DJ Williams extended, 5 years, 32 million

[Los Broncos]

September 6, 2008 7:38 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Williams

As the regular season approaches, the Denver Broncos are working on securing the future.

The Broncos and the agent of weakside linebacker D.J. Williams are engaged in serious contract extension talks, sources close to the situation said.

There is still work to be done before a deal can be characterized as imminent, but excellent progress has been made.

The contract for Williams, Denver's first-round draft choice out of Miami in 2004, expires after this season. Williams, who is a vital member of the defense, has publicly expressed his desire to stay in Denver.

He is back at weakside linebacker, which was his original NFL position. Williams played strongside linebacker in 2005 and 2006 and he played middle linebacker last season when he was second in the NFL in tackles. The team and Williams believe weakside is his natural position.

If Denver does sign Williams, next on its wish list could be extensions for receiver Brandon Marshall and defensive end Elvis Dumervil. Both of those players are free agents after the 2009 season.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcwest/0-3-54/Denver-talking-extension-with-linebacker.html

[ward63]

Invest in our players over FA's

[ludo21]

get it done!!

Then Marshall, then trade doom.

[gyldenlove]

This is the right way to go, you have to show the young top players we have that we take care of our own. You don't want a situation like Arizona where the top talent can't wait to get out of there.

[BroncoMan4ever]

get it done!!

Then Marshall, then trade doom.

are you nuts? Doom is the only pass rusher this team has. Every year people on this site complain we need a pass rusher, and now that we have one who is capable of being a 15 sack a season guy, you want to trade him. i say sign Doom to an extension and get a guy to come in and be a run stopper for the team and have Doom come in on passing downs. this team can NOT trade away our best defensive lineman, not until we have found a good replacement.

[Dedhed]

get it done!!

Then Marshall, then trade doom.

Yes, yes, get rid of our first productive DL in a decade as soon as possible. Hurry!

[watermock]

Actually, he's a situational pass rusher, and a liability against the run. He's great, good tude, but he's nowhere an elite player. Call me AFTER he has a 15 sack season and is 6-2 285. DJ and Marshall come first., Then Jay.

[jutang]

Curious to see Bertrand Berry's and Hayward's production after they left Denver
Berry's:
YEAR TEAM SACK
1997 IND 10 0.0
1998 IND 16 4.0
1999 IND 16 1.0
2001 DEN 14 2.0
2002 DEN 16 6.5
2003 DEN 16 11.5
2004 ARI 16 14.5
2005 ARI 8 6.0
2006 ARI 10 6.0
2007 ARI 9 2.5

Hayward's:
YEAR TEAM SACK
2001 DEN 6 3.0
2002 DEN 9 0.0
2003 DEN 16 8.5
2004 DEN 16 10.5
2005 JAC 15 8.5
2007 JAC 12 3.5

Can't really say Denver made a mistake letting their DE's go. They both had decent years right after they left Denver, but quickly lost production either to injury or age.

[broncosteven]

Shanny knows how to turn the Titanic.

Man 2006 seems a long way away...

[ludo21]

Actually, he's a situational pass rusher, and a liability against the run. He's great, good tude, but he's nowhere an elite player. Call me AFTER he has a 15 sack season and is 6-2 285. DJ and Marshall come first., Then Jay.

Elvis will wear down ie Freeney is nowadays..

i say play him through next year of course, then see what is out there for him. We have a situational player in moss (unproven of course) already..

[Cmac821]

Elvis will wear down ie Freeney is nowadays..

i say play him through next year of course, then see what is out there for him. We have a situational player in moss (unproven of course) already..

^5 well put

[gyldenlove]

According to PFT

The flurry of contracts on the eve of the regular season continues.

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, the Broncos have reached an agreement with linebacker D.J. Williams.

Per Schefter, it’s a five-year, $32 million extension, with $13 million in guaranteed money.

