Broncos sign S. Alexander (TE)

[HEAV]

Just heard it on ESPN radio! The plan continues!

[bpc]

Well... with us liking to run TWO TE sets, I think this is a good pickup. Carswell is going to be an LT next year or a car salesman. He won't be back at TE. That would leave us basically empty on depth.

Now we have Putz, Alexander who could be a dangerous 2nd TE in our offense, Hape, and Leach.

[long beach bronco]

Lol.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I think that's a pretty good pickup for you guys. He's a real solid tight end.

[Rascal]

as long as it's only for the league min nothing wrong with this I guess.

Just waiting for those Oklahoma fans to come in talking him up.

[TheDave]

I think that's a pretty good pickup for you guys. He's a real solid tight end.

There goes that kiss of death again...

[Hotrod]

Oh well atleast it was not another LB or Punter. Does anyone else on the team long snap except leach ???

[DBroncos4life]

kick ass Weaver all over again! j/k

[Garcia Bronco]

Alexander is not a solid Tight End...he's oft injured...ergo unreliable. He won't make the 53 man roster. Well...I should say...he wouldn't make it in a "normal" year.

[FADERPROOF]

The fireworks show continues!

[long beach bronco]

What's his stats and how did he do last season, anyone know?

[Traveler]

Contract is for 3 yrs, $4.2 mil, and $ 1 mil signing bonus. Damn!

[Rascal]

Contract is for 3 yrs, $4.2 mil, and $ 1 mil signing bonus. Damn!

You are kidding?

The guy is on his last legs...WTF are we doing using that much money on a backup TE when our D-line still sucks.

[Hotrod]

Ah the plan is shaping up nicely. I guess this is the move that convinced Plummer to restructure rofl

[ro_50]

I always thought we were going after him in case they couldnt retain Putz, and now we sign him to 3 yrs and $4.2 million, sounds like another Jeb Weaver to me. I know he caught 41 passes (or something like that last season), but isnt that a lot of money for a number 2 TE?

[Traveler]

Broncos | Alexander Addition Could Make Putzier Expendable - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 23 Mar 2005 10:38:58 -0800

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the addition of TE Stephen Alexander by the Denver Broncos could eventually lead to the team trading TE Jeb Putzier.

[Hotrod]

I always thought we were going after him in case they couldnt retain Putz, and now we sign him to 3 yrs and $4.2 million, sounds like another Jeb Weaver to me. I know he caught 41 passes (or something like that last season), but isnt that a lot of money for a number 2 TE?

Just be happy Jake restructured so we can fit this antiprobowl in under the cap.

[bronco militia]

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with free agent TE Stephen Alexander (Lions) on a three-year deal. He will receive a $4.2 million deal that includes bonuses of $1 million.

[Traveler]

Broncos | Alexander Agrees to Three-year Pact - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 23 Mar 2005 10:33:45 -0800

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with free agent TE Stephen Alexander (Lions) on a three-year deal. He will receive a $4.2 million deal that includes bonuses of $1 million.


Oops! Double post.

[ro_50]

Trading Putz, geez, now wouldnt that be something after they said he's an important part of the team's future.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Looking at his stats he's not a downfield threat at all. I would think Denver needs to keep Putz AND this guy. Just another good player to play down in the redzone.

[Hotrod]

Broncos | Alexander Addition Could Make Putzier Expendable - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 23 Mar 2005 10:38:58 -0800

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the addition of TE Stephen Alexander by the Denver Broncos could eventually lead to the team trading TE Jeb Putzier.

LOL

[Rascal]

Broncos | Alexander Addition Could Make Putzier Expendable - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 23 Mar 2005 10:38:58 -0800

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the addition of TE Stephen Alexander by the Denver Broncos could eventually lead to the team trading TE Jeb Putzier.


Well Pas is a bonified moron so I wouldn't believe him if he said the world was round.

[DBroncos4life]

Only 15 of his 41 catches came on third down. His one td came on third down as well. He isnt horrible but then again neither was Weaver.

[Traveler]

Well Pas is a bonified moron so I wouldn't believe him if he said the world was round.

Agreed! And he's fat too!

But someone one is definitely out the picture. And it doesn't make sense to trade the younger player for someone on the downside of his career.

Oops! Gotta check myself again. :woowoo:

[DBroncos4life]

I guess when you look at it only 4 of Putz catches came on third down.

[Traveler]

Broncos | Interested in Jackson - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 23 Mar 2005 11:04:26 -0800

The Denver Broncos have had ongoing discussions with NFL Draft prospect WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado).



Now I get it! Trade Putz to Jets for 2nd rounder and select Jackson. Hmmm...have to chew on this for awhile.

[Rascal]

Putz for a second...that would be raping the jets.

[Hotrod]

You may think Im joking but someone should really evaluate Shannys head. No really Im serious something is not working up there. This man may have a serious condition of some type.

[eddie mac]

It states $1 million in bonuses, I doubt very much whether they gave him $1 million up front in the form of a signing bonus. That's probably a roster bonus for next season or something which means he'll take up the excess money that Herndon's $670 k tender left. There's no way Shanny gives him money up front after what happened with Weaver last year. If he did then it's a really stupid move. This move also means you can wipe Donnie Spragan of the comp pick list.

[DBroncos4life]

Broncos | Interested in Jackson - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 23 Mar 2005 11:04:26 -0800

The Denver Broncos have had ongoing discussions with NFL Draft prospect WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado).



Now I get it! Trade Putz to Jets for 2nd rounder and select Jackson. Hmmm...have to chew on this for awhile.



