Broncos working on Clady's contract "earlier than usual"

[Kaylore]

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_9844685

Despite commencing talks earlier than usual, don't be surprised if contract negotiations between the Broncos and No. 1 draft pick Ryan Clady come down to the final day.

The past two seasons, the Broncos' first-round draft picks, Jay Cutler in 2006 and Jarvis Moss last year, both signed on their respective training camp reporting dates — Cutler even ran a couple of hours late to his first meeting.

The Broncos hoped to avoid such deadline stress this year as they opened preliminary talks with Pat Dye Jr., Clady's agent, last month. Getting a deal done by the Broncos' July 24 training camp reporting date, though, will likely require some furious final week discussion.

The snag this year is the owners' recent decision to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement, a move that leaves the league operating without a salary cap in two years. Specifically, the problem is determining how and when guaranteed money of multiyear contracts — Clady will likely receive a five-year deal — should be allocated. The NFL players union has asked a Special Master to review the situation July 18.

The Broncos are taking added precautions in their contract language. Before sending its first offer to Clady, the Broncos are first having it reviewed by league officials.

Among the changes the team is seeking is the "Ashley Lelie" clause, which would give the team the right to recover option bonus money in the event of a holdout. Lelie held out from the Broncos' camp in 2006, forcing a trade. An arbitrator later ruled the team could not recover his option bonus.

As for their second-day picks, the Broncos have been insisting on four-year contracts because they no longer want those players becoming restricted free agents after their third season, as was the case this offseason when offensive lineman Chris Myers was signed away by Houston. In return for having an extra year of control, the Broncos are offering slightly above-market signing bonuses and escalating incentives from the standard fourth-year salary of $555,000.

Morton's, not decals, for Darrent Williams.

Historically, the NFL allows teams to honor their deceased players or dignitaries for no more than one season, so unless there's an exception, the Broncos will no longer wear the No. 27 and No. 29 decals of Darrent Williams and Damien Nash on their helmets.

"The decals were nice, but for those close to them, we don't need stickers to remember them," Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth said.

Another way to honor Williams, who was killed in a drive-by shooting Jan. 1, 2007, is to join Foxworth, Champ Bailey and John Lynch on Sept. 15 at Morton's Steakhouse for a public dinner and auction to benefit the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center. Sponsorships are available. For more information, go to www.prolinksports.net (http://www.prolinksports.net) or call Millie King at 303-409-1180.

[Kaylore]

This is smart. It prevents them from getting screwed during the uncapped year and gives them a bit more time to fiddle with guys to see if they are worth it or not.

[kmonty]

The more I think about it, the more losing Chris Myers just irks the hell out of me. We could have used the 4th round pick on someone other than Lichtensteiger, like another defensive lineman (nothing against him, just saying it caused another hole to fill).

Four year deals for the later round guys sound good to me.

[Paladin]

IIRC, there were more than a couple of our resident observers who stated (soberly and forcefully, I might add) that Myers was not a particularly good Olineman prospect. Several felt that he would not pan out at all. Now that he's gone, did something change?

[Borks147]

IIRC, there were more than a couple of our resident observers who stated (soberly and forcefully, I might add) that Myers was not a particularly good Olineman prospect. Several felt that he would not pan out at all. Now that he's gone, did something change?

seller's remorse

[kmonty]

IIRC, there were more than a couple of our resident observers who stated (soberly and forcefully, I might add) that Myers was not a particularly good Olineman prospect. Several felt that he would not pan out at all. Now that he's gone, did something change?

I was among them. It doesn't mean I'm happy to see him go.

I didn't like Myers very much at all last year, but I saw some good points and thought he could improve. This team needs to show patience with struggling guys if they're going to build through the draft. It was his first year on the field.

I'm glad we traded him and understand the reasoning behind it - Myers wasn't willing to sign a long term deal, so the Broncos got what worth they could before he left in free agency next year. I just don't like the underlying circumstances that preluded the whole thing.

These 4-year deals could give the Broncos more time to avoid this same situation in the future.

[Drek]

The more I think about it, the more losing Chris Myers just irks the hell out of me. We could have used the 4th round pick on someone other than Lichtensteiger, like another defensive lineman (nothing against him, just saying it caused another hole to fill).

Four year deals for the later round guys sound good to me.

Lichtenstieger is a much better fit for where this team is heading offensively. We'll get more passing oriented, more downfield oriented. He's stronger and will be better in one on one matchups than Myers was, and he's an excellent shotgun snapper already.