Williams, a first-round pick in 2004 who started every game last season, had been signed through 2008.



http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/09/06/broncos-extend-williams/

[Hamrob]

Let's see what Doom does this year. The guy hasn't impressed me yet. I know that might not sit well with many of you....but not unlike a QB who can win a game during the 2:00 drill...when has Doom make plays when they count? I want to see him come through when the game is on the line...when the other team is driving and he beats a double-team to blow up the play. Unless he can do that...then he's a situational guy at best and not worth a big payday! That's only my opinion...

[theAPAOps5]

I know you will get those that say this is dumb, Alec, but I am glad they extended him. Weak side is where he will play his best.

[Hamrob]

As for DJ. Well deserved...and very much earned. Total team player that is entering his prime. This guy is going to have a PRO-BOWL year this year! He's earned it and he deserves it!

I can't wait to see him on Monday Night!

[2KBack]

Nice, I like it when these things are taken care of in a timely fashion.

so much for the dreams of Woodyard at WLB though. I wonder if he has the skills to translate to any of the other LB positions.

[2KBack]

As for DJ. Well deserved...and very much earned. Total team player that is entering his prime. This guy is going to have a PRO-BOWL year this year! He's earned it and he deserves it!

I can't wait to see him on Monday Night!

using your own logic, can you remember a time when DJ has made the amazing play beating the odds with a game on the line? If not, then he isn't worth it.

[Ray Finkle]

Hey Socal,
Who are you going to rant about him leaving to play elsewhere now?:poke:

[LonghornBronco]

Now show me something DJ!

[Connecticut Bronco Fan]

That may be our best off season move all year so far.

[Cmac821]

DJ is a bad moe foe BEAST!

[SouthStndJunkie]

This is good news.

Now keep him at weakside.

[Broncosfreak_56]

That's good. He's by far out best linebacker. Led the AFC in tackles last year.

[wolf754life]

excellent

[ludo21]

go make me proud at WLB DJ.

I too hope Woodyard can play somewhere else at LB too.

[Paladin]

I have read most of the rants about DJ, and I just don't understand them. He is a very good WLB, and had sacrificed himself for the team. He plays with abandon and with intensity, a fact that cannot be said about a lot of guys. Fie on those people. (scoff, scoff).....

I am pleased they extended him.....

[CHANGSTER]

Good stuff. One less contract to worry about

[24champ]

Went back and checked Socal's post on the matter. He was SO CLOSE to the actual contract and just about nailed it.


6 years, 32 million, 15 million guaranteed. That's very reasonable.


http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showpost.php?p=2039432&postcount=25

[TheReverend]

Aside from meaning DJ stays a Bronco for another five years, it also says he's playing up to par at the Will spot after a disappointing try at Mike. This makes me very happy.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Cheap deal for a less than impressive player.

[DenverBrit]

Blah, blah, grrrrrgh! nonsense, blah crap!

Still being all you can be.

[(Jae)]

Cheap deal for a less than impressive player.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v194/RENE1/austinlaughuf7.gif
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb304/skineedeville/4zlbggigr1.gif

[SoCalBronco]

Hey Socal,
Who are you going to rant about him leaving to play elsewhere now?:poke:

The guaranteed money was a tad bit lighter than I predicted, but I almost got this right (my earlier prediction of his market value was 6 years/32 million/15 million guaranteed, and it turned out to be 5/32/13, not a bad guess).

It's a well deserved and earned deal. The Broncos were wise to do this before he hit the market and got out of their range. The terms are pretty fair for both sides, I don't think either side really got one over on the other.

Props to Xanders, Bleum and Franklin.

Now that WLB is locked down for the next five years, WWIII should gain 10-15 pounds and see if he can play MLB.

[rovolution]

great news locking up one of our young talents.


Brandon the Beast is next baby!!!!!

[Gcver2ver3]

great job shanny & co!...

now hurry up and move him back to the middle...

[HEAV]

Congrats to DJ! Well desreved for the years(an multiple positions) of service to this franchise!

Keeping him in Denver and at Weakside is the best thing for this team! Team leader and a guy that loves to play football!

Great signing!

[cutthemdown]

Seems like a fair deal for DJ.

