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Broncos News
Casey Wiegman extended; Boss Bailey Cut
Jun 17, 2009, 08:46
 At least one of the Broncos' former Pro Bowl players will not be disgruntled this season. Broncos Center Casey Wiegman was signed to a two year extension on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed. Wiegman's return will keep intact an offensive line that set franchise records for sacks allowed per pass play.
Boss Bailey Cut
Champ Bailey's brother Boss was cut on the same day ending what has largely been a disappointing sting here in Denver. Boss was signed to a very expensive contract despite less-than spectacular on field work and a long history of injuries. Boss failed to stay on the field very much at all last season, and was still battling with injuries prior to his release. Neither Champ nor Boss have commented on the decision.
Broncos News
Analysis: Broncos in no hurry to let Marshall go
Jun 16, 2009, 04:04
Mike Klis of the Denver Post points out several issues arising from the Brandon Marshall hold out that could affect the outcome and also suggest that the pro-bowl receiver might have bit off more than he can chew.
An exerpt:
"By skipping the mandatory minicamp, the
Broncos have the right to dock their receiver $35,329 in fines and seek
repayment of the signing bonus he received in 2006.Marshall would face
additional fines if his holdout continues into training camp, and he
would have to repay another $78,750 of his signing bonus if he holds
out through Aug. 12. Perhaps more significant, Marshall could risk forfeiting his
fourth season of service — which in turn would put him another year
away from un-restricted free agency — if he doesn't report by Aug. 12" Read the whole article here.
Broncos News
Broncos sign Lloyd to bolster receiver depth
Jun 16, 2009, 03:52
 The Denver Broncos signed talented yet underachieving receiver Brandon Lloyd on Monday. Terms were not disclosed.
Lloyd is at most a third receiver that will provide depth and may have been brought in because of his rapport with former bears quarterback Kyle Orton. Lloyd is infamous for being one of the big name players that Daniel Snyder traded for that had little production as well as a player who's work ethic has been questioned.
Tickets on sale early
Home game tickets for the 2009 season will go on sale July 18th this year; A full week and half earlier than many previous years.
Broncos News
Kyle Orton named starting QB for camp.
Jun 13, 2009, 11:23
 Josh McDaniels announced today that Kyle Orton will be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos going into the training camp. Orton losing out to Chris Simms seems unlikely, especially since reports out of Dove Valley suggest Orton has been learning the system faster than Simms. Orton was also hand picked by McDaniels in the Cutler trade, chosen largely for his ability to make reads at the line and throw under duress.
McDaniels repeatedly mentioned that the starting job would be awarded when one player had clearly sepperated himself which suggests that moment has arrived. McDaniels was very clear to point out that Orton would have to "keep" the position by continuing to play well.
Broncos News
Bowlen and Marshall meet about receiver's absence
Jun 12, 2009, 20:08
 In a somewhat surprising but also understandable move, Brandon Marshall failed to show up for the team's three day mandatory mini camp. The absence confirmed what many suspected, and that is that Marshall's back-to-back 100+ catch seasons warrant more money than the fourth round money he is making.
Brandon is considered one of the top ten best receivers in the game, but according to the Denver Post, Marshall is making less than 58 other receivers in pro football. With two seasons totaling 206 receptions, 2590 yards and 13 touchdowns, a holdout seems unsurprising.
The Broncos are likely reluctant to ink Marshall to a new deal because of the repeated offseason trouble he has gotten himself into, some as recently as a few months ago. Marshall was cleared of any wrongdoing for the most recent incident, but a court case is still pending regarding his issue with his ex-girlfriend that could have ramifications on his ability to play. These issues aside, Marshall's history has put him at odds with Commissioner Roger Goodell and has already been suspended for his behavior. These issues, along with the recovery back from hip surgery, may have made the new front office a bit gun-shy about a new deal.
Today Marshall met with Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen for about an hour. It appears the entire situation will be handled in house.
Broncos News
Marshall cleared by the league
Jun 2, 2009, 11:50
 Brandon Marshall will not face disciplinary action from the league for his March 1 disorderly conduct arrest. Marshall and his fiance' were arrested in Atlanta after their argument turned physical. Neither party would testify against the other and the charges were dropped.
Marshall isn't completely off the hook. He still has a pending court case for alleged battery charges from his former girlfriend, Rasheedah Watley. These charges are unlikely to affect Marshall's ability to play in the upcoming season.
The decision to not suspend Marshall suggests that Denver might move to extend Marshall's contract this season.
