Offers made to bring back Myers, Sauerbrun

[DomCasual]

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5543446

Offers made to bring back Myers, Sauerbrun
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 03/28/2007 11:01:27 PM MDT

Phoenix - The Broncos have offers out to two former players: defensive tackle Michael Myers and punter Todd Sauerbrun.

Yes, the same Sauerbrun who was released last October after he served a four-game NFL suspension for using a banned supplement. Still, it is unlikely Sauerbrun will return. The New England Patriots have the right to match any Sauerbrun contract offers. And because of his past suspension issues, the Broncos' offer is incentive-based, so the Patriots will be able to easily match it.

If Sauerbrun were brought in, he would compete with incumbent Paul Ernster. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he likes Sauerbrun but also is a fan of Ernster's. New special-teams coach Scott O'Brien coached Sauerbrun while with the Carolina Panthers.

Myers' return may be more probable but it could take time. The Broncos aren't promising him a starting job and he likely will look at other offers first.

Meanwhile, if and when middle linebacker Al Wilson is cut or traded, the Broncos may show interest in former Atlanta linebacker Ed Hartwell. He would have a chance to compete for a starting job if signed.

Wilson's departure from the Broncos seems likely. He nearly was traded to the Giants for a third-round draft pick last Friday, but he failed a physical because of neck and back issues. However, an independent specialist has cleared Wilson.

Marshall update

Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall had a pretrial conference set for April 18 in Castle Rock after appearing in court Wednesday, two day after his arrest. Marshall's bond was modified so he can go out of state for two instances for work and family reasons.

Marshall was arrested for domestic violence and false imprisonment after an argument Monday night with his girlfriend.

Marshall, a second-year player, is set to compete for a starting job in training camp.

Footnotes

Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey is one of five finalists for the Pro Football Writers of America's Good Guy award. ... Per new NFL media policy, all players will be required to speak to reporters at least once a week during the season or be subject to a fine. The Broncos' offensive line has long had a tradition of not speaking to the media. ... Shanahan said fullback Cecil Sapp, from Colorado State, will get a chance to play some tailback.

[Kaylore]

Per new NFL media policy, all players will be required to speak to reporters at least once a week during the season or be subject to a fine. The Broncos' offensive line has long had a tradition of not speaking to the media.
This was the most interesting part, I felt. I wonder how they'll deal with that.

[BigPlayShay]

This was the most interesting part, I felt. I wonder how they'll deal with that.

Rosenhaus style... "Next question"

[BigPlayShay]

Shanahan said fullback Cecil Sapp, from Colorado State, will get a chance to play some tailback.

Interesting.

[Kaylore]

Interesting.

Yeah, that's old news. I like it though. Henry, Sapp and Mike Bell; That's a punishing set of running backs.

[maven]

This was the most interesting part, I felt. I wonder how they'll deal with that.

Take the fine, and continue to not talk.

Glad to see Sauerbun offered a contract. Ernster sucks, and I can't believe the Broncos dumped Sauerbun in favor of Ernster.

Myers? i'M kinda surprised they will want him back. He's definately NOT starter material. My guess is depth so Denver can continue to explore other options via the draft. Whether Myers is brought back or not, it's definately not a long-term solution at DT.

[BigPlayShay]

Yeah, that's old news. I like it though. Henry, Sapp and Mike Bell; That's a punishing set of running backs.

I have heard Shanny say Cecil could play the tailback position, but this is the first time I have heard him say he would get time at the position since he switched to Fullback. Might be that we carry more backs this year due to having fewer Tight Ends:

RB:
T Henry
M Bell
C Sapp
A Hall / C Cobbs

FB:
K Johnson
P Smith

[Clockwork Orange]

I remember Sapp breaking off some nice runs from the fullback spot last season. Nice to see he's gonna get a chance to carry the ball a little more.

[BroncoBuff]

Shanahan said fullback Cecil Sapp, from Colorado State, will get a chance to play some tailback.
This is telling imo ... it's the first time I've seen Shanny say it himself. I think it might mean in a roundabout way that they want to keep only 5 RBs, and with just signed FB Paul Smith being perhaps the new special-teams warrior, it seems likely that Sapp's dual-position flexibility - Much like Mike Anderson a few years back - will permit him 5 RBs only.

Travis Henry
Mike Bell
Cecil Sapp
Paul Smith
Kyle Johnson

Of course, we could still draft a guy - or Cobbs could come through, but I for one like the dual-threat Diesel. If they're going to keep four TEs, or Hixon/Morgan as a KR specialist, they're prolly looking to limit RB to 5 total as in the past.