[montrose]

Good sh*t!

[Bronco Yoda]

Approve of this move I do...

[kappys]

The deal is pretty good, I think we get what we payed for - an above average but by no means elite linebacker at the kind of price you would expect to pay for one.

[Broncosmang]

The deal is pretty good, I think we get what we payed for - an above average but by no means elite linebacker at the kind of price you would expect to pay for one.


the guy has been lights out for us and has stepped into a leadership role on defense. He's not elite yet, but if we can finally quit jerkin him around he could definitely grow into that status.

[Muddled]

Impact or not, one thing one cannot be anything but impressed with, is how well DJ has taken being moved around so much, not a word of discontent. I for one feel he has earned every dollar and hope he'll make it to the next level now that he's left at his natural position

[Ray Finkle]

The guaranteed money was a tad bit lighter than I predicted, but I almost got this right (my earlier prediction of his market value was 6 years/32 million/15 million guaranteed, and it turned out to be 5/32/13, not a bad guess).

It's a well deserved and earned deal. The Broncos were wise to do this before he hit the market and got out of their range. The terms are pretty fair for both sides, I don't think either side really got one over on the other.

Props to Xanders, Bleum and Franklin.

Now that WLB is locked down for the next five years, WWIII should gain 10-15 pounds and see if he can play MLB.


hopefully they lock up B-Marsh, Kupe, and possibly Doom long term. If Moss every breaks out, then trade Doom for picks...

[Ratboy]

Awesome signing. I am so glad they did this before it got ugly. DJ is a great player and an even greater person, he is someone we need to have on this team for years to come.

[SoCalBronco]

hopefully they lock up B-Marsh, Kupe, and possibly Doom long term. If Moss every breaks out, then trade Doom for picks...

I agree with the Moss/Doom dynamic, its either one or the other, they play the same spot and they both can't be on the field at the same time. It seems that because of his size (which gives him natural leverage as a pass rusher) he will never be solid against the run, whereas Moss might be able to grow into being a decent run defender, although so far, he simply hasn't gained any weight on his gumby like frame.

Marshall will be a difficult negotiation. It's the same issue the Chiefs had with Allen, the team will want a discount for taking the risk of giving big money to a guy that has proven he will keep putting himself and the team at risk and the player will resist that. I suppose if Marshall has another 100 catch season and he probably will, even though he'll be playing in 15 instead of 16 games, we might not have a choice.

I'd also be real interested in extending Scheffler too, if he can avoid injuries. Actually, even if he keeps having minor things, I'd still want to extend him. He's a big time recieving TE, he did some amazing things last year which I dont think people fully appreciate. I mean he finished in the top 10 among TEs I think it was either in receptions or yards I forgot, which is saying ALOT considering he missed four or five games! That's extraordinary. There's an obvious chemistry thing with Jay. He can really stretch the field, too. That kid has huge talent. I really do not want to lose him either, even if he has a bit of Glass Joe in him.

I expect Kuper to be be resigned soon, also, he's one of the long term anchors of the line, IMO.

We're going to have to continue to forego big ticket FA signings to be able to keep this homegrown talent, though. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to find bargain basement FAs so that we can pull off this balancing act.

[azbroncfan]

Awful lot of money for an athletic LB that doesn't make plays and consistently makes the wrong reads and overruns plays. Let's see if the WLB argument works and I hope that it does. Don't care if he was one of the tops in TT last year as he was terrible and made a lot of tackles 5+ yds down the field and the coaches wouldn't of moved him if they thought he was that good.

[Broncos_OTM]

September 6, 2008 7:38 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Williams

As the regular season approaches, the Denver Broncos are working on securing the future.

The Broncos and the agent of weakside linebacker D.J. Williams are engaged in serious contract extension talks, sources close to the situation said.

There is still work to be done before a deal can be characterized as imminent, but excellent progress has been made.

The contract for Williams, Denver's first-round draft choice out of Miami in 2004, expires after this season. Williams, who is a vital member of the defense, has publicly expressed his desire to stay in Denver.

He is back at weakside linebacker, which was his original NFL position. Williams played strongside linebacker in 2005 and 2006 and he played middle linebacker last season when he was second in the NFL in tackles. The team and Williams believe weakside is his natural position.

If Denver does sign Williams, next on its wish list could be extensions for receiver Brandon Marshall and defensive end Elvis Dumervil. Both of those players are free agents after the 2009 season.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcwest/0-3-54/Denver-talking-extension-with-linebacker.html
dang talk about late on the prediction. i bet he found out we were gonna re-sign and had to come up with something that would make him look genious

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Awful lot of money for an athletic LB that doesn't make plays and consistently makes the wrong reads and overruns plays.

I can't remember the last time DJ Williams made a play against the Chiefs.

[peacepipe]

Awful lot of money for an athletic LB that doesn't make plays and consistently makes the wrong reads and overruns plays. Let's see if the WLB argument works and I hope that it does. Don't care if he was one of the tops in TT last year as he was terrible and made a lot of tackles 5+ yds down the field and the coaches wouldn't of moved him if they thought he was that good.You must be a new fan of the team. DJ played WLB when he started in denver & played great.

[azbroncfan]

You must be a new fan of the team. DJ played WLB when he started in denver & played great.

That was how many years ago? I'm just tired of excuses made for the guy and want to see results and yes he was his best his rookie year but hasn't shown anything since. Don't buy the excuse that SLB's don't make plays because ROMO made a ton of plays out of that position and was a great LB for Denver.

[SoCalBronco]

That was how many years ago? I'm just tired of excuses made for the guy and want to see results and yes he was his best his rookie year but hasn't shown anything since. Don't buy the excuse that SLB's don't make plays because ROMO made a ton of plays out of that position and was a great LB for Denver.

So far, its everyone on one side and you and Bob on the other side in this thread.

What does that tell you?

You've been against him from the start and he has proven you wrong. The team has evaluated his value and has gone out of its way to sign him before he hits the market. Just get over it, dude.

[bpc]

DJ at the Will is going to be a very good long term investment for Denver. I'm glad he's finally growing into the captain's role as well.

[Harvitz81]

Really glad that DJ is resigned before the start of the season and is now in his natural playing position at WILL.

Let's hope now that Woodyard can gain 10-15 and become a force at MLB. The guy has a nose for the ball, but needs to put some weight on to be in the middle. Not out of the question as a year under his belt and full participation in the offseason training program can hopefully get him there next year.

[NFLBRONCO]

So far, its everyone on one side and you and Bob on the other side in this thread.

What does that tell you?

You've been against him from the start and he has proven you wrong. The team has evaluated his value and has gone out of its way to sign him before he hits the market. Just get over it, dude.

Yep let's not extend DJ and let him walk and add another need to a D that needs plenty of work next offseason. I'm thrilled they got this done great move Denver.

[Br0nc0Buster]

Is this Woodyard at MLB talk a possibility or are you guys just messing around?

It is good to see DJ get an extension, I am excited to see what he can do at weakside this year. We need to work on our front 7 to help out him and Doom though.

[Popps]

Can't really say Denver made a mistake letting their DE's go. They both had decent years right after they left Denver, but quickly lost production either to injury or age.

Yea, but that's very skewed logic. You have no idea what would have happened if they stayed in Denver. Maybe they don't incur those injuries... maybe the chemistry was better when they were here.

Whatever the case, you can't just go and assume we're smart to let go of productive players because they had an injury or weren't as productive. By that logic, we should just never re-sign anyone and hope they fail.

We were finally smart enough to find/develop a couple of talented linemen and couldn't kick them out of town fast enough.

We'd better goddamned not do that with Dumevril, even if he is a situational player.

[SoCalBronco]

Is this Woodyard at MLB talk a possibility or are you guys just messing around?

.

Well....its one of the following:

a. Backup WLB
b. Shot at MLB
c. Shot at SS

He's a heady and feisty player and looks like he might be more than a backup with a little more seasoning, so option A would not be efficient. He's anywhere between 217-230 depending on who you believe, so if he is to play MLB, he HAS to gain some weight, probably another 10 pounds at least. I think he should be IMMEDIATELY switched to MLB and be given a good deal of reps in practice during the season, so that we can have some tape to evaluate over the course of the year, so that we can make at least a somewhat informed decision on whether or not we need to invest a 1st in a MLB next year. At the same time, put him on a weight/strength program because he does need to get bulkier and stronger.

They can evaluate him every week. Give him most of the snaps at MLB with the 2nd team defense in practice. That will take away reps from the real 2nd team MLB, Niko, but Niko's a known quantity. It's not like Niko is going to change substantially with practice. He has real physical limitations. He has a low ceiling. We need to evaluate WWIII at this spot before the draft. We need to see whether he can play MLB and if so, whether his frame can hold the additional weight without affecting his game.

If not, try him at SS. He played there for a while in college and did well.

[Popps]

I'm fine with Williams being extended. He's a known commodity and at least not a liability out there on the weak side like he was in the middle. He's not a playmaker and certainly not a difference-maker, but he's solid and has enough experience now to be part of a productive defense.

We still need to find a real MLB. Al Wilson's shoes need to be filled.

[The MVPlaya]

certainly not a difference-maker,


What the hell is a difference maker?

If he's not a difference maker, then you can put anyone there...:spit:

[watermock]

I see Woodyard as a substitutional/ST player, nothing more. I see him as more being Glass Joe...I mean Boss.

[spdirty]

good deal. One less position to worry about.

[Popps]

What the hell is a difference maker?


Pro Bowl guys... guys who change games. Big-play guys. Guys who have to be accounted for on every play. Huge hitters, great pass-rushers, guys who always seem to be forcing fumbles, blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage, etc.

None of those describe DJ.

That said, he's grown into a competent player who's solid enough to do his job... particularly if there's talent around him. As I said, he's a known commodity and as scary as it is... he's our best linebacker by a long-shot, so we don't want to mess around with him.

[broncofan2438]

Lets just hope he plays to the $. Hope he's worth it

[SoCalBronco]

I see Woodyard as a substitutional/ST player, nothing more. I see him as more being Glass Joe...I mean Boss.

I hope WWIII can be more than a backup/STer, Mock, but you might be right. I am encouraged by what we have seen so far. I'm also interested in seeing how Larsen develops. Unfortunately, now that Sapp is gone, it seems like Larsen is now the backup FB and will be taking all of his reps at that spot rather than MLB which is too bad.

[Pat Bowlen]

using your own logic, can you remember a time when DJ has made the amazing play beating the odds with a game on the line? If not, then he isn't worth it.
Thanks. I was going to respond to that idiotic post and then my secretary called.

[wolf754life]

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports the Denver Broncos have signed OLB D.J. Williams to a five-year, $32 million extension that included $13 million in guaranteed money. Williams had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Instead, he now will become the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history without a Pro Bowl appearance.

[Los Broncos]

Highest ever? wow....with no pro bowl's, unreal.

[ton80]

Doom deserves to be paid better than a 4th round pick. He may not deserve to be paid like an elite DE. If the Broncos organization finds a deal somwhere in between, extending his contract for more years, then i'm stoked.

[azbroncfan]

So far, its everyone on one side and you and Bob on the other side in this thread.

What does that tell you?

You've been against him from the start and he has proven you wrong. The team has evaluated his value and has gone out of its way to sign him before he hits the market. Just get over it, dude.

He hasn't proven me wrong. He has been a dissappointment from a first round LB. He is extremely athletic and fast but isn't a game changer. How many big plays has he made in his career? Like I said I hope he can return to his rookie year potential showed but he has shown me not much in the line of making plays. Your just a Miami homer that overvalues him.

[SoCalBronco]

Doom deserves to be paid better than a 4th round pick. He may not deserve to be paid like an elite DE. If the Broncos organization finds a deal somwhere in between, extending his contract for more years, then i'm stoked.