Bringing in Gandy gives us some nice protection at the OG spots as well, similar guy in that his game plays best in a pass heavy offense, which is what we're obviously moving toward (thanks to Cutler).

I find the four year deals interesting. We're paying above standard money for these guys, after the team was supposedly in hard financial straights. Tells me two things. One, the organization isn't so bad off financially after all, if its willing to commit this extra money to 6th and 7th round picks. And two, the staff saw enough in early camps to impress them with our late round picks. Barrett in particular I think, what with how quickly they tried to get his deal done.

I wouldn't be surprised if they all make it on the 53 man, the FO seems high on them and very likely won't want to risk losing them if on the practice squad.

[watermock]

I'm getting the feeling they like the draft, I keep hearing good thing from independent sources.

[Spider]

Let me use some of the idiotic logic I have seen here on the mane about Players
Clady will be a bust , remember George Foster ?
In 9 or 10 years Clady will be 30+ years old , better trade him now while he has some value ......
Dont need Clady , there is no Premium LDE's in the AFC west .....
Shanny picked him so he will be a bust , after all Shanny just wants people to talk about how smart he is ......
Clady is a bust and it is all B. Griese fault ............

[socalorado]

Lichtenstieger is a much better fit for where this team is heading offensively. We'll get more passing oriented, more downfield oriented. He's stronger and will be better in one on one matchups than Myers was, and he's an excellent shotgun snapper already.

Bringing in Gandy gives us some nice protection at the OG spots as well, similar guy in that his game plays best in a pass heavy offense, which is what we're obviously moving toward (thanks to Cutler).

I find the four year deals interesting. We're paying above standard money for these guys, after the team was supposedly in hard financial straights. Tells me two things. One, the organization isn't so bad off financially after all, if its willing to commit this extra money to 6th and 7th round picks. And two, the staff saw enough in early camps to impress them with our late round picks. Barrett in particular I think, what with how quickly they tried to get his deal done.

I wouldn't be surprised if they all make it on the 53 man, the FO seems high on them and very likely won't want to risk losing them if on the practice squad.

Nailed it. I see all of them making it.

[BroncoBuff]

As for their second-day picks, the Broncos have been insisting on four-year contracts because they no longer want those players becoming restricted free agents after their third season, as was the case this offseason when offensive lineman Chris Myers was signed away by Houston.[/B] In return for having an extra year of control, the Broncos are offering slightly above-market signing bonuses and escalating incentives from the standard fourth-year salary of $555,000.
Next to Ryan Clady, this is the best news of the offseason.

[BroncoBuff]

IIRC, there were more than a couple of our resident observers who stated (soberly and forcefully, I might add) that Myers was not a particularly good Olineman prospect. Several felt that he would not pan out at all. Now that he's gone, did something change?
I thought he was great, and said so. Especially against Casey Hampton in the Steelers game.

[BroncoBuff]

Let me use some of the idiotic logic I have seen here on the mane about Players
Clady will be a bust , remember George Foster ?
In 9 or 10 years Clady will be 30+ years old , better trade him now while he has some value ......
Dont need Clady , there is no Premium LDE's in the AFC west .....
Shanny picked him so he will be a bust , after all Shanny just wants people to talk about how smart he is ......
Clady is a bust and it is all B. Griese fault ............
Thank you.

I wouldn't go quite THAT far, but the irrational exuberance that erupts around here after every draft is kinda funny. I guess there were a few Jarvis Moss detractors, myself included. But like they say in baseball, every team looks like a winner in spring training ... Uhh

[BroncoBuff]

Did I just post three in a row? hmmm...

[maher_tyler]

I'm getting the feeling they like the draft, I keep hearing good thing from independent sources.

Does anyone know for a fact how well the 1st and 2nd year guys are doing..it'd be nice to have an update as to whats going on. It'd be really nice if all these guys pan out.

[BroncoMan4ever]

Did I just post three in a row? hmmm...

actually it was 4 in a row

[eddie mac]

Lichtenstieger is a much better fit for where this team is heading offensively. We'll get more passing oriented, more downfield oriented. He's stronger and will be better in one on one matchups than Myers was, and he's an excellent shotgun snapper already.

Bringing in Gandy gives us some nice protection at the OG spots as well, similar guy in that his game plays best in a pass heavy offense, which is what we're obviously moving toward (thanks to Cutler).