I would love it if we had him as a WR. Im not sure how I would like it if he was moved to TE.

[Traveler]

Putz for a second...that would be raping the jets.


Exactly! That's why Putz is still a Bronco. Jets balked at the compensation. Maybe they'll re-think the position.

[Hotrod]

Exactly! That's why Putz is still a Bronco. Jets balked at the compensation. Maybe they'll re-think the position.


Ok the jets are not giving us a 2nd of Putz.

[Hotrod]

Ok whats the over/under on mock drafts that will still have us taking a TE in the first rofl

[Rascal]

This move also means you can wipe Donnie Spragan of the comp pick list.

How is that?

[Traveler]

I would love it if we had him as a WR. Im not sure how I would like it if he was moved to TE.


Bulk him up a little and he could be physically comparable to Shannon. Or keep him at WR and let him fill Eddie Mac's role in the offense. Either way. I'd like to see him on the team.

[TheDave]

Exactly! That's why Putz is still a Bronco. Jets balked at the compensation. Maybe they'll re-think the position.


The jets balked at a 4th for him... now you think they've decide he's worth losing a 2nd over... :kiddingme

[Traveler]

Ok the jets are not giving us a 2nd of Putz.


One can only wish! :)

[MileHighMania]

Very odd.

[Hotrod]

One can only wish! :)

Fair enough Im still holding out for Pollack and that aint gonna happen either.

Shanny why do you do this to us weve been good to you and now you devise a Plan to cause us severe pain???

Why Shanny Why

[Traveler]

The jets balked at a 4th for him... now you think they've decide he's worth losing a 2nd over... :kiddingme


I thought they balked because Denver wanted multiple picks for him.

Also, I'm not saying that the Jets are willing to part with a 2nd rounder. Just daydreaming since it's a slow day at work. :pray:

[TheDave]

I thought they balked because Denver wanted multiple picks for him.

Also, I'm not saying that the Jets are willing to part with a 2nd rounder. Just daydreaming since it's a slow day at work. :pray:

alright... a little hopefull homerism is alway good.

[MileHighMania]

I'm just confused at the $ thrown to this spare.

[eddie mac]

How is that?

Because Alexander was a UFA and his deal averages out at $1.4m per season. Donnie's was only $950k a season so they wipe each other out.

[Odysseus]

What does our new Tight End coach think? I'm sure there is going to a press conference where he gets Bowlens hand shoved up his butt and has to play meat puppet. Was this your idea or Shanahans?

The Broncos keep making these heavy handed "safe" pickups. It's like they are shell shocked looking for a certain predictability in what they are going after. It's obvious the whole AFCW scares them. Everyday there is another announcement that reads like "we surrender".

As a fan I don't fault them for looking for safety but warriors find safety on the battlefield not in front of the press corpse. (Yes. CORPSE!)

[eddie mac]

There's also the fact that Putzier costs more as a Jet than a Bronco. $1 million as a Jet and only $700k as a Bronco. The signing bonus would hit this years cap and right now we need every dollar!!

[eddie mac]

Probably means that Patrick Hape wont be back.

[DBroncos4life]

I don't hate the move one bit though. Another big body for picking up third downs.

[orange crusher]

I don't understand why so many people are uptight about this. He's experienced; he started 15 games last year. The average base salary is just over $1M per year, but is probably pretty low this year and escalates after that. As it was mentioned, the bonuses of $1M probably include a roster bonus in the 2nd or 3rd years of the contract and is not all a signing bonus. End result, he plays fairly cheap this year. If he doesn't produce, he'll get cut. If he does produce this year, he's probably worth the roster bonus and the escalation of the base. I don't think it is a bad move.

[SoCalBronco]

i absolutely hate this move if we are going to trade Putz, who is much younger and has a great upside. But as a second TE this would be good for us. Putz better not be going anywhere.

[Hotrod]

I hate this move based on the fact this guy has zero ability to play on the dline.

[Odysseus]

i absolutely hate this move if we are going to trade Putz, who is much younger and has a great upside. But as a second TE this would be good for us. Putz better not be going anywhere.

I'm getting the sense they are punching when they should counter and counter when they should be punching. It's a good move if Putz stays but a big WTF if he doesn't.

[orange crusher]

i absolutely hate this move if we are going to trade Putz, who is much younger and has a great upside. But as a second TE this would be good for us. Putz better not be going anywhere.

I agree with that. I'm just not convinced that this move was made to move Putz. I think it's purely speculation on Pasquarelli's part. It better be anyway.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Jeezzz guys, It's just camp competetion for Hape. Stop being so paranoid.

[Hotrod]

Jeezzz guys, It's just camp competetion for Hape. Stop being so paranoid.


I dont know Big Guy looks like Santa is a liar ;D

[bronco militia]

Jeezzz guys, It's just camp competetion for Hape. Stop being so paranoid.

yeah, that just cost Bowlen $1,000,000 that he'll never see again.

[Clockwork Orange]

yeah, that just cost Bowlen $1,000,000 that he'll never see again.

It said one million in bonuses. That includes roster bonuses and whatnot, so there's no guarantee that he'll ever see all of it or that it'll all hit the Broncos cap.

Nothing to get excited about in either direction really.

[Clockwork Orange]

Broncos | Interested in Jackson - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 23 Mar 2005 11:04:26 -0800

The Denver Broncos have had ongoing discussions with NFL Draft prospect WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado).

