Ex-Bronco Strong Safety, Harden, Signed by Raiders

The Raiders’ search for an experienced strong safety ended Tuesday when they signed Mike Harden, recently released by the Denver Broncos. To make room for Harden, the Raiders put Tim Brown, who had knee surgery Monday, on injured reserve.

Harden, 30, is a 10-year veteran who started all 16 of the Broncos’ games last season. However, his salary, a reported $450,000, and Denver’s draft of Arkansas safety Steve Atwater made Harden expendable.

Harden, who has started at cornerback, strong and free safety, is the Bronco that Bo Jackson butted over on his way to his first pro touchdown in 1987.

The Raiders now start Zeph Lee, a converted tailback, at strong safety. Stacey Toran, their projected starter, was killed in a auto crash. His replacement, Russell Carter, who started most of last season, has a shoulder injury and will be gone for another month.