I find the four year deals interesting. We're paying above standard money for these guys, after the team was supposedly in hard financial straights. Tells me two things. One, the organization isn't so bad off financially after all, if its willing to commit this extra money to 6th and 7th round picks. And two, the staff saw enough in early camps to impress them with our late round picks. Barrett in particular I think, what with how quickly they tried to get his deal done.

I wouldn't be surprised if they all make it on the 53 man, the FO seems high on them and very likely won't want to risk losing them if on the practice squad.

Bottom line Drek is that they can afford it. The Broncos dished out their lowest total in the last few years this offseason in the shape of bonuses in a market that is spiralling out of control. They even clawed back over $10m with the release of Walker and the paycut Henry took. The difference between bonuses dished out in 07 compared to 08 was a cool $30m and for the first time that I can recall the Broncos never reworked any contract to save cap room for this season which would affect future years via backloaded money.

[Kaylore]

I think part of what we're seeing is the front office moves coming into affect. The more I look at things, the more I think Sundquist had more power than people realize and Shanahan has ceded that back over to people who know what they're doing, both from a talent perspective and a capology one.

[broncofan2438]

Hurry and sign him

[Atlas]

The more I think about it, the more losing Chris Myers just irks the hell out of me. We could have used the 4th round pick on someone other than Lichtensteiger, like another defensive lineman (nothing against him, just saying it caused another hole to fill).

Four year deals for the later round guys sound good to me.

Everyone in the forum pretty much knew Meyers would be gone after three years. His agent is Drew Rosenholdout. Besides Denver drafted Spencer Larsen with the pick they got from Houston. They didn't lose anything. Meyers was a 6th rounder and that's what they got for him.

[fdf]

Next to Ryan Clady, this is the best news of the offseason.

I've wondered for a long time about the three year deals. That's the thinking of an organization that does not build thru the draft. Players, especially lower round guys, take that long to figure out what is going on. They have one good year and out the door.

Giving a little more up front in exchange for an extra year is good business. The team has the most leverage when they are negotiating the rookie contracts. After that, as soon as the player performs well, he's out the door.

[BroncoBuff]

Giving a little more up front in exchange for an extra year is good business. The team has the most leverage when they are negotiating the rookie contracts. After that, as soon as the player performs well, he's out the door.
Focusing on "affordability" just in current dollars is shortsighted ... this is not about whether the team has money or does not have money, in fact this will probably save money in the long run. Just one or two guys staying that extra year at rookie contract rates will save enough money to pay all these nominally higher salaries. Examples - look at what we had to pay Cecil Sapp in year 4, or how much more we're paying Weigmann that we would've paid Myers in a 4th year rookie conract. The savings on those two deals alone would pay for a number of slightly elevated rookie contracts. And most of these guys don't make the team, or hang around maybe one or two years.

From a longer-term perspective, this could be just another cost-cutting measure.

[Drek]

Bottom line Drek is that they can afford it. The Broncos dished out their lowest total in the last few years this offseason in the shape of bonuses in a market that is spiralling out of control. They even clawed back over $10m with the release of Walker and the paycut Henry took. The difference between bonuses dished out in 07 compared to 08 was a cool $30m and for the first time that I can recall the Broncos never reworked any contract to save cap room for this season which would affect future years via backloaded money.

Thanks for the solid numbers, follows up what I was thinking pretty closely.

The myth that ownership was running on the fringes of their budget was just that, a myth. I still think Bowlen reigning in spending had more to do with the lack of return on investment the last few years than it did with his or the team's bank account.

[DarkHorse30]

Bottom line Drek is that they can afford it. The Broncos dished out their lowest total in the last few years this offseason in the shape of bonuses in a market that is spiralling out of control. They even clawed back over $10m with the release of Walker and the paycut Henry took. The difference between bonuses dished out in 07 compared to 08 was a cool $30m and for the first time that I can recall the Broncos never reworked any contract to save cap room for this season which would affect future years via backloaded money.

Reworking Henry's contract this offseason was pretty savy....especially when they probably had an idea that he would be released. I noticed in KFFL today that Henry had another positive test for dope, and could be facing suspension again.

Contrast that with what Oakland did, signing Fargas (who ended '07 on IR) to a guaranteed 6M in '08....and then drafted McFadden. Brilliant.

[Pat Bowlen]

The myth that ownership was running on the fringes of their budget was just that, a myth.
There are many myths about me, and most of them are true, but this budget knows no fringes.