Now this I like. :thumbsup:

[bendog]

Hape at least can play FB in a pinch. I don't recall Alexander as being much of a blocker. Curious move, esp cause they already have two camp fodder guys on the roster.

[Shamrock]

What does our new Tight End coach think? I'm sure there is going to a press conference where he gets Bowlens hand shoved up his butt and has to play meat puppet. Was this your idea or Shanahans?
Tim Brewster was Alexander's TE coach with the Chargers when both were in SD.

Alexander is an injury prone underachiever. His stats are average at best, and his blocking skills are paltry. The one year he made the Pro Bowl was an exceptionally down year for TE's in the NFC (he was on the Redskins that year.)

Alexander's Career Stats (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/12181)

On the Chargers' boards, we gave Alexander the nickname "Stephanie" because he was always injured. Actually, that's not fair, because most women are tougher than him.

Have fun with that waste of cap space.

[Ratboy]

Atleast He's white ;)

[SoCalBronco]

Tim Brewster was Alexander's TE coach with the Chargers when both were in SD.

Alexander is an injury prone underachiever. His stats are average at best, and his blocking skills are paltry. The one year he made the Pro Bowl was an exceptionally down year for TE's in the NFC (he was on the Redskins that year.)

Alexander's Career Stats (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/12181)

On the Chargers' boards, we gave Alexander the nickname "Stephanie" because he was always injured. Actually, that's not fair, because most women are tougher than him.

Have fun with that waste of cap space.

explain how less than a million a year really counts as "cap space".

[Shamrock]

explain how less than a million a year really counts as "cap space".Anything over vet minimum is a waste on him. And even that would be suspect.

He'll come up lame after one hit, then you'll see what I mean.

[eddie mac]

i absolutely hate this move if we are going to trade Putz, who is much younger and has a great upside. But as a second TE this would be good for us. Putz better not be going anywhere.

I wouldn't worry SoCal, Putz will still be a Bronco next season unless someone comes in with a ludicrous offer. There's no way the Broncos take a $1 million cap hit and leave themselves without a starting TE for a 2nd day pick.

[bendog]

White guys can't play TE

[DrFate]

i absolutely hate this move if we are going to trade Putz, who is much younger and has a great upside. But as a second TE this would be good for us. Putz better not be going anywhere.

I think this is too much $$ for a 2nd tight end. This has to mean Putzier is traded.

Has to...

[Odysseus]

Tim Brewster was Alexander's TE coach with the Chargers when both were in SD. Have fun with that waste of cap space.

This speaks volumes. The Broncos are taking a zero risk planning attack. Everyone they have or brought in is basically coming on a personal note.

They are going to drive people nuts with the draft this year because unless they do some last minute deal are going to draft very bland.

I think this could work but how far they go depends on being healthy, learning from their mistakes and staying focused.

[bronco militia]

They are going to drive people nuts with the draft this year because unless they do some last minute deal are going to draft very bland.

.

that has always been Shanny's M.O. on draft day.....and Dan Reeves wasn't much better.

and I still can't figure why most Broncos fans are draft geeks?

???

[Odysseus]

that has always been Shanny's M.O. on draft day.....and Dan Reeves wasn't much better.

and I still can't figure why most Broncos fans are draft geeks?

???

No. Dan Reeves sucked. He wasn't just bad he was stupid bad. I think Shanny invented the draft compared to Reeves.

You make a good point. As boring as Shanny normally drafts that is a great question. Maybe they are masochists?

That doesn't explain Bengals fans though. Why do they even watch the games? Cardinals and Lions have taken the door mats off their chests.

[Hotrod]

explain how less than a million a year really counts as "cap space".

Well lets see Plummer has to restructure inorder for us to bring in a crappy TE while the Dline still has HUGE question marks. Add to the fact there was limited cap room to start with its the worst move I can think of to use a piece of what cap room we did have to address a postion that was not of great need.

[bronco militia]

Well lets see Plummer has to restructure inorder for us to bring in a crappy TE while the Dline still has HUGE question marks. Add to the fact there was limited cap room to start with its the worst move I can think of to use a piece of what cap room we did have to address a postion that was not of great need.

oh, I think it's a position of great need, but not to be filled by a guy like Alexander/Weaver/Chamberlain/OJ Santiago..

[Cito Pelon]

Looks like a waste of cap room.

[Hotrod]

Looks like a waste of cap room.

Well the good news is atleast we waited around long enough that there really are no players left worth spending cap space on. Our big prize at this point is Brown who if were lucky passes a physical and makes it thru atleast 2 preseason games before taking up a spot on IR. :woowoo:

[Drek]

The jets balked at a 4th for him... now you think they've decide he's worth losing a 2nd over... Actually no, they pulled out because Sundquist asked for either the 2nd, or 3rd and 6th. The Jets were willing to give their 4th and 5th.

I don't see the Jets trading their 2nd for him, and I don't see him leaving short of getting us that, since its a $1M dead cap hit that kills our TE corps. Maybe though, the Jets might panic come draft day and give it up. IF so great, we should then start trying to make cap room for Bubba Franks, a legitimate red zone threat.

[bpc]

I like the move. It definitely gives us some depth at the position. If we can just find some quality depth for QB and G, we'll have a heck of a offense in terms of talent and depth. One that could match up well with any team.

Defense is still a work in process but if we can manage to pick up Brown and Douglas and keep Pryce... we are going to be pretty stout looking up front and thats before we add any draft picks to the mix.

[TheDave]

Actually no, they pulled out because Sundquist asked for either the 2nd, or 3rd and 6th. The Jets were willing to give their 4th and 5th.