Broncos News
Failed physical forces release of Arrington
May 27, 2009, 16:32
J.J. Arrington's career as a Bronco was not to be. The Broncos have reported that Arrington was released following a failed physical. It is likely that Denver's ability to draft Knowshon Moreno also played a role in Denver deciding to part ways with Arrington.
It is not known how much of Arrington's four year contract Denver is on the hook for, but most NFL contracts have language that protects teams in the event of a failed physical.
Broncos News
Broncos hire Lenny McGill as assistant director of college scouting
May 2, 2009, 19:45
Denver hired Green Bay college scout and former NFL defensive back Lenny McGill to be the assistant director of college scouting. McGill was responsible for the central plains region in Green Bay, and his hiring part of an ongoing effort to replace lost personnel in the scouting department.
Broncos News
Broncos hire CU alumnus to head College Scouting
May 1, 2009, 06:04
 The Denver Broncos announced Matt Russell as the Director of pro scouting on Friday. Russell was a former linebacker for Colorado University and won the Butkus award. He has served as a pro scout for the New England Patriots and a national scout for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Russell helps fill the void that was left when the Goodman's were terminated following Brian Xanders' promotion to General Manager. He brings a wealth of experience with two teams that are very good at drafting prospects, as well as the honor being the scout who helped the Patriots draft Matt Cassell.
Broncos News
Selvin Young released
May 1, 2009, 05:34
 The Denver Broncos released Selvin Young on Thursday because of a failed physical related to a neck injury. Young was a feel good story as an undrafted rookie free agent that worked his way into the starting position. Unfortunately the same injury issues that made Young undraftable have pushed him off the team. The drafting of Knowshon Moreno has made much of the depth on the team exependable.
The Broncos also cut fullback Andrew Pinnock.
More help
McXanders continued to bolster the roster with fresh faces by signing three more free agents; Two rookies and one veteran.
Linebacker Nick Greisen is a journeyman who played for the Ravens last year. He provides experience and physicality at the linebacker position.
Rookie free agent linebacker Braxton Kelley played at Kentucky with current Bronco Wesley Woodyard. Kelley was a four year starter and earned second-team all-Southeastern Conference honors.
Defensive end Jeff Schweiger out of San Jose State is an intriguing prospect. He's a versatile player with a variety of skills, but fell out of the draft because of poor prodcution and injury concerns. Scweiger played at USC before transfering to San Jose State to increase his playing time. He has the ability to play end or outside linebacker in a 3-4.
Broncos News
Denver supplements with rookie free agents.
Apr 27, 2009, 13:37
Denver dove right into the rookie free agent haul with a host of players that include:
RB Kestahn Moore, Florida: Moore was a team captain that served as a jack of all trades. He blocked on punts and kicks and so will serve as possible depth on special teams.
WR Nate Swift, Nebraska: A productive but athletically underwhelming receiver.
WR David Grimes, Notre Dame: Undersized and underutilized high character developmental prospect.
WR Travis Shelton, Temple: Undersized receiver that fielded kicks in college returning 4 for touchdowns.
WR Lucas Taylor, Tennessee: A very high character receiver with first day hard but FA athletic ability.
TE Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas: More of an H-back, Branson's small stature pushed him out of the draft. Could be a Kevin Faulk type.
OT Marcus Gordon, Louisville: Former JUCO transfer turned offensive tackle for Louisville.
OT Stanley Bryant, East Carolina: Raw offensive lineman who will fight for a practice squad position.
DE Everette Pedescleaux, Northern Iowa: Extremely talented and troubled small school prospect who projects as a 3-4 defensive end.
DE Rulon Davis, California: Davis has survived everything from a war to being run over by a truck. His age and lack of speed pushed this hard working player into free agency. Will make hard for you to cut him.
DT Chris Baker, Hampton: Small school one gap defensive tackle with several huge off the field issues. Almost as talented as he is troubled.
LB Lee Robinson, Alcorn State: Dominating force at his school, lack of speed and raw skills project Robinson as a project rush linebacker.
CB Tony Carter, Florida State: Productive and fast four year starter at conerback. Carter is physically very underdeveloped.
CB Domonique Johnson, Jackson State: Large framed defensive back who lacks the fluidity to play corner in the pros. Could project as a FS on the scout team.
P/K Britton Colquitt, Tennessee: Strong-legged athlete who's inconsistecy on and off the field (Alcohol issues) resulted in suspension of his scholarship and free fall into free agency on draft day.
Broncos News
Day 2 of draft brings in toughness, depth.
Apr 27, 2009, 07:59
Day 2 opened quietly for the Broncos who had traded both their third round picks to acquire blocking tight end Richard Quinn in the second round. The trading didn't stop there, though. Denver continued to wheel and deal to land the players they felt had the best chance to help the team immediately.
