DukeWoody
03-19-2008, 09:33 PM
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/18/bowlen-could-intervene-help-keep-elam/
It's rare that Broncos owner Pat Bowlen gets personally involved in negotiations. That's why he hires personnel people.
But, in rare cases, he does step forward.
Safety John Lynch, a team captain, was one notable example last month. Bowlen personally intervened and helped talk Lynch out of leaving despite having to take a paycut.
So with free-agent kicker Jason Elam scheduled to visit the Atlanta Falcons today and Thursday, the owner was asked whether he might get involved again, particularly if the scenario appeared likely he'd be losing a player who has been splitting uprights with regularity for the franchise for the past 15 years.
"I've watched it. I haven't said anything to anybody," Bowlen said about the state of negotiations and Elam's pending trip "... I'm sure our football people are watching that closely. But I can't really give you a really good answer to that question."
However, the owner did admit the Lynch case is an apt comparison: "I think there are some parallel scenarios there."
It might take some outside involvement to maintain the status quo since the direction of Elam's negotiations appears to be heading more toward an exit than a return.
Negotiations are at a standstill with Denver. The Falcons are serious about upgrading their kicking game, having lacked stability there. And the Falcons wouldn't be courting the kicker if they felt they were being used as pawn in contract talks.
Elam made $2.2 million in base salary in the final year of his deal in 2007, when he converted 27 of 31 field-goal attempts, including four game-winners.
There's a growing feeling that, while loyalty should be a consideration, there's a business element that's just as important and might ultimately win out.
JETS DB INTRIGUES: The Broncos are mainly focusing on the draft but remain intrigued by the potential acquisition of New York Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, though no deal appears imminent.
The situation is complicated by Robertson's knee issues, which necessitated a recent visit to Denver for a full check-up, and by trade compensation levels and financial outlay. Robinson is due a $3 million roster bonus in June and has two years worth $18.8 million left on his contract.
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It's rare that Broncos owner Pat Bowlen gets personally involved in negotiations. That's why he hires personnel people.
But, in rare cases, he does step forward.
Safety John Lynch, a team captain, was one notable example last month. Bowlen personally intervened and helped talk Lynch out of leaving despite having to take a paycut.
So with free-agent kicker Jason Elam scheduled to visit the Atlanta Falcons today and Thursday, the owner was asked whether he might get involved again, particularly if the scenario appeared likely he'd be losing a player who has been splitting uprights with regularity for the franchise for the past 15 years.
"I've watched it. I haven't said anything to anybody," Bowlen said about the state of negotiations and Elam's pending trip "... I'm sure our football people are watching that closely. But I can't really give you a really good answer to that question."
However, the owner did admit the Lynch case is an apt comparison: "I think there are some parallel scenarios there."
It might take some outside involvement to maintain the status quo since the direction of Elam's negotiations appears to be heading more toward an exit than a return.
Negotiations are at a standstill with Denver. The Falcons are serious about upgrading their kicking game, having lacked stability there. And the Falcons wouldn't be courting the kicker if they felt they were being used as pawn in contract talks.
Elam made $2.2 million in base salary in the final year of his deal in 2007, when he converted 27 of 31 field-goal attempts, including four game-winners.
There's a growing feeling that, while loyalty should be a consideration, there's a business element that's just as important and might ultimately win out.
JETS DB INTRIGUES: The Broncos are mainly focusing on the draft but remain intrigued by the potential acquisition of New York Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, though no deal appears imminent.
The situation is complicated by Robertson's knee issues, which necessitated a recent visit to Denver for a full check-up, and by trade compensation levels and financial outlay. Robinson is due a $3 million roster bonus in June and has two years worth $18.8 million left on his contract.
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