shaneo69
01-29-2007, 09:31 PM
Budget adds up in Broncos' favor
By Bill Williamson, Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 01/28/2007 10:44:56 AM MST
Unlike recent Januarys and Februarys, the Broncos' brass is comfortably in control of its books.
There is no urgency or panic involved as the team begins planning for the 2007 season. The team already is close to $4 million under the salary cap.
In the past few years the team spent January and February restructuring several contracts. Last February the team purged Trevor Pryce, Mike Anderson and Jeb Putzier on its way to getting under the cap.
This year, Denver will cut players only if it decides they don't fit for football reasons. Still, there will be some moves.
Quarterback Jake Plummer will not be back. He will be traded or released. There are indications Denver hasn't decided how it will part with Plummer, who lost his starting job to rookie Jay Cutler with five games remaining. Plummer wants to leave, and will be gone.
Right tackle George Foster also could be released or traded. Foster was inconsistent when he played in 2006, and Erik Pears and Adam Meadows are candidates to take his place.
The team likely will work with receiver Rod Smith to restructure his contract. Smith is likely to be the No. 3 receiver behind Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall next season. Other higher-priced veterans whose contracts might be restructured include defensive linemen Ebenezer Ekuban and Kenard Lang.
Moves with Plummer, Foster and Smith could allow the Broncos to obtain help via free agency.
The team is likely to make moves for a couple of impact players, but will not be overly active in free agency. The Broncos believe they have a good core, but could use a couple of players who could step in and make their presence felt immediately, like Walker did last season.
Lewis likely to be free agent
Baltimore: Because he is due a huge bonus this spring, Ravens running back Jamal Lewis likely will be a free agent again. It will be interesting to see if the Broncos make a push for him. Lewis re-signed with Baltimore last March, hours before he was set to visit Denver.
It's no slam dunk Denver would jump on Lewis. Yes, the Broncos still are looking for a big back and Lewis fits the system. But he will be 28 in August and has a lot of miles on him.
Kerney fits Broncos' need
Atlanta: If the Falcons don't put the franchise tag on defensive end Patrick Kerney, the Broncos might seriously consider him. He would fit in Denver for several reasons.
Kerney is a solid pass-rusher, one of the Broncos' biggest needs. He has 58 career sacks in eight NFL seasons. Kerney has played most of his career under defensive line coach Bill Johnson, who is now an assistant on Denver's staff.
Johnson's presence could be attractive for Kerney if the lineman gets into free agency.
Walker dealing with loss
Denver: Those close to Walker said he is dealing with the death of teammate Darrent Williams as well as can be expected. Walker was sitting next to Williams in a limousine when Williams was shot and killed in the early hours of New Year's Day in downtown Denver. Williams and Walker had attended a party at a nightclub with several other teammates.
Those close to Walker said the team and his family have offered strong emotional support to help him deal with the trauma.
Around the league: The Bears would be smart to give an extension and a nice raise to head coach Lovie Smith. This minute. Smith has one year remaining on his contract. ... Each day, it appears more likely the Texans will pursue Plummer and try to trade David Carr. If Carr comes cheap, perhaps he could be the veteran backup option for Jay Cutler in Denver. ... Don't be shocked if Denver guard Cooper Carlisle gets some fast interest in free agency. Carlisle is a solid veteran starter who won't be overly expensive. Behind Cincinnati's Eric Steinbach, Carlisle might be the best available guard in free agency. Denver might be interested, but could opt to play 2006 draft pick Chris Kuper instead. ... It wouldn't be a stunner if the Broncos showed interest in New England Patriots running back Patrick Pass. ... The Jets may shop receiver Justin McCareins for a mid-round draft pick. For a team looking for a second or third receiver, McCareins could be intriguing. McCareins played for Denver assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger in Tennessee and for the Jets. ... The Cowboys are enamored by assistant head coach Tony Sparano but are looking for a more high-profile name to be head coach. Sparano is a name to remember down the line. ... University of Tennessee receiver Robert Meachum is being compared to Walker. Meachum is considered a late first-round pick. ... Many around the league believe former Atlanta coach Jim Mora took an assistant job in Seattle in case Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren decides to retire at the end of next season, allowing Mora to slide into the top job. Mora and Holmgren share the same agent. ... Mike Martz's name has been connected to the Cowboys job, but expect the former Rams head coach, now an assistant in Detroit, to work hard to get a head coaching job after next season. ... The word is Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was all for the addition of former Denver defensive coordinator Larry Coyer to the Buccaneers' staff as assistant head coach and defensive line coach.