Round 4 (114): S David Bruton
Bruton is an athletic special teams ace that played corner and safety. Coach McDaniels heralded him as the second best special teams player in the draft. He also adds more depth and youth to the Denver secondary. He has the honor of being the only Golden Domer taken in the 2009 NFL draft.
Round 4 (132): G Seth Olsen
One of the most versatile linemen in the draft. Olsen played every position on the offensive line at Iowa and earned 1st Team all Big Ten honors at guard his senior year, Olsen is hard nosed and plays with a mean streak.
Round 5 (141): WR Kenny McKinley
McKinley was a four year starter South Carolina who is a smart route runner with good hands. He is elusive and crafty in attacking the secondary. His lack of bulk and physicality will likely relegate him to work in the slot in the pros.
Pick 6 (174): QB Tom Brandstater
Brandstater is a stereotypically built QB with sneaky athleticism. After an excellent junior year, Tom fell off his senior year throwing too many interceptions. He will likely project as a career backup and fills the roll of third QB that Denver needed after releasing the immaculate Darrell Hackney.
Tom will have to over come the stigma of being a McDaniels sixth round draft pick named Tom B. as well as the burden that comes with Denver trading their fifth round pick in the '10 draft to pick him.
Round 7 (225): C Blake Schlueter
Schleuter is a prospect who has an under-developed body for the pros, but has such a good understanding of leverage and technique that he performed his way into the draft. Will have to deal with being undersized, but is the type of player that will make it hard for you to cut him.
Broncos News
Denver surprises in costly first day
Apr 25, 2009, 20:21
Josh McDaniels does not shy away from controversy. And in need of a new defensive line - and what some felt was a more than adequate offense - the new Broncos coach left more than few people scratching their head. With his first official draft as the new Broncos head coach, McDaniels and Xanders stuck to their plan, and the results were not always popular.
Pick 12: RB Knowshon Moreno
The talented Georgia running back is the best back in this draft. His pass protection and receiving skills make him a versatile player in the McDaniels' offense and should help the Broncos' red zone woes. But will they regret passing on super-athlete Brian Orakpo?
Pick 18: DE Robert Ayers
Ayers is a talented defensive lineman out of Tennessee who's draft stock really took off because of an outstanding senior bowl and combine. Versatile and intelligent, he can play SOLB in the 3-4. There were questions about his underwhelming numbers at Tennessee.
Pick 37: DB Alphonso Smith
Denver's third pick is the wildly talented, albeit diminutive defensive back Alphonso Smith. Smith lead the league in interceptions and plays with an agressive edge. The problem is Denver traded their 2010 first round pick away for him. That defensive tackle Ron Brace was still on the board during the time only to be taken by the Patriots shortly thereafter is odd.
Pick 48: FS Darcel McBath
McBath is an intelligent and speedy defensive back who spent time at corner and safety at Texas Tech. McBath has great athleticism and ball skills and adds a need at the safety position. Some are concerned that he could have been had later especially when other players like William Moore were on the board.
Pick 64: TE Richard Quinn
Quinn is a bruising blocker that didn't get many reps as a pass catcher because of his three talented receiver teammates at North Carolina. Quinn is a hard nosed player that blocks like a guard and has better hands than his stats indicated. Once again, the cost of Quinn raises eyebrows as McDaniels traded both his third round picks to move up and get Quinn. Some feel the selection is redundant with Daniel Graham already filling that role.
Denver nabbed some great football players, but high cost and perceived need for more defenders especially along the front seven has drawn heavy criticism. Ultimately it will take a few years to really know how well or how poorly the new organization's first draft has gone.
Broncos News
Offensive Tackle Brandon Gorin inked
Apr 17, 2009, 12:11
Pro Football Talk has reported that the Denver Broncos signed journeyman offensive tackle Brandon Gorin to a one year deal. Terms were not disclosed. Gorin will likely compete in camp for a back up spot.
Broncos News
Denver Broncos 2009 schedule announced.
Apr 14, 2009, 15:17
The Denver Broncos 2009 schedule was released on Tuesday.
Preseason
TBA (Aug. 13-17) at San Francisco TBD
TBA (Aug. 20-24) at Seattle TBD
Sunday, Aug. 30 CHICAGO 6 p.m. (NBC)
Thursday, Sept. 3 ARIZONA 7 p.m.