[OrangeShadow]

I hope todd does come back, field posistion is way to important

[cutthemdown]

how do the Pats have a right of first refusal on Saurbrun. I'm not familar with how he has this status contract wise.

[MechanicalBull]

Shanahan said fullback Cecil Sapp, from Colorado State, will get a chance to play some tailback.

He will get his chance to play some tailback during the preseason games, so Shanahan was sort of being honest ;D

[eddie mac]

how do the Pats have a right of first refusal on Saurbrun. I'm not familar with how he has this status contract wise.

Neither do I but they could've agreed such a move with the player himself.

[ukbroncosfan]

how do the Pats have a right of first refusal on Saurbrun. I'm not familar with how he has this status contract wise.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—P Todd Sauerbrun (team has individually negotiated right of first refusal) showed a still-strong leg in his late-season injury replacement role. The bristly former All-Pro can still get the job done, but New England has Josh Miller returning from injury. Sauerbrun could be back to compete, but will likely look for a place where the job is his.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/home.htm

[Drek]

I said it all last year, Myers would be a quality backup DT but he isn't starter material. If he comes back at least he'd have to compete with McKinley and hopefully a high pedigree rookie.

I'd really like to have Sauerbrun back. Ernster didn't get the job done at all. He might carry some resentment towards the Broncos for letting him go but we do now have O'Brien which should help. NE might keep him, they might not, its pretty up in the air depending on how much Belicheck and Pioli liked Miller pre-injury.

What I really like is our interest in Ed Hartwell. If we do trade Wilson he'd make a good replacement in the middle, especially as long as we draft a first day rookie to develop behind him. Hartwell, Webster, Vaughn, and a rookie would make for good camp competition.

Good to hear that Wilson was cleared by a second opinion. So thats two doctors, ours and this new guy, who say he's fine with only one doctor opposed, hopefully it gets trade interest going again.

[phibacka31]

I really like the offer made to Saubraun. Ernster just didn't cut it last year. Get Tod back to boom it 60 yards:thumbsup:

[broncsyanks]

bring back saurbraten!! ERNESTER suks

[ukbroncosfan]

I said it all last year, Myers would be a quality backup DT but he isn't starter material. If he comes back at least he'd have to compete with McKinley and hopefully a high pedigree rookie.

I'd really like to have Sauerbrun back. Ernster didn't get the job done at all. He might carry some resentment towards the Broncos for letting him go but we do now have O'Brien which should help. NE might keep him, they might not, its pretty up in the air depending on how much Belicheck and Pioli liked Miller pre-injury.

What I really like is our interest in Ed Hartwell. If we do trade Wilson he'd make a good replacement in the middle, especially as long as we draft a first day rookie to develop behind him. Hartwell, Webster, Vaughn, and a rookie would make for good camp competition.

Good to hear that Wilson was cleared by a second opinion. So thats two doctors, ours and this new guy, who say he's fine with only one doctor opposed, hopefully it gets trade interest going again.

Sauerbrun said his dream was to become a Bronco again after he was cut.

[Drek]

Sauerbrun said his dream was to become a Bronco again after he was cut.

Well good deal, hopefully he asks the Pats to not match, or offers to pay back whatever he got that gave them a right to it in the first place.

[Man-Goblin]

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—P Todd Sauerbrun (team has individually negotiated right of first refusal) showed a still-strong leg in his late-season injury replacement role. The bristly former All-Pro can still get the job done, but New England has Josh Miller returning from injury. Sauerbrun could be back to compete, but will likely look for a place where the job is his.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/home.htm

In reading this, it looks as if it is almost as likely that he will be a Bronco as if he wouldn't. If the Pats really do like this Miller guy then they could just as easily let Sauerbrun walk. I hope this happens.

[Steve Prefontaine]

What I really like is our interest in Ed Hartwell. If we do trade Wilson he'd make a good replacement in the middle, especially as long as we draft a first day rookie to develop behind him. Hartwell, Webster, Vaughn, and a rookie would make for good camp competition.

It might have been pure speculation (or an unreliable source), but I read that if Wilson is traded that the Broncos would like to move DJ to MLB.

[Garcia Bronco]

This was the most interesting part, I felt. I wonder how they'll deal with that.

How is that even legal?

