Browncos may have to release Pryce

[Wile_E_Coyote]

Article Published: Friday, April 01, 2005 broncos

By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer]
Trevor Pryce
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,...792850,00.html

Trevor Pryce, the Broncos' four-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman, could be released soon if the team cannot find a suitable trade partner, according to a source.

The Broncos, who were involved in a flurry of personnel activity this week, are trying to free salary cap space and have been working for two months to move Pryce. A third option would be for the eight-year veteran to accept a substantial pay cut to remain with Denver. That option seems unlikely, however, which could lead to Pryce's outright release.

Pryce's agent, Peter Schaffer, said he is unaware of a pending move. Schaffer said he is working on finding a new team for his client.

"Trevor is not averse to playing his whole career in Denver, but if he's traded there'd be no hard feelings," Schaffer said. "If they release Trevor, we'd rather it be sooner than later."

Last week, at the NFL owners meetings in Hawaii, coach Mike Shanahan said he couldn't talk about Pryce's situation because it was "on-going." Denver general manager Ted Sundquist said he couldn't comment on whether Pryce, 29, would participate in Denver's offseason workout program, which begins Monday.

Pryce, who has vowed to return to Pro Bowl form after missing most of last season because of a back injury, said last week that he would attend the offseason workout program if the team wanted him to.

Under his current contract, Pryce would cost the Broncos $9 million against the salary cap this year. By cutting him, the team would save about $5 million - money the team needs to sign draft picks and cover possible contract incentive bonuses at the end of the season.

Denver has re-signed five free agents and four new veterans and has traded for three players. The Broncos also have agreements to re-sign defensive linemen Marco Coleman and Luther Elliss and tight end Patrick Hape.

Sundquist said the team could not have made those moves without the relief from Pryce's contract.

With the Pryce situation nearing resolution, Denver is basically finished with major additions except for the April 23-24 draft.

Sundquist said he is satisfied with the offseason, which was highlighted by the signing of linebacker Ian Gold, the additions of defensive linemen Courtney Brown and Gerard Warren from Cleveland and the re-signing of offensive lineman Ben Hamilton.

"We were able to do a lot in the offseason, and we are happy with what we've done,"

Sundquist said. "We feel like we've upgraded ... We feel like we're a better team."

Denver has acquired four former Cleveland defensive linemen. Ebenezer Ekuban, an end, and tackle Michael Myers were traded for this week in exchange for running back Reuben Droughns.

Brown, Warren, Ekuban and Myers combine for a substantially smaller bill than it would have cost to keep free agent Reggie Hayward. He is receiving $10 million in guarantees from Jacksonville. The new linemen combine for just more than $6 million.

"We had to get aggressive and creative, and thanks to some veterans who restructured, we had the room to do some things," Sundquist said. "We think the end result will be positive."

Footnote Denver was not among the eight teams that attended a Thursday workout by former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett.