DENVER (AP) -Niko Koutouvides proved to be the perfect motivator for Nate Webster.
When the Denver Broncos signed Koutouvides to a three-year, $7.5 million contract in March, Webster knew he was in for some competition at middle linebacker.
“Signing Niko just made me lock in and focus a little more coming into camp,” Webster said.
The proof came Monday when coach Mike Shanahan said Webster had won the starting job.
“I think you spur everybody on by signing people that can play,” Shanahan said. “We know that Niko is a good linebacker, he’s good on special teams. Nate had his best offseason program that he’s had.”
The signing of Koutouvides allowed the Broncos to move D.J. Williams from middle linebacker to the weak side, his natural position. Denver also signed free agent Boss Bailey to play on the strong side.
Webster wasn’t about to be bumped to a backup.
“Mike is a man of his word,” Webster said. “He said it was going to be a fair battle and may the best man win. Clearly that’s what he said and that’s what he’s done.”
Webster, in his ninth season, moved back to his natural spot in the middle after playing on the strong side last year. He said his background as a middle linebacker made a difference.
“Going back to the middle was a plus,” he said. “It felt like going back home.”
Koutouvides was a special teams ace in Seattle, but was hoping for more defensive snaps in Denver.
“I’m not happy, but the coaches said they’re going to play the best 11 guys on defense,” Koutouvides said. “Whatever they ask from me I’ve got to do. Each week you’ve got to prepare to be the starter anyway, so that’s how you’ve got to go with it.”
Koutouvides said he realized his signing was going to fuel Webster’s competitive fire.
“That can motivate anybody,” Koutouvides said. “Nate was a starter how many years here? So he probably felt not disrespected, but motivated. That’ll motivate somebody.”
Statistically, Webster and Koutouvides weren’t far apart in the preseason. Webster had seven tackles in Denver’s three games and Koutouvides had four.
Shanahan wouldn’t reveal the deciding factor, but said he will continue to evaluate the position.
“It’s very close, very close,” Shanahan said. “We evaluate people every day, every game. We’ll play the best players, and you want as many good players as you can. That’s an example of having a lot of depth at that position.”
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