Doom might not be a complete DE, but he can rush the passer and that's worth a great deal in the NFL. He's a guy that can be a perennial 9-12 sack guy and that's a big deal, especially on a team like Denver that has no other real proven pass rushers. Hopefully he will get rewarded. However, his future is tied directly to Moss's development or lack thereof. Only one can be kept.

[SoCalBronco]

He hasn't proven me wrong. He has been a dissappointment from a first round LB. He is extremely athletic and fast but isn't a game changer. How many big plays has he made in his career? Like I said I hope he can return to his rookie year potential showed but he has shown me not much in the line of making plays. Your just a Miami homer that overvalues him.

Yeah...I overvalue him...that's the ticket.

That's why the team just gave him a very nice deal before the season even started. If that doesnt show you that it isnt as simple as me being a Miami homer then I don't even know what to say.

[Bigdawg26]

I really think people forgot how great he was at WLB because of his experiment at MLB (which was never really his position because he never playied it before and really didnt have any DT's in front of him to protect him. Bates just wanted to put the best linebacker at the Mike and it just so happened to be a WLB) and when they decided to play the best 3 linebacker and put him a SLB (where he was really a better WLB than Gold but Gold was not big enough to play the position and DJ was to good to put on the bench and for some reason denver put the best coverage linebacker on the bench in their nickel package). When DJ was at the weakside linebacker he was outstanding, and he made big plays all over the field, and actually made big hits( like when he blew mike alstott backwards 3 yards in the flat on a screen in a red zone play). Just watch and enjoy this season!!

[Atlas]

are you nuts? Doom is the only pass rusher this team has. Every year people on this site complain we need a pass rusher, and now that we have one who is capable of being a 15 sack a season guy, you want to trade him. i say sign Doom to an extension and get a guy to come in and be a run stopper for the team and have Doom come in on passing downs. this team can NOT trade away our best defensive lineman, not until we have found a good replacement.

I agree. I love Williams but Marshall and Doom are more important...... Unless of course Denver could get a 1st and 3rd for Doom. Then I'd be for trading him.

[BroncoMan4ever]

Elvis will wear down ie Freeney is nowadays..

i say play him through next year of course, then see what is out there for him. We have a situational player in moss (unproven of course) already..

we have a situational player in Moss who has done absolutely nothing. In Doom's rookie season he didn't dress for I think 4 games and still had 8sacks. I say if we keep a situational guy, keep the one who has actually done anything.

[SoCalBronco]

I agree. I love Williams but Marshall and Doom are more important...... Unless of course Denver could get a 1st and 3rd for Doom. Then I'd be for trading him.

Marshall is probably going to get a 50 million deal with about 20 of it guaranteed. If its not from us, it will be from someone...even with all his problems. That guy is just so scary. The investment that will have to be made is astronomical, but the risk is really high. I don't know if we can trust him not to be a bonehead and repeat offenders get hit harder by the league. I don't think he is evil or anything, but he's just trouble prone for the lack of a better term. That will be a tough as nails negotiation. Great talent...great risk. He's not going to go for a "risk discount" either when he knows Dallas or whoever will gladly pay just as much and take the risk.

[Atlas]

We're going to have to continue to forego big ticket FA signings to be able to keep this homegrown talent, though. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to find bargain basement FAs so that we can pull off this balancing act.

That's Great. Denver has a great young core. Resigning them would be a much better option than over paying in FA. Get it done!!!

[Atlas]

That was how many years ago? I'm just tired of excuses made for the guy and want to see results and yes he was his best his rookie year but hasn't shown anything since. Don't buy the excuse that SLB's don't make plays because ROMO made a ton of plays out of that position and was a great LB for Denver.

You make a lot of good points. I think Williams will be fine now that he is at his own position for good. Stop moving him!! I think Williams would have been fine as MLB with a years experience under his belt, but Denver has good depth at MLB now so they need to just keep DJ at WIL and let him play.

[Atlas]

So far, its everyone on one side and you and Bob on the other side in this thread.

