Trevor Pryce

[NFLBRONCO]

What % do you see Trevor being traded? If so when do you see it happening? I've read alot about his cap number we need to get rid of it for our franchise health. Can you clear this up for me Thanks?

[yavoon]

i see released. course denver seems to be in love w/ the trade so u never know.

[SoCalBronco]

Next offseason, 75%.

[sirhcyennek81]

slim to none. you do not bring in warren, brown, ekuban, meyers, engleberger, ect and give away an impact player when you build a line specifically to take pressure off of him. He stays.

[wabbit]

Pure speculation right now...and only a couple of months after he re-structured to stay with the Broncos, but...

There is no way he stays with $9 mil cap figure for 2006.

Maybe he re-negotiates again to stay in Denver, but I wouldn't wait up late for that.

There IS considerable interest out there if he proves he is healthy, and judging from this year, he would re-structure to move on if the numbers were right...

...but chances of him remaining without serious re-structure &/or salary cut...none.

[SoCalBronco]

...but chances of him remaining without serious re-structure &/or salary cut...none.

Yep and if he has a good year, there is no way he is going to accept any restructuring or salary reduction.

[Atlas]

Pure speculation right now...and only a couple of months after he re-structured to stay with the Broncos, but...

There is no way he stays with $9 mil cap figure for 2006.

Maybe he re-negotiates again to stay in Denver, but I wouldn't wait up late for that.

There IS considerable interest out there if he proves he is healthy, and judging from this year, he would re-structure to move on if the numbers were right...

...but chances of him remaining without serious re-structure &/or salary cut...none.

I agree. Denver has a lot of one year players here. Things will be a lot clearer next offseason. If Pryce plays well and Brown and Warren flop then it's almost a certainty that he'll come back. HI believe he'll reduce his cap a little bit next year because he can't get more money from another team, it just depends on whether Shanny will want him back or trade him. Denver might want to trade him and then get a monster DT in the draft. Of course there are no sure things after all Warren and Brown were both top 5 picks.

[sisterhellfyre]

What % do you see Trevor being traded? If so when do you see it happening? I've read alot about his cap number we need to get rid of it for our franchise health. Can you clear this up for me Thanks?

Depends on two things...

* How healthy is Trevor's back? If he pulls up lame again this year or reinjures the back... well, let's just say that we already saw that his trade value was ZERO this last offseason. If he makes it back to the Pro Bowl, then there might be trade possibilities worth talking about. Personally, if he's as healthy as he claims, I look for a good solid season from Trevor, with 8-10 sacks and leading the D-line in tackles. Any higher production than that (ie, production that would get him in the Pro Bowl) would be a pure pleasant surprise.

* Of all the linemen on the roster, how well do Brown, Ekuban, Warren, Myers, and Engelberger work out? Most of us have said all along that if one of the Browncos plays well, the trades were worth it. Two would be sweet heaven. Three or all four would be unimaginable riches, as if we'd bought a winning lottery ticket.

The old-timers on the line (Johnson and Coleman) are pretty much on their last legs. I don't look for them to be around after this year anyhow. I figure this year is an audition for the Browncos and Engelberger to take their spots filling out the depth rotation on a long-term basis. We know what we've got with the old veterans. It ain't much, but it is dependable. They'll all be expendable after this year -- if they're not completely spent anyhow.

Along with the Browncos, I think a lot depends on the performance of Aaron Hunt, Dorsett Davis and Anton Palepoi. If they manage to discover sudden "game" in their work with the new DL coaches, their performance would also make Trevor far more expendable.

There are a whole lot of factors at play here, but I'd guesstimate Trevor's chances of being a Bronco for the 2006 season at no more than 50/50.

Namas-te,
m.

[NFLBRONCO]

We could easily draft a DE and DT in 06 draft so that is not a huge issue. If the DL plays well he might restructure to play on a solid line.