Regular Season
Sunday, Sept. 13 at Cincinnati 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 20 CLEVELAND 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 27 at Oakland 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 4 DALLAS 2:15 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Oct. 11 NEW ENGLAND 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
Monday, Oct. 19 at San Diego 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Oct. 25 BYE
Sunday, Nov. 1 at Baltimore 11 a.m. (CBS)
Monday, Nov. 9 PITTSBURGH 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov. 15 at Washington 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 22 SAN DIEGO 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
Thursday, Nov. 26 N.Y. GIANTS 6:20 p.m. (NFLN)
Sunday, Dec. 6 at Kansas City 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 13 at Indianapolis 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 20 OAKLAND 2:05 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 27 at Philadelphia 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Jan. 3 KANSAS CITY 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
The Broncos will once again open the season on the road, which is the fourth time they've had to do so in a row. Denver has an unusually high number of early games with five. Denver also maintains their streak for consecutive seasons with a Monday Nigh football game. They will actually get three, which is a bit more than can be expected for a team not expected to win very much this season. The schedule in the second half of the year is often altered with the new "flex" scheduling, and so some changes could still take effect.
Broncos News
Broncos release Darrell Hackney
Apr 6, 2009, 18:40
 The Denver Broncos released backup quarterback Darrell Hackney on Monday. Hackney was a strong-armed, mobile quarterback whose small stature prevented him from ever being starting material. His ability makes him more of a fit for the west coast offense and not the Erhardt-Perkins system which more suited to tall, accurate pocket passers that make plays at the line.
The Broncos will not be having a press conference.
Broncos News
Haul of draft picks puts the pressure on inexperienced front office
Apr 5, 2009, 07:49
 With the page turned on the Jay Cutler era in Denver, the Broncos now move forward to the draft. In hand they have a slew of draft picks that the organization has rarely seen in it's 50 year history: five picks in the first 84 selections.
Already saddled with the criticism of letting a franchise quarterback whine his way out of town, the young Denver front office now has the tall order of turner their bounty of draft selections into productive players. The draft is more art than science and has been termed by some to be, at best, a crapshoot.
To make matters worse, Denver is missing their former guru, Jim Goodman, who was let go when he his son refused to work for the then promoted Xanders. The scouting staff depleted, with a GM who is wet behind the ears and has no experience running a draft, Denver will be facing perhaps their toughest challenge yet. At least with McJaygate Cutler's refussal to speak with the front office afforded Xanders and McDaniels a degree of national sympathy as they had not control over the malcontent signal caller. The draft will afford no such blame deflection. Either Denver hits on their picks and use the rare opportunity to build toward a competitive football club, or the lack of personnel and inexperience result in mediocre selections and increased discontent in Broncos Country.
One way or another, the 2009 draft is going to be historic.
Broncos News
Cutler traded to Bears for Orton and picks
Apr 2, 2009, 19:43
 The Denver Broncos traded Jay Cutler and a fifth round pick to the Chicago Bears on Thursday. Denver will receive Chicago quarterback Kyle Orton, Chicago's first and third round pick this year and Chicago's first round pick next year.
The move has created anger and frustration for many fans, and relief for others who were ready to turn the page on the whole fiasco.
Cutler heads to Illinois where he will play for the team he grew up watching. Denver gets a host of draft picks and a more cerebral player in Orton who will fit more comfortable into McDaniels' system. Most of all, Denver loses the talented quarterback that most represented the Shanahan era.
The grass isn't always greener, however. It will be difficult for any quarterback to replicate what Cutler did for Denver last year. As good as McDaniels is, not even he will be able to create some of things that Cutler was physically gifted with. On the other hand Cutler will go to a team with inferior receivers, a porous offensive line and an offensive coordinator who has been described in Chicago at best as underwhelming.
Certainly the unfortunate circumstances that both sides' miscues led the franchise to will be analayzed as both teams move forward.
Broncos News
Fed up: Bowlen prepares to ship Cutler out.
Apr 1, 2009, 11:53
 Broncos owner Pat Bowlen recently announced that after Cutler ignored several attempts to contact him from both McDaniels and Bowlen himself, that the team is planning on orchestrating the trade that Cutler requested in mid March.
The move puts an end to debate that perhaps time would heal whatever wounds the trade talks in February caused. Apparently things were not healed enough for Cutler to call his boss back. Communication from Cutler's agent Bus Cook confirmed that Cutler had not changed his mind and no longer desired to be a Denver Bronco.
NFL analyst Trent Dilfer echoed the sentiment of many when he commented that Cutler looks like a "fool" and will not be helping himself by leaving a good situation. Cutler leaving Denver will likely be a lose-lose for all parties.
Broncos News
Former Broncos coach Lou Saban dies
Mar 29, 2009, 11:12
 The AP has reported former Broncos head coach Lou Saban passed away at 87 on Sunday. Saban was the first marquee coach to come to Denver. While he never was able to produce a winning record in Denver, Saban established a sense of professionalism throughout the Broncos organization that helped lay the ground work for the team today. Saban also became the first coach to sign the Broncos first round pick, Running back Floyd Little, who went on to become a legend in Denver sports history.