What does that tell you?

You've been against him from the start and he has proven you wrong. The team has evaluated his value and has gone out of its way to sign him before he hits the market. Just get over it, dude.

Cody makes some good points. I believe his philosophy is that ALL LBers are overpaid. He thinks that money and draft picks should be spent on the DL. Which, I think is a good philosophy. If you have a beast of a DL then you don't need spectacular LBers you just need ones that can move and tackle.

[Clockwork Orange]

I'm surprised that DJ wanted to stay here after being jerked around for the past three years. Hopefully his deal came with an assurance that he'll be staying in his natural position.

[Atlas]

Marshall is probably going to get a 50 million deal with about 20 of it guaranteed. If its not from us, it will be from someone...even with all his problems. That guy is just so scary. The investment that will have to be made is astronomical, but the risk is really high. I don't know if we can trust him not to be a bonehead and repeat offenders get hit harder by the league. I don't think he is evil or anything, but he's just trouble prone for the lack of a better term. That will be a tough as nails negotiation. Great talent...great risk. He's not going to go for a "risk discount" either when he knows Dallas or whoever will gladly pay just as much and take the risk.

I agree....... but you have to resign him. He could be the best ever.

[SouthStndJunkie]

I agree with the Moss/Doom dynamic, its either one or the other, they play the same spot and they both can't be on the field at the same time. It seems that because of his size (which gives him natural leverage as a pass rusher) he will never be solid against the run, whereas Moss might be able to grow into being a decent run defender, although so far, he simply hasn't gained any weight on his gumby like frame.

Marshall will be a difficult negotiation. It's the same issue the Chiefs had with Allen, the team will want a discount for taking the risk of giving big money to a guy that has proven he will keep putting himself and the team at risk and the player will resist that. I suppose if Marshall has another 100 catch season and he probably will, even though he'll be playing in 15 instead of 16 games, we might not have a choice.

I'd also be real interested in extending Scheffler too, if he can avoid injuries. Actually, even if he keeps having minor things, I'd still want to extend him. He's a big time recieving TE, he did some amazing things last year which I dont think people fully appreciate. I mean he finished in the top 10 among TEs I think it was either in receptions or yards I forgot, which is saying ALOT considering he missed four or five games! That's extraordinary. There's an obvious chemistry thing with Jay. He can really stretch the field, too. That kid has huge talent. I really do not want to lose him either, even if he has a bit of Glass Joe in him.

I expect Kuper to be be resigned soon, also, he's one of the long term anchors of the line, IMO.

We're going to have to continue to forego big ticket FA signings to be able to keep this homegrown talent, though. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to find bargain basement FAs so that we can pull off this balancing act.

If B-Marsh keeps producing, Shanny won't let him go anywhere.

The Cutler to B-Marsh combo might just be too lethal to even think of letting him walk.

[watermock]

He want's to stay here, get hin signed before he talks to the Evil One. Rosenhous, not Al. It really IS in his best interests to stay here, with Jay and Rod as mentors.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

Get your DJ Williams replica jersey for the clearance price of $29.99 now!!

http://www.denverbroncosproshop.com/main_objgroup.cfm?nObjGroupID=179&nPage=0

[elsid13]

So how does ESPN and the NFL channel break this before the local beat reporters???

[Drek]

Well....its one of the following:

a. Backup WLB
b. Shot at MLB
c. Shot at SS

He's a heady and feisty player and looks like he might be more than a backup with a little more seasoning, so option A would not be efficient. He's anywhere between 217-230 depending on who you believe, so if he is to play MLB, he HAS to gain some weight, probably another 10 pounds at least. I think he should be IMMEDIATELY switched to MLB and be given a good deal of reps in practice during the season, so that we can have some tape to evaluate over the course of the year, so that we can make at least a somewhat informed decision on whether or not we need to invest a 1st in a MLB next year. At the same time, put him on a weight/strength program because he does need to get bulkier and stronger.