I don't see the Jets trading their 2nd for him, and I don't see him leaving short of getting us that, since its a $1M dead cap hit that kills our TE corps. Maybe though, the Jets might panic come draft day and give it up. IF so great, we should then start trying to make cap room for Bubba Franks, a legitimate red zone threat.


Wow, i only heard it was a 4th, and maybe their 6th... i never heard that they asked for a 2 or 3, and 6...

[HEAV]

Personally I felt this position could have been filled with a draft (late round) pick and or a June 1 free agent.

[SoCalBronco]

Heav, so you dont think this means they are trading Putz? Its just TE depth right?

[Rascal]

No way they can trade him after that contract he signed...not if we want to take a 1 mil cap hit which would be stupid...never mind we are going to trade him for a new pen.

[HEAV]

Wow, i only heard it was a 4th, and maybe their 6th... i never heard that they asked for a 2 or 3, and 6...


Sund did in fact tell the J.E.T.S that it would take a 2nd. They proceeded to hang up...........

[Cito Pelon]

What does our new Tight End coach think? I'm sure there is going to a press conference where he gets Bowlens hand shoved up his butt and has to play meat puppet. Was this your idea or Shanahans?

The Broncos keep making these heavy handed "safe" pickups. It's like they are shell shocked looking for a certain predictability in what they are going after. It's obvious the whole AFCW scares them. Everyday there is another announcement that reads like "we surrender".

As a fan I don't fault them for looking for safety but warriors find safety on the battlefield not in front of the press corpse. (Yes. CORPSE!)

That was pretty good.

[Hotrod]

Sund did in fact tell the J.E.T.S that it would take a 2nd. They proceeded to hang up...........

I bet they laughed at him first ;D

[HEAV]

Heav, so you dont think this means they are trading Putz? Its just TE depth right?


This move like most of the off season move caught me off gaurd. As has been the senario so far whenever something out of the blue happens theirs a reason for it.


I'll have to give my "Source" a call in the morning. He's been traveling the past few day's.

Still I don't like this move one bit.

[frerottenextelway]

Only 15 of his 41 catches came on third down.

Only? Rod Smith had 14 catches on 3rd Down last year.

[Rascal]

You have to love this (from rotoworld):

Broncos signed tight end Stephen Alexander, formerly of the Lions, to a three-year, $4.2 million contract, including a $1 million signing bonus.
Huh? Denver doesn't have a ton of cap space, plenty of defensive needs, and they sign an old mediocre tight end to backup Jeb Putzier? The only conclusion we can make is that Putzier may still get dealt to the Jets. Otherwise, this is a baffling move. Mar. 23 - 3:52 pm et

[HEAV]

I bet they laughed at him first ;D


More like a moment of silence....then "We'll get back to you at a later date".

[Rascal]

I bet they laughed at him first ;D

they probably billed him for a new phone.

[HEAV]

You have to love this (from rotoworld):

Broncos signed tight end Stephen Alexander, formerly of the Lions, to a three-year, $4.2 million contract, including a $1 million signing bonus.
Huh? Denver doesn't have a ton of cap space, plenty of defensive needs, and they sign an old mediocre tight end to backup Jeb Putzier? The only conclusion we can make is that Putzier may still get dealt to the Jets. Otherwise, this is a baffling move. Mar. 23 - 3:52 pm et



Ya that migrane headache is starting to come back.....again........

[ro_50]

I'm feeling quezzy now. 3yr/ Cool $4.2 mill for a backup tight end.

[BroncoInferno]

Why is everyone so baffled at this move? Look at teams like Indy and New England...both have two quality TEs.

And those who say Alexander is injury prone...well, the facts don't back that up. In his six year career he's only missed more than 2 games once, in 2001. He played all 16 games last season. He's not 'on his last legs' either...he's 29. He's had 40 or more catches in 3 of the last 4 years.

This is a depth move, and a solid one if you bother to be logical about it. Plummer definately needed another underneath option.

[McCaffreyFan03]

We can't get rid of Jeb. He's our guy.. Bowlen was quoted on saying that they weren't planning on trading him. I don't get this.. I think it's just for depth at TE.. Hape might be gone.

[Hotrod]

Why is everyone so baffled at this move? Look at teams like Indy and New England...both have two quality TEs.

And those who say Alexander is injury prone...well, the facts don't back that up. In his six year career he's only missed more than 2 games once, in 2001. He played all 16 games last season. He's not 'on his last legs' either...he's 29. He's had 40 or more catches in 3 of the last 4 years.

This is a depth move, and a solid one if you bother to be logical about it. Plummer definately needed another underneath option.

Depth is great no doubt about it but which do you want TE depth of a Dline ???

[Ballhawk]

Fact is with Lelie, you do not want to be sending two TEs deep. If we keep both Alexander is a good 7-15 yard guy, while putz can split the middle deeper.

[SoCalBronco]

maybe its backloaded.

[McCaffreyFan03]

When will we know if any of this trade talk is true?

[Atlas]

we sign him to 3 yrs and $4.2 million, isnt that a lot of money for a number 2 TE?


Not really that much. I mean the Vetern minimum is almost 800,000 isn't it??

[BroncoInferno]

Depth is great no doubt about it but which do you want TE depth of a Dline ???

While DL is certainly the most pressing need, it isn't the only need. We weren't good enough on 3rd downs last year, and Alexander improves us in that department by giving Jake another underneath option. My guess is this doesn't eat up much cap space this year. Maybe 800 K or there abouts.