Broncos News
McDaniels faces the heat
Mar 25, 2009, 19:13
 Josh McDaniels has become a name had for both good and evil in Denver. The botched trade-that-never-was has made things, if nothing else, incredibly interesting in the Mile High city.
Regardless of anyone's opinion on the situation (and there's plenty to go around) McDaniels has begun the inevitable task of meeting with media in recent days. Addressing all issues both Cutler and non-Cutler related, McDaniels is ready to talk.
First in a press conference at the owner's meeting (shown in detail on NFL network) Josh addressed many of the questions the media have about the situation. The Denver Post has also posted an extremely in-depth interview on their website where McDaniels elucidates us on the many questions we have about who the Broncos are going to be going forward.
Broncos News
"Trade Me"
Mar 15, 2009, 17:53
Vic Lombardi of CBS4 has reported that Jay Cutler has demanded a trade from the Denver Broncos. According to the report, Cutler has left Denver, refusing to show up to the team's voluntary team workout on Monday.
Update: A report by Chris Mortenson has been posted at ESPN with quotes from both sides:
- Josh McDaniels Quote: "I really have wanted to avoided a he-said, she-said thing but it's only fair for us to present the Bronco side of the story rather than let things get taken out of context. There's been a pattern here for the past two weeks the way things [have been represented] in our communications. I don't think anythng that happened [Saturday] was out of the ordinary. At the end of the meeting, Jay said he had thought about things quite a bit and requested a few more hours to mull things over. He said he wanted to talk to Bus on how to proceed. He was gonna call me on my cell phone and that never happened. Instead, Bus called [GM] Brian [Xanders].
"Again, I think that's been a pattern. I couldn't get [Cutler] to talk to me for two weeks or to talk to Mr. Bowlen. Then when he came here this weekend, we couldn't get a one-on-one meeting, just me and him alone. He wanted Bus in there, so I had Brian sit in, too. And it was the four of us, there wasn't any yelling, none of that. I can't believe we get to a totally different [interpretation].
"It's an unfortunate set of circumstances that has cropped up, a potential distraction and we've done our best to limit that. The main message I want to get out is that we're excited to start our off-season program [Monday]. It's an exciting time for us."
- Cutler feels like McDaniels lost his credibility with him when he initially denied to the quarterback that the Broncos tried to acquire Cassel only to admit it later.
"Before this trade for Cassel thing ever came up, in the two weeks or so I had spent with McDaniels, he was basically telling me that he came to Denver because he wanted to coach me and that we needed to trust each other," said Cutler. "He's never been critical to me. But trust now? How can I trust him now?"
Read the full report here
Finally, in related news, Pat Bowlen has finally come public with a statement on the situation, per Mike Klis at the Denver Post:
"I'm very disappointed," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said Sunday. "I'm disappointed in the whole picture, not just disappointed that we might lose our star quarterback."
Discuss this story here
Broncos News
Jay Cutler puts house up for sale
Mar 13, 2009, 11:39
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| Jay Cutler's Home is up for sale. |
Channel 7 News broke the story that Jay Cutler has put his home up for sale. According to the report, the 7,516 square-foot home was put on the market on Thursday, March 12, and that the quarterback also owns a penthouse condo in downtown Denver.
Broncos News
Broncos re-sign Peterson and add Parker for depth
Mar 10, 2009, 14:01
Denver re-signed their first free agent from the Shanahan regime in Kenny Peterson on Monday. Kenny plays defensive tackle and will likely move to defensive end in the 3-4 defense.
Denver also signed free agent defensive tackle J'Vonne Parker. Parker is journeyman lineman that will probably play the nose tackle.
Broncos News
Simms and Arrington join Broncos spending spree
Mar 4, 2009, 13:45
 The Denver Broncos signed some real depth on Wednesday with quarterback Chris Simms, son of Super Bowl winning quarterback Phil Simms. Simms brings proven depth to the position and experience as someone who has weathered the coaching tirades of John Gruden.
Denver also worked out the kinks that were standing in the way of running back J.J. Arrington. Arrington was slated to sign at the end of February, but talks broke down over contract language. Apparently the issues stalling the contract have been rectified and now he joins what will be a much different looking backfield.
Texans match Broncos offer for Anderson
The Houston Texans have matched the offer sheet signed by wide receiver and former Colorado State Ram David Anderson. Anderson will remain a Texan and Denver will keep it's seventh round pick.
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