[Los Broncos]

Good to see Sauerbrun maybe coming back, our kicker sucked lasted year and we couldn't get any pressure up front.

[HorseHead]

Sauerbrun hated leaving here. You woulda thought he was getting dumped by Giselle Bunchen(Brady's p.o.a.). Obviously he has a tremendous advantage being in Denver. And come on, that tackle against the Pats, that alone should be enough to get him back here....

[Popcorn Sutton]

Yeah, I'd really like to get our steroid/ephedra using punter back... he can really boom that ball. With 2 strikes against him, there is no way he slips up again.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Bringing back Sauerbraun would be great. That would be another need fixed. (because really, Ernster sucked and field position screwed us more than once last year) Hope this happens!

As for Myers, he won't be a starter (I hope) but it's a good move for depth.

[Triplelefthook]

bring sauerbraun back i thought that decision to let him go would haunt us last year

[Play2win]

Sour-Buns probably would have accounted for 3 more WINS last season. Hopefully we get him!!!

[Beej]

If we bring back Sauerbrun, who'll do kickoffs, Elam?

[Paladin]

Nah. The Broncos will draft Crosby in the second......




:D

[Man-Goblin]

If we bring back Sauerbrun, who'll do kickoffs, Elam?

Sauerbrun would do kickoffs, unless they wasted a roster spot on Ernster to be the specialist (but, in my opinion, there is nothing special about kicking it to the 5).

[azbroncfan]

Lets get the steriod using Punter back as Ernster was terrible.

[eddie mac]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playernews.aspx?sport=NFL

The Broncos offered Todd Sauerbrun an incentive-based contract.

The Patriots have the right of first refusal with Sauerbrun. It will be easy to match the deal, but they may not bother if they believe Josh Miller will be healthy next season.

[RkyMtnThunder]

This was the most interesting part, I felt. I wonder how they'll deal with that.

Likewise. It would almost seem the league made this 'policy' with the Broncos o-lineman in mind. Outside of them, I cant think of any other NFL players who routinely shun the media year after year.

How many fines do you think Nalen will rack up?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Likewise. It would almost seem the league made this 'policy' with the Broncos o-lineman in mind. Outside of them, I cant think of any other NFL players who routinely shun the media year after year.

How many fines do you think Nalen will rack up?

He'll just grunt and fart a couple of times a week for the reporters. Probably throw his dirty jock at their feet.

[Kaylore]

Likewise. It would almost seem the league made this 'policy' with the Broncos o-lineman in mind. Outside of them, I cant think of any other NFL players who routinely shun the media year after year.

How many fines do you think Nalen will rack up?

They can probably just grunt through it.

[cutthemdown]

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—P Todd Sauerbrun (team has individually negotiated right of first refusal) showed a still-strong leg in his late-season injury replacement role. The bristly former All-Pro can still get the job done, but New England has Josh Miller returning from injury. Sauerbrun could be back to compete, but will likely look for a place where the job is his.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/home.htm

TY uk thats interesting. Obviously Saurbrun was forced to sign this type of deal because no one else wanted him last yr?

[bdv]

Yes! to the Signing of Sauerbrun. It should be a primary goal of the Broncos to have one of the ELITE special teams in the NFL. BTW how was our ST last season? :kiddingme ...and all anyone around here talks about is the DL, DL, DL. F the DL! ST is FAR more important than most realize. It may even be more important than most NFL teams realize.

To that end, in the first round the Broncos should, with their #21 overall pick, select Ted Ginn Jr. for primary kick & punt returning duties. He ran a 4.38 40 yard dash at the combine. His punt return and kick return numbers from college are stellar!

IMO Focus on ST first
-Tim

[Popcorn Sutton]

To that end, in the first round the Broncos should, with their #21 overall pick, select Ted Ginn Jr. for primary kick & punt returner duties.

21st overall for a kick returner? :kiddingme

[broncolife]

Please bring back roids!!!! I was so pissed when we got rid of him.

[broncolife]

With 2 strikes against him, there is no way he slips up again.


Just like our starting RB Travis Henry.

[footstepsfrom#27]

This is telling imo ... it's the first time I've seen Shanny say it himself. I think it might mean in a roundabout way that they want to keep only 5 RBs, and with just signed FB Paul Smith being perhaps the new special-teams warrior, it seems likely that Sapp's dual-position flexibility - Much like Mike Anderson a few years back - will permit him 5 RBs only.

