Free Agency is only 33% of the offseason

[phillybroncosnut]

Wow! Just WOW!

I can't believe all the whining about our offseason so far. Do the whiners realize that this free agency is only 1/3rd of the off season? Do the whiners realize that the best way to build a team is through the draft? The the whiners forget that we took the same approach in FA last season and made it to the AFC title game? Do the whiners realize that there will be a ton of talent that will hit the market when the June 1st cuts go down?

If you examine what the Broncos have gone through compaired to teams like the Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Patriots and Steelers have gone through. Those 5 teams were the closest competitors to our Broncos.

The Pats lost Givens and McGinest
The Steelers lost Randle El, Chris Hope and Van olehoffen
The Colts lost Edge and I believe a starting DLineman
The Chargers lost their franchise QB
The Chiefs lost Barber and cut a couple starters.

We lost an aging RB that was a total non factor in BOTH playoff games last season. We lost a TE who couldn't block and was a zero in the Red zone. We lost a highly overpriced DE who's best days were way behind him.

I'd say out of the 5 peer teams, we have lost the least. Look at the names that the peer teams have lost and have yet to replace. Edge is considered by many to be as valuable as Peyton in the Colts offense. He catches a ton of balls out of the backfield and picks up the blitz with the best RB's in the league. To say nothing for his 1500 yards and 15 TD's every year.
Randle El was the most dangerous weapon in the Steelers offense. He will not be half the player in Wash that he was in Pitts.
McGinest was the spirit of the Pats D.
Brees is 100 times better then Rivers right now. None of those teams can replce those players immediately.

I'd say the Broncos are sitting in the best seat right now when you look at the AFC peers.
There is still time people. FA is still alive. After FA, we have the draft. After the draft, like every year, there will be huge names that get cut.

RELAX!!!!

[24champ]

rep

[eddie mac]

Colts lost Thornton (LB) and Triplett (DT)

[phillybroncosnut]

Colts lost Thornton (LB) and Triplett (DT)

Triplett. That's right. Thanks.

[brother love]

I'd say the Broncos are sitting in the best seat right now when you look at the AFC peers.
There is still time people. FA is still alive. After FA, we have the draft. After the draft, like every year, there will be huge names that get cut.

RELAX!!!!

I agree with you 100%

We are in great shape for next year. We don't need to throw money around in Free Agency just because we can.

The draft will be awesome. We could use some more fresh faces like Foxworth and Darrent Williams!

[baja]

Wow! Just WOW!

I can't believe all the whining about our offseason so far. Do the whiners realize that this free agency is only 1/3rd of the off season? Do the whiners realize that the best way to build a team is through the draft? The the whiners forget that we took the same approach in FA last season and made it to the AFC title game? Do the whiners realize that there will be a ton of talent that will hit the market when the June 1st cuts go down?

If you examine what the Broncos have gone through compaired to teams like the Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Patriots and Steelers have gone through. Those 5 teams were the closest competitors to our Broncos.

The Pats lost Givens and McGinest
The Steelers lost Randle El, Chris Hope and Van olehoffen
The Colts lost Edge and I believe a starting DLineman
The Chargers lost their franchise QB
The Chiefs lost Barber and cut a couple starters.

We lost an aging RB that was a total non factor in BOTH playoff games last season. We lost a TE who couldn't block and was a zero in the Red zone. We lost a highly overpriced DE who's best days were way behind him.

I'd say out of the 5 peer teams, we have lost the least. Look at the names that the peer teams have lost and have yet to replace. Edge is considered by many to be as valuable as Peyton in the Colts offense. He catches a ton of balls out of the backfield and picks up the blitz with the best RB's in the league. To say nothing for his 1500 yards and 15 TD's every year.
Randle El was the most dangerous weapon in the Steelers offense. He will not be half the player in Wash that he was in Pitts.
McGinest was the spirit of the Pats D.
Brees is 100 times better then Rivers right now. None of those teams can replce those players immediately.

I'd say the Broncos are sitting in the best seat right now when you look at the AFC peers.
There is still time people. FA is still alive. After FA, we have the draft. After the draft, like every year, there will be huge names that get cut.