By Bill Williamson, Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 01/28/2007 10:44:56 AM MST
Unlike recent Januarys and Februarys, the Broncos' brass is comfortably in control of its books.
There is no urgency or panic involved as the team begins planning for the 2007 season. The team already is close to $4 million under the salary cap.
In the past few years the team spent January and February restructuring several contracts. Last February the team purged Trevor Pryce, Mike Anderson and Jeb Putzier on its way to getting under the cap.
This year, Denver will cut players only if it decides they don't fit for football reasons. Still, there will be some moves.
Quarterback Jake Plummer will not be back. He will be traded or released. There are indications Denver hasn't decided how it will part with Plummer, who lost his starting job to rookie Jay Cutler with five games remaining. Plummer wants to leave, and will be gone.
Right tackle George Foster also could be released or traded. Foster was inconsistent when he played in 2006, and Erik Pears and Adam Meadows are candidates to take his place.
The team likely will work with receiver Rod Smith to restructure his contract. Smith is likely to be the No. 3 receiver behind Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall next season. Other higher-priced veterans whose contracts might be restructured include defensive linemen Ebenezer Ekuban and Kenard Lang.
Moves with Plummer, Foster and Smith could allow the Broncos to obtain help via free agency.
The team is likely to make moves for a couple of impact players, but will not be overly active in free agency. The Broncos believe they have a good core, but could use a couple of players who could step in and make their presence felt immediately, like Walker did last season.
Lewis likely to be free agent
Baltimore: Because he is due a huge bonus this spring, Ravens running back Jamal Lewis likely will be a free agent again. It will be interesting to see if the Broncos make a push for him. Lewis re-signed with Baltimore last March, hours before he was set to visit Denver.
It's no slam dunk Denver would jump on Lewis. Yes, the Broncos still are looking for a big back and Lewis fits the system. But he will be 28 in August and has a lot of miles on him.
Kerney fits Broncos' need
Atlanta: If the Falcons don't put the franchise tag on defensive end Patrick Kerney, the Broncos might seriously consider him. He would fit in Denver for several reasons.
Kerney is a solid pass-rusher, one of the Broncos' biggest needs. He has 58 career sacks in eight NFL seasons. Kerney has played most of his career under defensive line coach Bill Johnson, who is now an assistant on Denver's staff.
Johnson's presence could be attractive for Kerney if the lineman gets into free agency.
Walker dealing with loss
Denver: Those close to Walker said he is dealing with the death of teammate Darrent Williams as well as can be expected. Walker was sitting next to Williams in a limousine when Williams was shot and killed in the early hours of New Year's Day in downtown Denver. Williams and Walker had attended a party at a nightclub with several other teammates.
Those close to Walker said the team and his family have offered strong emotional support to help him deal with the trauma.
Around the league: The Bears would be smart to give an extension and a nice raise to head coach Lovie Smith. This minute. Smith has one year remaining on his contract. ... Each day, it appears more likely the Texans will pursue Plummer and try to trade David Carr. If Carr comes cheap, perhaps he could be the veteran backup option for Jay Cutler in Denver. ... Don't be shocked if Denver guard Cooper Carlisle gets some fast interest in free agency. Carlisle is a solid veteran starter who won't be overly expensive. Behind Cincinnati's Eric Steinbach, Carlisle might be the best available guard in free agency. Denver might be interested, but could opt to play 2006 draft pick Chris Kuper instead. ... It wouldn't be a stunner if the Broncos showed interest in New England Patriots running back Patrick Pass. ... The Jets may shop receiver Justin McCareins for a mid-round draft pick. For a team looking for a second or third receiver, McCareins could be intriguing. McCareins played for Denver assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger in Tennessee and for the Jets. ... The Cowboys are enamored by assistant head coach Tony Sparano but are looking for a more high-profile name to be head coach. Sparano is a name to remember down the line. ... University of Tennessee receiver Robert Meachum is being compared to Walker. Meachum is considered a late first-round pick. ... Many around the league believe former Atlanta coach Jim Mora took an assistant job in Seattle in case Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren decides to retire at the end of next season, allowing Mora to slide into the top job. Mora and Holmgren share the same agent. ... Mike Martz's name has been connected to the Cowboys job, but expect the former Rams head coach, now an assistant in Detroit, to work hard to get a head coaching job after next season. ... The word is Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was all for the addition of former Denver defensive coordinator Larry Coyer to the Buccaneers' staff as assistant head coach and defensive line coach.