Travis Henry
Mike Bell
Cecil Sapp
Paul Smith
Kyle Johnson

Of course, we could still draft a guy - or Cobbs could come through, but I for one like the dual-threat Diesel. If they're going to keep four TEs, or Hixon/Morgan as a KR specialist, they're prolly looking to limit RB to 5 total as in the past.
Don't be suprised if Andre Hall makes this roster.

[bdv]

21st overall for a kick returner? :kiddingme

If we were to move up in the draft, I'd say DE, DT or OT, but at #21, selecting the best returner (not to mention fastest WR) instead of settling at another position makes a lot of sense. Ginn gives us more value at #21 than the alternatives. BTW what did you think of our ST last year? You like where we started our drives? How much of a difference would it have made if, instead of being last at kick & punt returning, we were first? That's the swing Ginn, along with the expertise of Scott O'Brien, can potentialy give the Broncos.

This question is for all: hypothetically, would going from last to first in kick & punt returns be worth our #21 pick?

[clint7]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playernews.aspx?sport=NFL

The Broncos offered Todd Sauerbrun an incentive-based contract.

The Patriots have the right of first refusal with Sauerbrun. It will be easy to match the deal, but they may not bother if they believe Josh Miller will be healthy next season.


Did anyone see anywhere the date that the Pats have to match the offer...and/or if Sauerbrun even signed Denver's offer?

[eddie mac]

Did anyone see anywhere the date that the Pats have to match the offer...and/or if Sauerbrun even signed Denver's offer?

I'm not sure whether this is anything like an RFA tender offer but in that case it's one week.

[eddie mac]

Did anyone see anywhere the date that the Pats have to match the offer...and/or if Sauerbrun even signed Denver's offer?

He wont sign until he sees what the Pats or other teams offer if anything.

[Natedogg]

Sour-Buns probably would have accounted for 3 more WINS last season. Hopefully we get him!!!

I agree. Biggest development of the season was week four when we cut him. I remembered Michah Knorr's and Ruen's waning years enough to know that ****ty kickers (even if they are developing) cost games.

Aside from Walker, I though Sourbrun's signing was the biggest move of last offseason and if he resigns it would be the biggest move of this offseason.

IMO Shanny miscalculated in cutting him.

Any updates? Any insider info? Wabbit gave us the scoop last offseason. ;)

[eddie mac]

That forced fumble against the Patriots in the Playoffs was a thing of beauty.

[plummershelper]

Yes! to the Signing of Sauerbrun. It should be a primary goal of the Broncos to have one of the ELITE special teams in the NFL. BTW how was our ST last season? :kiddingme ...and all anyone around here talks about is the DL, DL, DL. F the DL! ST is FAR more important than most realize. It may even be more important than most NFL teams realize.

To that end, in the first round the Broncos should, with their #21 overall pick, select Ted Ginn Jr. for primary kick & punt returning duties. He ran a 4.38 40 yard dash at the combine. His punt return and kick return numbers from college are stellar!

IMO Focus on ST first
-Tim

Ginn didn't work out at the combine. He hasn't run yet, due to a foot problem.

[fontaine]

I think while Ernster didn't cover himself with glory, he takes a lot of heat for the ST sucking.

It wasn't just him but the rest of the guys as well. I think he'll surprise a few people given that Sourmush was ok but no awesome considering the thin mile high air. I'm all for competition so hopefully Ernster can beat him out.

[CHANGSTER]

Sour-Buns probably would have accounted for 3 more WINS last season.

Aww now that makes me depressed. Dont say things like that! lol

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I think while Ernster didn't cover himself with glory, he takes a lot of heat for the ST sucking.

It wasn't just him but the rest of the guys as well. I think he'll surprise a few people given that Sourmush was ok but no awesome considering the thin mile high air. I'm all for competition so hopefully Ernster can beat him out.

Agree. Punters almost always suck their first year in the NFL because they have not adapted to the speed of the rush. I hope we see a big year out of Ernster.

As for Sourpuss - the guy is on strikes two because of stupid errors. He could be gone in a flash if he has another brain fart. Plus the new conduct rules are going to be stiffer and likely to contain team penalties, such as, team fines, lost draft choices, cap penalties, etc. for team that signs or drafts known bad characters and they get in trouble. I know it is an unlikely scenario, but would you want to sign a known problem, have him hit strike three and be suspended, plus have the team forfiet a draft choice?

[Paladin]

For two or three games a year? Maybe.

But I'd lock the sombeatch in a hut out back.....