[Ballhawk]

Whoever pointed out that the new money from Herndon officially not being matched was recieved by Alexander hit it on the head. Doubt this move had any salary cap implications at all.

[BroncoInferno]

Fact is with Lelie, you do not want to be sending two TEs deep. If we keep both Alexander is a good 7-15 yard guy, while putz can split the middle deeper.

Exactly, Ballhawk. We didn't have enough underneath options for Jake last year. We needed a meat and potatoes guy, and we got one. Solid signing.

[McCaffreyFan03]

Do you guys think Jeb will be staying? I hope so.

[FADERPROOF]

that has always been Shanny's M.O. on draft day.....and Dan Reeves wasn't much better.

and I still can't figure why most Broncos fans are draft geeks?

???

God forbid people wanting to inquire about the prospects coming into the NFL this year.

[Hotrod]

Whoever pointed out that the new money from Herndon officially not being matched was recieved by Alexander hit it on the head. Doubt this move had any salary cap implications at all.

Thats a good point I was not thinking about Herndon's cash. Still dont like the dline or even what options we have to fix it at this point.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Come to think of it, Isn't Hape an UFA? Who is better? Hape or alexander?

[McCaffreyFan03]

Do you think Putzier will be staying?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Do you think Putzier will be staying?

Yes

[minibronco]

ah.... just for fun...
Date Opp GS Rush RuYd RuAvg RuTD Rec RecYd RecAvg RecTD Fumb
09/12/04 CHI 1 0 0 0.0 0 2 15 7.5 0 0
09/19/04 HOU 1 0 0 0.0 0 2 13 6.5 0 0
09/26/04 PHI 1 0 0 0.0 0 3 15 5.0 0 0
10/10/04 ATL 1 0 0 0.0 0 2 15 7.5 0 0
10/17/04 GB 1 0 0 0.0 0 1 4 4.0 0 0
10/24/04 NYG 1 0 0 0.0 0 5 52 10.4 0 0
10/31/04 DAL 1 0 0 0.0 0 2 25 12.5 0 0
11/07/04 WAS 1 0 0 0.0 0 2 19 9.5 0 0
11/14/04 JAC 1 0 0 0.0 0 3 24 8.0 0 0
11/21/04 MIN 1 0 0 0.0 0 4 27 6.8 1 0
11/25/04 IND 1 0 0 0.0 0 5 58 11.6 0 0
12/05/04 ARI 1 0 0 0.0 0 1 5 5.0 0 0
12/19/04 MIN 1 0 0 0.0 0 2 26 13.0 0 0
12/26/04 CHI 0 0 0 0.0 0 1 13 13.0 0 0

[minibronco]

Do you think Putzier will be staying?

oh of course.

[Shamrock]

And those who say Alexander is injury prone...well, the facts don't back that up. In his six year career he's only missed more than 2 games once, in 2001. He played all 16 games last season. He's not 'on his last legs' either...he's 29. He's had 40 or more catches in 3 of the last 4 years.
What stats are you looking at? Surely not his official stats from NFL.com.

Alexander player page (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/12181)

2001 Washington Redskins 7 5 9 85 9.4 21 0 1 0 3
2002 San Diego Chargers 14 14 45 510 11.3 32 1 8 0 25
2003 San Diego Chargers 3 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0 0 0
2004 Detroit Lions 16 15 41 377 9.2 30 1 2 0 21

Two of the past four seasons he has missed 9 or more games. He has NOT had 40 or more catches in 3 of the past 4 years.

This is a great signing for San Diego fans. It gives us another reason to laugh at the Donkeys.

[BroncoInferno]

What stats are you looking at? Surely not his official stats from NFL.com.

Alexander player page (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/12181)

2001 Washington Redskins 7 5 9 85 9.4 21 0 1 0 3
2002 San Diego Chargers 14 14 45 510 11.3 32 1 8 0 25
2003 San Diego Chargers 3 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0 0 0
2004 Detroit Lions 16 15 41 377 9.2 30 1 2 0 21

Two of the past four seasons he has missed 9 or more games. He has NOT had 40 or more catches in 3 of the past 4 years.

This is a great signing for San Diego fans. It gives us another reason to laugh at the Donkeys.

Fair enough. The stats I saw simply omitted the '03 season altogether. Just the same, he proved he was healthy last year by playing in all 16 games and catching 41 balls.

[HEAV]

Why is everyone so baffled at this move? Look at teams like Indy and New England...both have two quality TEs.

And those who say Alexander is injury prone...well, the facts don't back that up. In his six year career he's only missed more than 2 games once, in 2001. He played all 16 games last season. He's not 'on his last legs' either...he's 29. He's had 40 or more catches in 3 of the last 4 years.

This is a depth move, and a solid one if you bother to be logical about it. Plummer definately needed another underneath option.




Ya same thing was said/thought last year with Jed Weaver............ Speaking of which he is on the cap for this year!

Still this postion could have been taken care of in the draft and in June. Need to concentrate on DL, OL, and DB, WR.

[BroncoInferno]

Ya same thing was said/thought last year with Jed Weaver............ Speaking of which he is on the cap for this year!

Still this postion could have been taken care of in the draft and in June. Need to concentrate on DL, OL, and DB, WR.

A mid or late round pick probably wouldn't have made much impact this season. And Weaver's situation was a little different. He was coming off one freak year where he had 35 catches, when he had been strictly a blocker until then. Alexander has logged three 40 catch seasons in his career, including last season. Plus, the cap hit probably won't be more than 800 K or so this season. It doesn't prevent us from addressing other needs. And backup TE *was* a need. Plummer needed another underneath option badly, and this signing gives him one.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

This is a great signing for San Diego fans. It gives us another reason to laugh at the Donkeys.