RELAX!!!!


Great way of looking at things thanks for pointing that out. rep

[Meck77]

Great way of looking at things thanks for pointing that out. rep

agreed great post........Ole philly just broke it down!:thumbs:

[phillybroncosnut]

Please allow me to throw another team into the mix. The Cincinatti Bengals. There is no way Carson Palmer will be ready for the start of the season. Alot of analysts are saying he will probably be placed on the PUP list (Physically unable to perform). That means he will miss the first 6 games. Now, alot of people knew that but what we didn't know is that the Bengals failed to re sign Jon Kitna so they will probably go into next season with a true backup QB. I don't anticipate them signing or trading for a Billy Volek, Patrick Ramsey, or Josh McCown so the best they can hope for is a guy like Gus Frerotte and I don't even think they will come up with the money to sign him.

So, that's a 6th team among the tops in the AFC who have a back seat to the Bronco IMHO.

[Requiem]

Nice post.

[yavoon]

I can't believe all the whining about the whining.

[HEAV]

It's not about what other teams have lost. It's about what other teams have added. The Dolphins are now going to be a contender, the Titans have improved, Baltmore has gotten stronger. All are teams, that if Denver doesn't win the West, could be competing with Denver for a wildcard spot.

What many aren't getting is that the team had the dollars to make signings. The team stated they wanted to land to impact players on both sides of teh ball. Now the team is reversing and saying we are going to smart with or dollars? They are talking about trading both #1's for #1's in 2007!

Hello there's something wrong in Dove valley or wrong in Bowlen's pockets.

Re-signing your talent is could. But they needed to make a jump in F.A. and land one guy for each side.

Last year was great. 13-3. But to assume that that is going to be 2006 is wrong.

When you have a team that played in the title game and you have the cap space. You don't sit by and let you competetion snag talent. You don't talk about trading you two first rounders.

Sorry I can't geek'd up over having scrub free agent signing and having three second rounders and a first in 2007.

It's almost as if the front office doesn't know the CBA got done! They could re-work Jake's,Champs,Rod's deals and get more cap room!

[anthonypacino]

Please allow me to throw another team into the mix. The Cincinatti Bengals. There is no way Carson Palmer will be ready for the start of the season. Alot of analysts are saying he will probably be placed on the PUP list (Physically unable to perform). That means he will miss the first 6 games. Now, alot of people knew that but what we didn't know is that the Bengals failed to re sign Jon Kitna so they will probably go into next season with a true backup QB. I don't anticipate them signing or trading for a Billy Volek, Patrick Ramsey, or Josh McCown so the best they can hope for is a guy like Gus Frerotte and I don't even think they will come up with the money to sign him.

So, that's a 6th team among the tops in the AFC who have a back seat to the Bronco IMHO.
Hey now, Craig Krenzel can hold his own (Buckeye pride) what about Aaron Brooks? what is his situation since Brees is in NO? Brooks has a good deep ball.

[phillybroncosnut]

It's not about what other teams have lost. It's about what other teams have added. The Dolphins are now going to be a contender, the Titans have improved, Baltmore has gotten stronger. All are teams, that if Denver doesn't win the West, could be competing with Denver for a wildcard spot.

Yes, Miami and Baltimore and Tenn have signed better talent, but they are still behind Denver as a whole. Miami's undoing will be choosing Culpeeper over Brees. Do you remember the post Randy Moss Culpepper that I remember last season before the injury. Yeah, the 2-5 record, 2 TD's to 11 INT's Culpepper? Tennesee is still a ways away and Baltimore atill has Boller throwing the ball and an aging D. I like Denver versus any of them.

What many aren't getting is that the team had the dollars to make signings. The team stated they wanted to land to impact players on both sides of teh ball. Now the team is reversing and saying we are going to smart with or dollars? They are talking about trading both #1's for #1's in 2007!

So, because they haven't added players in the first 5 days of FA, that means they won't get impact players? Dude, FA is still going, and who knows what names will be out there after june 1st.

Hello there's something wrong in Dove valley or wrong in Bowlen's pockets.

Re-signing your talent is could. But they needed to make a jump in F.A. and land one guy for each side.

