShawn Williams. The contract terms were first reported by NFL reporter Jordan Schultz.

The veteran's return — just days away from the NFL draft — indicates he knows he will share carries with Javonte Williams once again. It also shows the Broncos don't believe enough help could be found at that position in this weekend's draft. As a result, the Broncos are expected to open the season with the same three running backs as last year: Williams, Gordon and Mike Boone.

To signify the move Tuesday night, Denver tweeted out a postgame photo of Gordon with quarterback Russell Wilson when the latter was with the Seattle Seahawks. Now, of course, they'll be backfield mates.