Chargers fans and reasons to laugh at other teams don't belong together.

[FADERPROOF]

Chargers fans and reasons to laugh at other teams don't belong together.

I was just about to say that, how can a Chargers fan have any room to laugh at other teams?

Ok, we'll give you guys the Cardinals, maybe the Bengals even, but all other teams are off limits to be being laughed at by Charger fans.

[2KBack]

I was in San Diego last week, and it seems to me that the fans there are very cautiously optimistic. Most are trying to get in a little last minute smack talk before that have to go back to their basement apartment.

[broncolife]

Tim Brewster was Alexander's TE coach with the Chargers when both were in SD.

Alexander is an injury prone underachiever. His stats are average at best, and his blocking skills are paltry. The one year he made the Pro Bowl was an exceptionally down year for TE's in the NFC (he was on the Redskins that year.)

.

Does anyone see a pattern here?
(insert bronco FA pick ups) is an injury prone underachiever.

[McCaffreyFan03]

Doesnt look like we are trading him:

Broncos sign free agent TE Alexander

BY FRANK SCHWAB

The Gazette


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (KRT) - The Denver Broncos signed free agent tight end Stephen Alexander on Wednesday, hoping Alexander and Jeb Putzier provide their offense a dangerous combination in multiple tight end sets.

Alexander caught 41 passes for 377 yards last year with Detroit. He twice has had 510-yard seasons, in 2000 with Washington and two years later with San Diego.

Signing Alexander was the second big move the Broncos have made at the tight end position this offseason. The first was matching an offer sheet by the New York Jets to restricted free agent Putzier.

"The addition of Stephen, along with Jeb, gives us what we feel is a very dynamic, if not lethal, combination at tight end," Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said.

The Broncos lacked offensive playmakers inside the 20-yard line last season, and subsequently had trouble scoring touchdowns once they got near the goal line. Denver ranked 14th in the AFC last season in efficiency inside the 20-yard line, scoring only 24 touchdowns in 53 trips inside their opponents' 20.

Alexander, 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, has scored only 11 touchdowns in his seven NFL seasons, but the Broncos think he can be another weapon that opponents have to deal with. Putzier played receiver in college and can be split wide, which would make the Broncos a little more difficult to defend when Putzier and Alexander are on the field at the same time.

"I think this gives us two big, talented receivers that we can use to create various mismatches in the passing game," Sundquist said.

Alexander is the first free-agent addition on offense for Denver this offseason. The Broncos re-signed free agent guards Cooper Carlisle and Ben Hamilton and also retained Putzier.

Sundquist said he thought free-agent defensive end Courtney Brown, who has drawn interest from Washington, Denver, Seattle and Jacksonville, could make his decision as soon as Thursday.

[SoCalBronco]

good to see we arent trading Jeb.

[Ray Finkle]

Does look like we are trading him:

Broncos sign free agent TE Alexander

BY FRANK SCHWAB

The Gazette


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (KRT) - The Denver Broncos signed free agent tight end Stephen Alexander on Wednesday, hoping Alexander and Jeb Putzier provide their offense a dangerous combination in multiple tight end sets.

Alexander caught 41 passes for 377 yards last year with Detroit. He twice has had 510-yard seasons, in 2000 with Washington and two years later with San Diego.

Signing Alexander was the second big move the Broncos have made at the tight end position this offseason. The first was matching an offer sheet by the New York Jets to restricted free agent Putzier.

"The addition of Stephen, along with Jeb, gives us what we feel is a very dynamic, if not lethal, combination at tight end," Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said.

The Broncos lacked offensive playmakers inside the 20-yard line last season, and subsequently had trouble scoring touchdowns once they got near the goal line. Denver ranked 14th in the AFC last season in efficiency inside the 20-yard line, scoring only 24 touchdowns in 53 trips inside their opponents' 20.

Alexander, 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, has scored only 11 touchdowns in his seven NFL seasons, but the Broncos think he can be another weapon that opponents have to deal with. Putzier played receiver in college and can be split wide, which would make the Broncos a little more difficult to defend when Putzier and Alexander are on the field at the same time.

"I think this gives us two big, talented receivers that we can use to create various mismatches in the passing game," Sundquist said.

Alexander is the first free-agent addition on offense for Denver this offseason. The Broncos re-signed free agent guards Cooper Carlisle and Ben Hamilton and also retained Putzier.

Sundquist said he thought free-agent defensive end Courtney Brown, who has drawn interest from Washington, Denver, Seattle and Jacksonville, could make his decision as soon as Thursday.



1-How does this look like Putz's is being traded?
2-I actually like Alexander a lot. When he is healthy and paired with a good QB, he is a better option at TE then House or Hape.....I think he could surprise most here if he stays health....

[HEAV]

Does look like we are trading him:

Ya you may want to change this brah. It's confusing.

[Atlas]

Whoever pointed out that the new money from Herndon officially not being matched was recieved by Alexander hit it on the head. Doubt this move had any salary cap implications at all.

Exactly. If the signing of Alexander means Hape is out of a job than I'm all for it! Hape has been stealing money ever since he got here.

[broncogary]

Lethal.

[-Slap-]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob's your Information Minister
I think that's a pretty good pickup for you guys. He's a real solid tight end.


There goes that kiss of death again...