[wabbit]

* Of all the linemen on the roster, how well do Brown, Ekuban, Warren, Myers, and Engelberger work out? Most of us have said all along that if one of the Browncos plays well, the trades were worth it. Two would be sweet heaven. Three or all four would be unimaginable riches, as if we'd bought a winning lottery ticket.

I have no hard information on this, but I suspect that Shanahan/Coyer hope one or two of these guys steps up.

There's always hope they hit the jackpot, but realistically, I would be elated if two or three work out and play to stay.

Engelberger is here longer term because he's affordable & young. Myers has already flashed some real promise...both are cheap, so if BOTH Warren & Brown were to play at a Pro Bowl level, the coaching staff would likely have to make a decision which ONE to keep...probably not both.


Along with the Browncos, I think a lot depends on the performance of Aaron Hunt, Dorsett Davis and Anton Palepoi. If they manage to discover sudden "game" in their work with the new DL coaches, their performance would also make Trevor far more expendable.

I mean no offense to any athlete who has more skill at what he does than I could ever imagine, but, at this point, I don't believe any of these three, save for Palepoi has a prayer...and even then, it may take a personal visit from God

[SoCalBronco]

i agree as to the last three, wabbit. We already have 4 DEs who are basically locks to be on the team- Pryce, Brown, Ekuban and now Engelberger. Unless we are going to keep more than a full two deep at each end position, Palepoi and Hunt are already toast.

As to Dorsett Davis, i would think he is literally dead last on the depth chart. I see him behind Warren, Myers, Ellis, Pope and Fetafehi. All have produced more than Dorsett and i actually saw in the DPO i think a day or two ago a column which stated that along with Middlebrooks, the Broncos were actively shopping Davis.

[Atlas]

* Of all the linemen on the roster, how well do Brown, Ekuban, Warren, Myers, and Engelberger work out? Most of us have said all along that if one of the Browncos plays well, the trades were worth it. Two would be sweet heaven. Three or all four would be unimaginable riches, as if we'd bought a winning lottery ticket.

I have no hard information on this, but I suspect that Shanahan/Coyer hope one or two of these guys steps up.

There's always hope they hit the jackpot, but realistically, I would be elated if two or three work out and play to stay.

Engelberger is here longer term because he's affordable & young. Myers has already flashed some real promise...both are cheap, so if BOTH Warren & Brown were to play at a Pro Bowl level, the coaching staff would likely have to make a decision which ONE to keep...probably not both.


Along with the Browncos, I think a lot depends on the performance of Aaron Hunt, Dorsett Davis and Anton Palepoi. If they manage to discover sudden "game" in their work with the new DL coaches, their performance would also make Trevor far more expendable.

I mean no offense to any athlete who has more skill at what he does than I could ever imagine, but, at this point, I don't believe any of these three, save for Palepoi has a prayer...and even then, it may take a personal visit from God

Everyone always overlooks Luther Ellis.

[wabbit]

Yeah, they salvaged Middlebrooks in a big way...maybe someone will throw in a 6th rounder for ol' Dorsett...my confidence level is fairly low on that happening.

My guess would be that he gets a LOT of playing time in the first two Pre-Season games so that the Front Office can point with a beaming smile and say: "see?"

[NFLBRONCO]

i agree as to the last three, wabbit. We already have 4 DEs who are basically locks to be on the team- Pryce, Brown, Ekuban and now Engelberger. Unless we are going to keep more than a full two deep at each end position, Palepoi and Hunt are already toast.

As to Dorsett Davis, i would think he is literally dead last on the depth chart. I see him behind Warren, Myers, Ellis, Pope and Fetafehi. All have produced more than Dorsett and i actually saw in the DPO i think a day or two ago a column which stated that along with Middlebrooks, the Broncos were actively shopping Davis.


Unless all these guys get hurt they stay next year. I think all the ex Brown's will do decent enough as far as coaches are concerned. Brown is the only doubtful one I see to make it too far.

