BRONCOS close to signing Beurlein as backup quarterback

<br>(Denver-AP) -- The Denver Broncos reportedly are close to signing Steve Beurlein as a backup quarterback. <br><br>Beurlein was released by the Carolina Panthers in March and news reports say he's

Wednesday, May 16th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Denver-AP) -- The Denver Broncos reportedly are close to signing Steve Beurlein as a backup quarterback.

Beurlein was released by the Carolina Panthers in March and news reports say he's close to finalizing a multiple-year contract with the Broncos.

The Broncos are committed to Brian Griese as their starter and they recently signed him to a six-year, 39 (m) million-dollar contract. There's speculation that Beurlein would compete with Gus Frerotte for the backup job.

Beurlein was a Pro Bowl selection in the 1999 season but he's had eight surgeries in the past 14 months.