For real. I neg repped the ****er.

[-Slap-]

Broncos | Interested in Jackson - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 23 Mar 2005 11:04:26 -0800

The Denver Broncos have had ongoing discussions with NFL Draft prospect WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado).



Now I get it! Trade Putz to Jets for 2nd rounder and select Jackson. Hmmm...have to chew on this for awhile.

Look, if we draft Vincent Jackson, I'll forgive all the other nonsense that's transpired here the last two months.

[-Slap-]

White guys can't play TE

Yeah? What about Ron Egloff? Uh, never mind...

[XXXshogunXXX]

how he got that contract is beyond me. Charger fans, nor Lions fans will not defend him, stephanie is worthless. I remember he had groin injuries from the end of 2002, and the entire offseaseason leading to the 2003 season. During the end of the 03 season, he said he realized he should stretch more to prevent injury. so after a year and offseason of injuries, he suddenly realizes to stretch more...the dumb****. Then the next week he gets another groin injury and is questionable for the rest of the year.

[-Slap-]

how he got that contract is beyond me. Charger fans, nor Lions fans will not defend him, stephanie is worthless. I remember he had groin injuries from the end of 2002, and the entire offseaseason leading to the 2003 season. During the end of the 03 season, he said he realized he should stretch more to prevent injury. so after a year and offseason of injuries, he suddenly realizes to stretch more...the dumb****. Then the next week he gets another groin injury and is questionable for the rest of the year.

We have a plan, though.

[Rascal]

**** THE PLAN!!!

Wait that's man, but it works here.

[wabbit]

This really is one of the stranger signings I've seen Mike make...and that's saying something.

This fellow is essentially a less healthy Jeb Putzier...more seasoned perhaps

He's not a very effective blocker, but hey

I guess the braintrust believes if they sign enough guys that kinda, in a distorted, misguided, diluted kind of way resemble the skills of Shannon Sharpe...one will eventually emerge

Now lets draft Heath Miller so we can have three or four overweight receivers lumbering down the field terrifying undersized safeties

[fontaine]

I may the only one who thinks this is a good signing.

Stephen Alexander as the primary TE isn't going to get the job done because a decent LB with coverage skills can neutralize him.

However, Alexander won't be the primary TE. Putz will be simply because of his ability to get open deep and find the soft spots in coverage. This means we should have more options if Plummer doesn't want to throw it to Putz since Alexander will get matched up against the weaker coverage guy.

I like the move, we've always used a lot of two TE sets and it's great insurance in case Putz picks up a knock.

[Odysseus]

I may the only one who thinks this is a good signing.

You make some good calls Fontaine. He might be. I feel about him the same way I felt about Hearst last year.

It seems every year they get the some lucky agent acting as a telemarketer requesting donations from the Broncos Charity Sisters of oozing wounds. I wish just once they'd hang up the damn phone!

[fontaine]

You make some good calls Fontaine. He might be. I feel about him the same way I felt about Hearst last year.

Watch and wait. The chefs are doing the same thing with Kris Wilson.

Last year they decided to go two TE sets with Wilson as the 2nd pass catching TE since their WRs don't scare anyone in the red zone. They installed all the plays geared towards Gonzo taking away the best coverage LB/S while Wilson gets the mismatch.

Unfortunately, IMO Wilson will be a very good player for them, one because he's got the talent to be a mini Gonzo and two because they know how to make a living off of their TEs. (It's a good thing we've got fast, coverage Lbs)

Same deal with Alexander. The more options we have in the red zone the better.

Especially considering Lelie is about as much of a red zone threat as a wet kitten.

[McCaffreyFan03]

Not a mention of a trade..
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~86~2778913,00.html
He won't be going anywhere.. :)

[eddie mac]

I wish everyone would stop panicking about that contract Alexander got. IMO this is literally a 1 year deal similar to what Gold got with the Bucs. I would bet the house that he's on the minimum vet salary this season and that bonus is a roster bonus for 2006. There's no way this organisation makes the same mistake they did with Weaver last year. So if he doesn't cut the mustard in training camp there's no cost whatsoever, if he does good then the Broncos have a decision to make next year with that roster bonus.

[-Slap-]

Its not a great signing, but its not nearly as bad as the Gold signing, thus, in some strange way, we're making progress.

[fontaine]

Its not a great signing, but its not nearly as bad as the Gold signing, thus, in some strange way, we're making progress.

At least Gold does well as a coverage LB.

With players like Antonio Gates/Gonzo/Kris Wilson and the raiders multiple wideouts he'll be able to look less of a munchkin on coverage duties.

[-Slap-]

At least Gold does well as a coverage LB.

With players like Antonio Gates/Gonzo/Kris Wilson and the raiders multiple wideouts he'll be able to look less of a munchkin on coverage duties.

Yippee skippy.

[watermock]

http://images.nfl.com/images/players/60x80/1864.jpg

1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14 3 4 22 5.5 13 1 0 0 2
1998 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 2 4 27 6.8 11 0 0 0 1
1999 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15 1 5 12 2.4 4 1 0 0 3
2000 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 2 6 39 6.5 13 0 0 0 1
2001 Denver Broncos 15 8 15 96 6.4 25 3 1 0 7
2002 Denver Broncos 16 0 6 26 4.3 7 2 0 0 3
2003 Denver Broncos 16 0 3 30 10.0 12 0 0 0 2
2004 Denver Broncos 16 5 8 35 4.4 11 4 0 0 5
TOTAL 124 21 51 287 5.6 25 11 1 0 24

DAMN YOU ALL! How are we going to replace the Great White Hape? With Alexander the Great. I know we are all waiting to see some other holes plugged, but this isn't that big of a deal. Alexander DOES have talent but has struggled with injuries.