Last year was great. 13-3. But to assume that that is going to be 2006 is wrong.

When you have a team that played in the title game and you have the cap space. You don't sit by and let you competetion snag talent. You don't talk about trading you two first rounders.

Sorry I can't geek'd up over having scrub free agent signing and having three second rounders and a first in 2007.

It's almost as if the front office doesn't know the CBA got done! They could re-work Jake's,Champs,Rod's deals and get more cap room!

Tell me, who did the Steelers sign last offseason that made them the Champs? What huge name did we sign last season that propelled us to the AFC title game? What incredible impact player did Seattle and Carolina sing last offseason to propel them to glory? Adding huge impact players does not a title make.

[phillybroncosnut]

Hey now, Craig Krenzel can hold his own (Buckeye pride) what about Aaron Brooks? what is his situation since Brees is in NO? Brooks has a good deep ball.


I think he will be asking for way more then the Bengals wanna spend on a back up QB. Palmer has a huge salary and I don't see the Bungles breaking the bank for a guy they only wanna see for 6 games.

[Hotrod]

Im still sitting on the bench and can see both side of the argument right now. Sure other teams in the race have lost something but Im not sure how that means we should not do ALL we can to get better.

My main concern right now today is our pass rush from the Dline flat out sucked last year with Pryce. We better come up with something to fill that void or the secondary is gonna get taken to the cleaners this year. I just dont see a draft dlineman coming in and making an impact. We have the $ we have the picks to put it together for a nice run at the SB instead we appear content to sit and hope for the best. I guess Im more of a make something happen then a hope something happens kinda fella.

[anthonypacino]

I think he will be asking for way more then the Bengals wanna spend on a back up QB. Palmer has a huge salary and I don't see the Bungles breaking the bank for a guy they only wanna see for 6 games.
Maybe, but 10-6 isn't a lock for the playoffs and I don't think Carson could come in 6 weeks later and pull off 8-9 wins, maybe a 1 year deal for Brooks. If they are serious about turning things around they might have to open it up to get someone in there that can at least split the six weeks til Carson can come back.

[Spider]

5 days ? we havent signed anyone .........http://www.orangemane.com/BB/attachment.php?attachmentid=14373&d=1137030899

[ludo21]

good post.

i couldnt agree more. The BEST moves we made was resigning Lepsis and Warren, after that, i could care less.

Lets move on to the draft.

[Mediator12]

It's not about what other teams have lost. It's about what other teams have added. The Dolphins are now going to be a contender, the Titans have improved, Baltmore has gotten stronger. All are teams, that if Denver doesn't win the West, could be competing with Denver for a wildcard spot.

What many aren't getting is that the team had the dollars to make signings. The team stated they wanted to land to impact players on both sides of teh ball. Now the team is reversing and saying we are going to smart with or dollars? They are talking about trading both #1's for #1's in 2007!

Hello there's something wrong in Dove valley or wrong in Bowlen's pockets.

Re-signing your talent is could. But they needed to make a jump in F.A. and land one guy for each side.

Last year was great. 13-3. But to assume that that is going to be 2006 is wrong.

When you have a team that played in the title game and you have the cap space. You don't sit by and let you competetion snag talent. You don't talk about trading you two first rounders.

Sorry I can't geek'd up over having scrub free agent signing and having three second rounders and a first in 2007.

It's almost as if the front office doesn't know the CBA got done! They could re-work Jake's,Champs,Rod's deals and get more cap room!


Expectations. That is what this all comes down to. You expect them to go one way, they go another. They have been quite shrewd the last two years and had success without adding one High End FA. They have weighed the options and the dollars to get what they want.

The core is there and definitely needs a few strategic upgrades. No one here knows what direction the team has decided to go. While some appear obvious, others may not be. Also, the Front office has shown they will be more aggressive targeting trades than other teams will be. The early free agency period has not brought anyone significant to the success of this team except Jake Plummer. There are other avenues to obtain what is needed.

That being said, I really wish Carter had not been overpaid by the Redskins and signed here. He is the Only FA signing I was really hoping to obtain. Oh well, Denver will just sign him in two years when Snyder has to cut Him after paying all his guaranteed money ;D

BTW, thanks for all the hard work posting the INFO on the site. I really appreciate it.

