DENVER — Unable to find a starting job elsewhere, quarterback Gus Frerotte returned to the Denver Broncos after agreeing to a one-year contract Tuesday.

        Frerotte, who turned down an offer from the Cincinnati Bengals last week, probably will fill the same role as last season, when he was backup to starter Brian Griese.

        “He's been treated with a lot of respect by the Broncos organization,” Frerotte's agent, Ralph Cindrich, said. “Immediately at the close of the season, they put an offer out on the table that was a strong one. There was never a threat of taking it off or lessening it.”

        Although Griese is a restricted free agent and recovering from shoulder surgery, he is expected to remain in Denver next season.

        Cindrich also represents Griese but had nothing new to report on his contract talks. He said the Pro Bowl quarterback appears to be healing as expected.

        Frerotte went 4-2 as a starter in 2000 and helped the Broncos win their season finale when Griese was injured in the first quarter but was ineffective in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild-card playoff game.

        For the season, Frerotte completed 138 of 232 passes for 1,776 yards in 10 games. He threw for nine touchdowns with eight interceptions.

        Frerotte, 29, also has played for the Detroit Lions and the Washington Redskins.

        His latest contract with Denver allows Frerotte to test the market again in 2002 as he searches for a long-term deal in a city where he can be the starter.

Bengals in negotitations with Verba Frerotte ends up back in Denver

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