[sisterhellfyre]

I mean no offense to any athlete who has more skill at what he does than I could ever imagine, but, at this point, I don't believe any of these three, save for Palepoi has a prayer...and even then, it may take a personal visit from God

Thanks, wabbit. After hitting 'send,' while catching up on other threads, I realized I was doing no more than regurgitating and summarizing what you've said in other places.... so I'd like to give you credit where it's due. :-)

FWIW, I agree with you about Hunt and Davis. Aaron has had some bright moments over in Europe, but all that does is show the potential that got him drafted out of college. Nothing to get excited about: it's not like he dominated NFLE.

I know DD was hurt last year, but I'll be real curious to see what he brings to camp this year. This year more than any other, he's not guaranteed a roster spot (as much as any Bronco is) simply by showing up and looking the part.

I wouldn't be too surprised to see Palepoi turn into the next Bert Berry: the unknown role player that suddenly comes into his own.

Namas-te,
m.

[wabbit]

Everyone always overlooks Luther Ellis.

That's a good point...and truthfully, I didn't include him in the thinking, but the HOPE is that he can feel the heat from the young uns' & step it up.

I've heard a couple of local reporters...one print, the other broadcast, say that Ellis' place on this roster is in no way secure...even if he stays healthy.

He'll have to earn a spot, and to do that, he'll have to stay healthy AND perform.

He'll get some serious Pre-Season play to see where he is health-wise.

[DomCasual]

Everyone always overlooks Luther Ellis.

You know, this winter, a local church here was advertising a show called "Power Lifting for Jesus, with former Utah Ute Luther Elliss!" (or something to that effect) I couldn't help but think, "How about Power Lifting for the friggen Denver Broncos?"

The guy has a herniated disk in his back, and he is "Power Lifting for Jesus?"

Do you remember those ads on Saturday Night Live for "Bad Idea Jeans?" "So anyway, I figure - sure she's a Haitian prosititute. But I thought, 'What the heck! I'm not using a condom!'" BAD IDEA!

"So, I know that I earn an obscene living playing a game. And I know my body has to be healthy to continue earning said living. And I know my career was jeopardized last year because of a herniated disk in my back. But it's Jesus, and he needs me to do some power lifting." BAD IDEA!

[Broncoman13]

* Of all the linemen on the roster, how well do Brown, Ekuban, Warren, Myers, and Engelberger work out? Most of us have said all along that if one of the Browncos plays well, the trades were worth it. Two would be sweet heaven. Three or all four would be unimaginable riches, as if we'd bought a winning lottery ticket.

I have no hard information on this, but I suspect that Shanahan/Coyer hope one or two of these guys steps up.

There's always hope they hit the jackpot, but realistically, I would be elated if two or three work out and play to stay.

Engelberger is here longer term because he's affordable & young. Myers has already flashed some real promise...both are cheap, so if BOTH Warren & Brown were to play at a Pro Bowl level, the coaching staff would likely have to make a decision which ONE to keep...probably not both.


Along with the Browncos, I think a lot depends on the performance of Aaron Hunt, Dorsett Davis and Anton Palepoi. If they manage to discover sudden "game" in their work with the new DL coaches, their performance would also make Trevor far more expendable.

I mean no offense to any athlete who has more skill at what he does than I could ever imagine, but, at this point, I don't believe any of these three, save for Palepoi has a prayer...and even then, it may take a personal visit from God



Actually if both Warren and Brown play at a Pro-bowl level the only guy we really need to worry about is Warren. Brown already has a multi-year, incentive laden contract. If he does well then he'll get paid accordingly... by doing well I mean staying healthy and being productive.

My guess is that three of the four work out... Call me crazy but I think Ekuban is the one that has something to prove. I have a lot more confidence in Brown and Warren and apparently the coaching staff has a thing for Myers.... so it looks like Ek will have to prove his worth.

[SoCalBronco]

Actually if both Warren and Brown play at a Pro-bowl level the only guy we really need to worry about is Warren. Brown already has a multi-year, incentive laden contract. If he does well then he'll get paid accordingly... by doing well I mean staying healthy and being productive.