[Jason in LA]

I can't believe all the whining about the whining.

I can't believe you typed each letter in each word.

[phillybroncosnut]

Im still sitting on the bench and can see both side of the argument right now. Sure other teams in the race have lost something but Im not sure how that means we should not do ALL we can to get better.

My main concern right now today is our pass rush from the Dline flat out sucked last year with Pryce. We better come up with something to fill that void or the secondary is gonna get taken to the cleaners this year. I just dont see a draft dlineman coming in and making an impact. We have the $ we have the picks to put it together for a nice run at the SB instead we appear content to sit and hope for the best. I guess Im more of a make something happen then a hope something happens kinda fella.


Hotrod, I'd be 100% behind you if it were July 15th and not March 15th. Even if we don't land a John Abraham, we could still land a real good rushing DE after the June 1st cuts.
I don't think the Broncos have any intention on standing pat. They definately have a plan. I want a pass rush as badly as you, but, I also don't want the Broncos to spend money just to spend it. They have to approach it sensibly. I belive they know what they are doing.

I think they are still very much interested in Abe. They are just hoping to drive his price down and the Jets price down. If they don't think that Abe's demands for $18 million is fiscally responsible, then why sign him? If they think they can get him for a 2nd rounder instead of a 1st rounder, why not try to talk the Jets down from their 1st round demands?

[Hotrod]

I can't believe you typed each letter in each word.

Hahahahahaha nice

[phillybroncosnut]

I can't believe you typed each letter in each word.


REP

[Jason in LA]

I'm also tired of people acting like the sky is falling. Like this is all of a sudden a team that can't make the playoffs. Just about the entire roster is coming back, and those rookie CBs will be a year better. You gotta love that.

Sure, other teams have improved, but not so much that they now have a better roster than the Broncos.

The Broncos haven't sat around and done nothing. They've offered contracts. You can't force these guys to sign. Other teams are desperate and are over paying for one guy.

Remember last year when Shanny brought in a lot of "good" players, instead of one or two "superstar" players? That seemed to work out a lot better than in years past when Shanny and Bowlen threw money at some of the top free agents.

People need to calm down. There are a couple big time free agents still out there who the Broncos are looking at, and there are a lot of good players who may be brought in.

Like Philly said, relax. The sky ain't broke.

[HEAV]

Tell me, who did the Steelers sign last offseason that made them the Champs? What huge name did we sign last season that propelled us to the AFC title game? What incredible impact player did Seattle and Carolina sing last offseason to propel them to glory? Adding huge impact players does not a title make.

The Steelers in 04 where a beat up team. Faneca, Marvel Smith where playing hurt. Casey Hampton,Kendall Simmons,and Mike Logan were all on IR. They returned in 05 to play healthy. The Steelers draft well in 05! Miller and McFadden played huge for them. There lone key FA signing was C. Wilson, ya that guy that punked us in the AFC cahmapionship.

Everyone say's "Well this team isn't, why should Denver?" Well those team can't with their current caps. The some say "we should do what the Skins are doing" Well we can't do that with our cap.

All I'm saying is it get the worm early. You talked about going after two players in FA. Both walked off. Now the shelf is bare of grade A talent. Now your telling your fans "Well we haven't the cap space to sign anyone" "And we moving or first rounds to 2007.

There are teams out there that are making moves to get where Denver was. That's why Denver needs to make moves to stayt ahead of them and get to where The Steelers got.

[Kaylore]

It was worse last year, but was effectively the same kind of thing.

[HEAV]

Oh ya the Panthers got Steve Smith back from a leg injury in 04.

[Atlas]

Wow! Just WOW!

I can't believe all the whining about our offseason so far. Do the whiners realize that this free agency is only 1/3rd of the off season? Do the whiners realize that the best way to build a team is through the draft? The the whiners forget that we took the same approach in FA last season and made it to the AFC title game? Do the whiners realize that there will be a ton of talent that will hit the market when the June 1st cuts go down?

If you examine what the Broncos have gone through compaired to teams like the Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Patriots and Steelers have gone through. Those 5 teams were the closest competitors to our Broncos.