8 receptions for 4 touchdowns playing in all 16 games has to be some obscure record for a TE.

Well, the shoe should drop on C. Brown soon one way or another. We need to buy another Meat Wagon signing all these history prone FA's.

[Odysseus]

Watch and wait. Same deal with Alexander. The more options we have in the red zone the better.

Especially considering Lelie is about as much of a red zone threat as a wet kitten.

I think they are doing the right thing but will Plummer see the guy? He had Putz wide open and seemed to hit him on the helmet, in the back, or behind him. Plummer is a gamer but he and Putz need to hang out more often.

I am a big fan of two TE sets. I'm hoping the OC puts their guy on Putz and Alexander proves everybody wrong. Brewster is bringing the guy in so let's see what that means. I'm not willing to pan the guy totally yet.

I am hoping that Watts pushes Lelie. Watts needs to get angry and play like a man possessed. I hope Nate stays healthy. I hope Trinidad steps up. We've got some guys but can the coaches reach them?

Lelie has to get to pro bowl so I can forget Ed Reed. I don't think Ed Reed would have done that well with the Broncos. They would have turned him into a Strong Side LB or coached him to never catch any ball thrown his way. I don't know why the Broncos force so many issues. I understand determination but they are stretching the bounds of credulity.

[-Slap-]

http://images.nfl.com/images/players/60x80/1864.jpg

1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14 3 4 22 5.5 13 1 0 0 2
1998 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 2 4 27 6.8 11 0 0 0 1
1999 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15 1 5 12 2.4 4 1 0 0 3
2000 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 2 6 39 6.5 13 0 0 0 1
2001 Denver Broncos 15 8 15 96 6.4 25 3 1 0 7
2002 Denver Broncos 16 0 6 26 4.3 7 2 0 0 3
2003 Denver Broncos 16 0 3 30 10.0 12 0 0 0 2
2004 Denver Broncos 16 5 8 35 4.4 11 4 0 0 5
TOTAL 124 21 51 287 5.6 25 11 1 0 24

DAMN YOU ALL! How are we going to replace the Great White Hape? With Alexander the Great. I know we are all waiting to see some other holes plugged, but this isn't that big of a deal. Alexander DOES have talent but has struggled with injuries.

8 receptions for 4 touchdowns playing in all 16 games has to be some obscure record for a TE.

Well, the shoe should drop on C. Brown soon one way or another. We need to buy another Meat Wagon signing all these history prone FA's.

Wouldn't be the first time Hape was cut on this board in March, only to make the final roster in September.

[Odysseus]

Wouldn't be the first time Hape was cut on this board in March, only to make the final roster in September.

Hape signed a 7 year deal so I would be surprised if he goes anywhere at this point. What is surprising about the guy is that the don't call his number at FB that often. They say he can play FB but has anyone ever seen that? Is he a special teams stud?

[clint7]

Hape signed a 7 year deal so I would be surprised if he goes anywhere at this point.

Seven year deal? Hape? Isn't he a UFA?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Seven year deal? Hape? Isn't he a UFA?

Yes. Denver Post this morning makes it clear Alexander was signed to replace Hape. That is all about establishing depth and not earth shaking news.

[McCaffreyFan03]

Well well.. I really hope all of this isn't true afterall.. It's not really a reliable source.. but I don't know why it keeps getting bought up. I wish management would come out and say if it is true or not so we wouldn't have to speculate. If we DID trade Putz it really wouldn't make any sense..

http://www.patsfans.com/nlscouting/display.php?story_id=2698

[Odysseus]

Seven year deal? Hape? Isn't he a UFA?

Alexander's signing likely means the Broncos will not re-sign Patrick Hape. It has been planned since January that Dwayne Carswell will attempt to move back to tackle. He was moved to tackle last year before moving back to tight end a week before the season began. Carswell's versatility will allow him to move back to tight end if needed.

(Cut from today's Denver Post)

I remember when they signed Hape it was long term deal. I might be wrong about the original terms of the contract. Thanks Big Guy for the update.

I guess all the Hape haters can stand easy. I just got used to not hating the guy myself.

[baja]

Well well.. I really hope all of this isn't true afterall.. It's not really a reliable source.. but I don't know why it keeps getting bought up. I wish management would come out and say if it is true or not so we wouldn't have to speculate. If we DID trade Putz it really wouldn't make any sense..

http://www.patsfans.com/nlscouting/display.php?story_id=2698

Shoping Pryce for a move up in the draft and signing Alexander allowing the possibility for a trade for Putz all smells like a big jump in the first round to grab a special player, could that player be Mike Williams.

Is Shanny having a wet dream for this talent?

[McCaffreyFan03]

Shoping Pryce for a move up in the draft and signing Alexander allowing the possibility for a trade for Putz all smells like a big jump in the first round to grab a special player, could that player be Mike Williams.

Is Shanny having a wet dream for this talent?

So what r u trying to say? :kiddingme Sorry, I'm slow.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Shoping Pryce for a move up in the draft and signing Alexander allowing the possibility for a trade for Putz all smells like a big jump in the first round to grab a special player, could that player be Mike Williams.

Is Shanny having a wet dream for this talent?

Denver had a week to trade Putzier after matching (and could have done it within 24 hours to not accelerate the bonus). He can't be traded this season.