.

I dunno, BMan, we still have a problem even if Brown works out. He is due a fairly decent sized roster bonus next year. If he is healthy this year or just misses a few games, there is still an issue as to whether to give him that bonus. Merely one season of health doesnt guarantee future seasons of health. There is still going to be an issue there.

Unfortuneatly, as Yavoon brought up a few days ago, even if both of the Browns pan out, the Broncos are in a tight spot. Do you exercise Brown's roster bonus with the ghost hanging over you that this was just one season of health and he may very well return to his injury prone ways or let him go and start over back at square one? Same with Warren, if he is good and motivated this year, do we give him a nice contract? Once getting that signing bonus, where's his incentive not to be lazy? Whats the incentive not to go back to the old ways after getting paid? Its not the contract year anymore. Youve got that ghost hanging over you even if he does well. And in the particular case of Warren, its not like you can make his contract contingent on certain things. It cant be contingent on stats because the disruptiveness of DTs arent always measured by stats. It cant be on games played because he can play and suck. It cant be based on off the field things, because he could be a great citizen and still suck. This is unlike Brown where maybe you could give him that roster bonus next year in exchange for further provisions tied to playing time, since he has played well when healthy.

Its a Catch 22 even if they pan out.

[SoCalBronco]

Let's muddy the water a bit further.

What if both are "okay" or "solid" but not great. Even solid DTs are at a premium in the league. You surely dont franchise Warren. We dont even have the money to do that anyway with 2 firsts next year and likely 8 picks in the top 130 as well as trying to work out an extension for Walls and Lelie. You put him on the open market and he'll get snatched up, both of them in fact. Do u exercise Brown's option if he is just "solid"?

If you dont, we are back at square one again.

[Broncoman13]

Best case scenario would be for Brown to be the better of the two. We've seen proof that even with the larger bonuses we can find a way to lower that #... i.e Jake Plummer. Most everybody didn't feel he was worth the large bonus and Shanny ended up not having to give him the full amount. You do bring up a good point though... but I think I'd rather have that problem next year and worry about it then, as opposed to having them fall on their faces this year!

[DBroncos4life]

Depends, lets say he goes off and has a Rice or Strahan like season and gets 15-20 sacks. 9 mill for that is WELL worth it. Should he fall on his face and do jack he gets cut. Anywhere between 10 and 15 sacks could land us a good pick in next years draft but still there is a cap hit to think about there and it forces our hands some what we would need to do in the draft. I just hope that the Skins finish worse then the Browns and the Phins so we have even more to work with in terms of trading draft picks, should Leinart still be on the board. Regardless of what happens we still have to deal with the fact that we could lose both Brown and Warren if they have good years as well. Tough things to deal with.

[NFLBRONCO]

Let's muddy the water a bit further.

What if both are "okay" or "solid" but not great. Even solid DTs are at a premium in the league. You surely dont franchise Warren. We dont even have the money to do that anyway with 2 firsts next year and likely 8 picks in the top 130 as well as trying to work out an extension for Walls and Lelie. You put him on the open market and he'll get snatched up, both of them in fact. Do u exercise Brown's option if he is just "solid"?

If you dont, we are back at square one again.

Of course it will clear up when we see what slots our #1's actually are. My wish list hasn't changed in round 1 of 06 QB DE DT/LT. IMO the best scenerio overall might be if Myers EE John E. from SF do good and Brown doesn't and Warren doesn't either. This will save FA money for adding alittle more fire power on offense.

[SoCalBronco]

Of course it will clear up when we see what slots our #1's actually are. My wish list hasn't changed in round 1 of 06 QB DE DT/LT. IMO the best scenerio overall might be if Myers EE John E. from SF do good and Brown doesn't and Warren doesn't either. This will save FA money for adding alittle more fire power on offense.

