Broncos sign Darian Stewart to four-year contract extension

Darian Stewart proclaimed himself the “final piece of the puzzle” when he joined Denver’s “No Fly Zone” secondary last year.

On Saturday, he solidified that standing with a four-year extension that runs through 2020. The NFL Network said it was worth $28 million, with $17.5 million guaranteed.

“Thrilled he’ll be a Bronco for 4 more yrs!” tweeted General Manager John Elway, who lauded the “physicality, leadership & toughness” the free safety brings to Denver’s defense.

Stewart expressed his gratitude in an Instagram post with the message: “4 more years! #Blessed”

Stewart has 107 tackles, four interceptions, 13 pass breakups and three fumble recoveries with the Broncos. He’s coming off one of his best games, a three-takeaway performance at New Orleans that prompted Coach Gary Kubiak to say how proud — and relieved — he was of Stewart’s development in Denver.

“Obviously I’m on the other side of the ball, but I always respected how he practiced and how he worked,” Kubiak said last week. “When you’re a coach and you go to a new organization and you stand up for somebody, you sure as hell hope you’re right. I told John that I thought he’d really fit in. He’s a good kid and loves to play. Just watching him every day has been fun to see.”

Etc.

The Bengals activated running back Cedric Peerman — sidelined all season because of a broken forearm — and promoted long snapper Tyler Ott to the active roster for their game Sunday in Baltimore. Peerman gives the Bengals a top special teams player and another option with running back Giovani Bernard out for the season with a torn ACL. … The Oakland Raiders have promoted linebackers Tyrell Adams and James Cowser from the practice squad to the active roster. The team cut tackle Matt McCants and tight end Ryan O’Malley to make room on the 53-man roster. Oakland hosts Carolina on Sunday. …

Running back Ryan Mathews and right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai , who both sustained knee injuries last week, won’t play when the Philadelphia Eagles host Green Bay on Monday night. Vaitai will be replaced by left guard Allen Barbre. Stefan Wisniewski will start at Barbre’s spot. … The Bills activated wide receiver Sammy Watkins off injured reserve. Watkins returned to practice this week after missing two months because of lingering pain in his left foot following April surgery to repair a stress fracture. The Bills placed safety Robert Blanton (foot) on injured reserve. They also signed kickoff specialist Jordan Gay and released tight end Gerald Christian.