Jacob Tamme and his wife, Allison

By LARRY VAUGHT

He’s yet to officially sign his new three-year, $9-million deal with Denver, but tight end Jacob Tamme is excited about re-joining former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and hopefully having a chance to play even more than he did the previous four seasons with the Colts.

Tamme had only 19 catches for 177 yards last season when Manning was injured and did not play. However, in 2010 the former Boyle County High School and University of Kentucky star had 67 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns after Dallas Clark was injured. In his career, Tamme has 92 catches for 855 yards and eight touchdowns.

“I’ve just agreed to terms with the Broncos. I’ve not signed yet, but it’s coming,” said Tamme Friday afternoon. “It is really, really exciting. I have been letting the process play out and had a great couple of visits. In my heart, Denver just seems like the right fit. Peyton is a great quarterback and they have a lot of exciting things going on in the organization. I want to be part of that and help them accomplish a lot of things.”

Tamme, who had interest from several other teams including Seattle, became a free agent at the end of the 2011 season. Since then the Colts have undergone numerous changes — including releasing Manning —  but Tamme admits him and his family enjoyed their time in Indianapolis.

“We had a great four years in Indianapolis,” Tamme said. “I will miss a lot of my teammates. The fans were great. Our neighbors. A lot of good people in Indianapolis.

“But there have been so many changes there and it became a situation where I had a lot of interest from other places. Denver didn’t know it would get Peyton until a few days ago and that obviously changed the whole framework of their organization and offense. Once that happened, I guess they felt like they had more of a need for a guy like me with my skills.”

Denver also signed tight end Joel Dreesen, who had 28 catches for 353 yards and six touchdowns for the Houston Texans, last year on Friday.

Tamme said he was just “looking for the best football” fit and found that with Denver.

“Having your family comfortable is important, but this is a business decision,” he said. “(My wife) Allison is excited. We will have a chance to meet new people and do new things.”

Tamme said the financial security is important, but he’s more excited about his career opportunities.

“The best part of this is having the chance to do something as a kid you never dreamed you could do,” Tamme said. “I get to play pro ball and got to experience playing in a Super Bowl. I’ve done it four years and couldn’t be more excited about getting to keep doing it. It’s going to be an exciting time to be a Bronco.

“The financial part is beyond our wildest dreams. It’s just been a blessing throughout this whole process.”