The Pats lost Givens and McGinest
The Steelers lost Randle El, Chris Hope and Van olehoffen
The Colts lost Edge and I believe a starting DLineman
The Chargers lost their franchise QB
The Chiefs lost Barber and cut a couple starters.

We lost an aging RB that was a total non factor in BOTH playoff games last season. We lost a TE who couldn't block and was a zero in the Red zone. We lost a highly overpriced DE who's best days were way behind him.

I'd say out of the 5 peer teams, we have lost the least. Look at the names that the peer teams have lost and have yet to replace. Edge is considered by many to be as valuable as Peyton in the Colts offense. He catches a ton of balls out of the backfield and picks up the blitz with the best RB's in the league. To say nothing for his 1500 yards and 15 TD's every year.
Randle El was the most dangerous weapon in the Steelers offense. He will not be half the player in Wash that he was in Pitts.
McGinest was the spirit of the Pats D.
Brees is 100 times better then Rivers right now. None of those teams can replce those players immediately.

I'd say the Broncos are sitting in the best seat right now when you look at the AFC peers.
There is still time people. FA is still alive. After FA, we have the draft. After the draft, like every year, there will be huge names that get cut.

RELAX!!!!

The people in full panic mode are the ones that have no football sense whatsoever.

[HEAV]

If Mike and Pat are goign to talk that talk, then walk the walk. The sacks aren't there. The big play offensive weapon is not there. The RB is question mark.

[eddie mac]

I am actually quite pissed that we didn't sign Carter and I'm of the thinking that Sir Pat has officially closed the signing bonus purse for 2006 after laying out $20m on Lepsis and Warren.

I never wanted to give up a 1st rd pick for Abraham and will also be quite fvcked off if we trade up or trade any of the 2 1st rounders for 2007 picks. This draft is absolutely loaded and if Shanahan has his 2005 hat on we can snag at least 4 players that can help this season.

One has to remember though that once again the Broncos have one of the most difficult schedules in the league and 13-3 in 2006 will be a huge ask.

[baja]

The only piece we must get in FA or via trade is a pass rusher, I think we all agree on at least that. For that reason Carter hurts so now that most of us agree (except Popps) Abarham is too costly (pick + bonus) what are our pass rushing options, now and post June 1?

[eddie mac]

I also hear what posters are saying about the fact that FA is only 5 days old and that there are plenty of decent available FA's still. There may well be for the likes of the Arizona Cardinals or the Houston Texans but going by what most on here believe, that our roster is already solid, I cant see anyone who has a chance of starting on this team bar Owens/Alexander and we've discussed those 2 to the hilt.

There isn't a running back left better than Dayne or Bell, the only TE left of any calibre is the one we got rid of, there isn't a defensive lineman left who would challenge Brown or Ekuban and every decent safety is off the board so as for plenty of decent FA's left do me a favour!!

Unless Owens/Alexander are coming here we should send Shanahan on a well deserved break until the draft.

[sirhcyennek81]

I would rather sign guys who want to come here, win a title, making a little less, then the guy who wants just money. This team was 13-3 a year ago, a game away from the superbowl. Draft gives us a great opportunity to add youth to our lines, add a playmaking safety or wideout, and to draft the always dependable back in the middle rounds. Broncos are ok.

:Broncos:

[watermock]

I really expected that we would be making a full push with some additions. We don't need more backup players.

I have to dissagree with HotRod about a rookie DE. Both RB's and DE's can make immediate impacts. DW made an immediate impact till he hurt his groin. DJ made an impact at Will. Portis made an immediate impact. The thing is, it has to be QUALITY OVER QUANITY.

[Hotrod]

I really expected that we would be making a full push with some additions. We don't need more backup players.

I have to dissagree with HotRod about a rookie DE. Both RB's and DE's can make immediate impacts. DW made an immediate impact till he hurt his groin. DJ made an impact at Will. Portis made an immediate impact. The thing is, it has to be QUALITY OVER QUANITY.

Thats true but at #22 & #29 were not getting a quality DE to fix our sickly pass rush we would have to move up into the top 15 I would think no???