Yeah, the slots that we end up getting will be important factors in the decision to keep some of these guys. IMO, there is no QB right now worth a no. 1 pick so lets get that out of our heads. 06 Draft is crap so far as QBs go, at this point in time. I dunno if we can spend alot next year anyway even with some money cause we gotta try and keep Walls and Lelie will only have 1 yr. left so they will try and extend him too. Cant do all that and pay 2 first rounders and a likely total of 8 picks in the first 130 alone and still go out and shop.

[NFLBRONCO]

Give me Kiwi or Wright please

[Bronco9798]

How much does the cap No# increase to next year? Plus with the 1st and 32 pick ;-), we can trade that #32 pick, get more value in the later rounds, and save some money.

Yeah, I know I'm dreaming.

[SoCalBronco]

Give me Kiwi or Wright please

I would so love that. Man that would be beautiful.

[bloodsunday]

Let's muddy the water a bit further.

What if both are "okay" or "solid" but not great. Even solid DTs are at a premium in the league. You surely dont franchise Warren. We dont even have the money to do that anyway with 2 firsts next year and likely 8 picks in the top 130 as well as trying to work out an extension for Walls and Lelie. You put him on the open market and he'll get snatched up, both of them in fact. Do u exercise Brown's option if he is just "solid"?

If you dont, we are back at square one again.
Plan on the square one scenario. If we have learned one thing in Denver its to expect change. Pryce, Brown, and Warren are all in contract years (realistically). Denver can't afford to keep them if they play well enough to earn big contracts and likely won't want to keep them if they don't. It's pretty simple really, unless these guys are so happy to be here that they take a hometown deal. The problem is that the loyalty in the NFL seems to be the same on both sides -- none.

I am counting on the fact that all 3 guys are playing elsewhere next season.

[fontaine]

Plan on the square one scenario. If we have learned one thing in Denver its to expect change. Pryce, Brown, and Warren are all in contract years (realistically). Denver can't afford to keep them if they play well enough to earn big contracts and likely won't want to keep them if they don't. It's pretty simple really, unless these guys are so happy to be here that they take a hometown deal. The problem is that the loyalty in the NFL seems to be the same on both sides -- none.

I am counting on the fact that all 3 guys are playing elsewhere next season.

I agree to a certain extent. Pryce will no doubt be traded for a future 2nd rounder. Brown won't be healthy enough to last the season and hence will be cut.

Warren, I think will stick around. He wont have an all world season, but a decent one and as long as he's one gapping, he should be an ok player for us.

The acquisition of Ekuban, and now Engelberger really shows me that the FO is already planning on losing Pryce/Brown.

[BroncoInferno]

I agree to a certain extent. Pryce will no doubt be traded for a future 2nd rounder. Brown won't be healthy enough to last the season and hence will be cut.

Warren, I think will stick around. He wont have an all world season, but a decent one and as long as he's one gapping, he should be an ok player for us.

The acquisition of Ekuban, and now Engelberger really shows me that the FO is already planning on losing Pryce/Brown.

I agree on Pryce and Brown. Brown, even if healthy and productive, likely won't stick. We can't pay a guy based on staying healthy one season, and if he can't stay healthy we won't want him back anyway. If Pryce returns to form, he'll be jettisoned for a 2nd or 3rd rounder. If he doesn't, he'll be released.

I disagree slightly on Warren. I agree he has the best chance of sticking, but I think he'll be more than 'OK'. He hasn't been proprely used since he got to Cleveland. He's a one-gapper who's been forced to play as a two-gapper. Couple that with that fact that he's in a contract year, and you've got a recipe for a big season. At the very least we can slap him with the franchise or transition tags, thus forcing any team that wants him to pay a 1st rounder (wouldn't 3 1sts be sweet ;D). Probably no one would pay that price, thus allowing us to keep him on the one year franchise/transition tender, thus forcing him into another motivation-packed contract year. ;D

[bendog]

He's gone. Big Ass will me motivated ot have a career year too. IF shanny can get picks for one or both, he'd be stupid to not take them and draft. Both guys have big questions and rooks, even real high pick rooks, are cheaper capwise.