They can evaluate him every week. Give him most of the snaps at MLB with the 2nd team defense in practice. That will take away reps from the real 2nd team MLB, Niko, but Niko's a known quantity. It's not like Niko is going to change substantially with practice. He has real physical limitations. He has a low ceiling. We need to evaluate WWIII at this spot before the draft. We need to see whether he can play MLB and if so, whether his frame can hold the additional weight without affecting his game.

If not, try him at SS. He played there for a while in college and did well.

Why not strong side?

Bailey isn't signed for that much money for even very long term, and in today's NFL with TEs and H-backs moving all around the weak/strong designations are losing some merit.

A 225-230 Woodyard would play fine at SLB

I think the best solution right now is to have him keep trying to break the 230 pound hump without losing speed, and get him on the field with special teams. If someone gets hurt we can give him a shot.

By next year we'll see how much legitimate weight he can add and where he should be lined up to compete for a job.

[SleepingTiger]

Get your DJ Williams replica jersey for the clearance price of $29.99 now!!

http://www.denverbroncosproshop.com/main_objgroup.cfm?nObjGroupID=179&nPage=0

I just ordered the DJ home replica jersey

[Atlas]

I just ordered the DJ home replica jersey

Great, he is sure to be a salary cap cut in two years now.

[Ray Finkle]

I agree with the Moss/Doom dynamic, its either one or the other, they play the same spot and they both can't be on the field at the same time. It seems that because of his size (which gives him natural leverage as a pass rusher) he will never be solid against the run, whereas Moss might be able to grow into being a decent run defender, although so far, he simply hasn't gained any weight on his gumby like frame.

Marshall will be a difficult negotiation. It's the same issue the Chiefs had with Allen, the team will want a discount for taking the risk of giving big money to a guy that has proven he will keep putting himself and the team at risk and the player will resist that. I suppose if Marshall has another 100 catch season and he probably will, even though he'll be playing in 15 instead of 16 games, we might not have a choice.

I'd also be real interested in extending Scheffler too, if he can avoid injuries. Actually, even if he keeps having minor things, I'd still want to extend him. He's a big time recieving TE, he did some amazing things last year which I dont think people fully appreciate. I mean he finished in the top 10 among TEs I think it was either in receptions or yards I forgot, which is saying ALOT considering he missed four or five games! That's extraordinary. There's an obvious chemistry thing with Jay. He can really stretch the field, too. That kid has huge talent. I really do not want to lose him either, even if he has a bit of Glass Joe in him.

I expect Kuper to be be resigned soon, also, he's one of the long term anchors of the line, IMO.

We're going to have to continue to forego big ticket FA signings to be able to keep this homegrown talent, though. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to find bargain basement FAs so that we can pull off this balancing act.

I think Marshall and Scheffler will be easier to sign because of Cutler....both will get their money....I want Kupe signed asap....

[montrose]

I can't remember the last time DJ Williams made a play against the Chiefs.

He cracked the sh*t out of Tony G. last year during the beatdown at Arrowhead!

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2531/djhz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[elsid13]

It was a good signing, because he young vet that make plays. We need to find some young talent for the safety spot and stick to single defense system.

[SleepingTiger]

Great, he is sure to be a salary cap cut in two years now.

Hey, i am 50% on jerseys so far. I got a Plummer, Bailey, Lynch and Cutler.

[theAPAOps5]

He cracked the sh*t out of Tony G. last year during the beatdown at Arrowhead!

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2531/djhz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Facts don't mean **** in Blobs reality.

[TotallyScrewed]

Pro Bowl guys... guys who change games. Big-play guys. Guys who have to be accounted for on every play. Huge hitters, great pass-rushers, guys who always seem to be forcing fumbles, blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage, etc.

None of those describe DJ.

That said, he's grown into a competent player who's solid enough to do his job... particularly if there's talent around him. As I said, he's a known commodity and as scary as it is... he's our best linebacker by a long-shot, so we don't want to mess around with him.

Defense Stats
YEAR G TOT SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT
2004 16 114 81 33 7 2.0 1 0 1

Those are pretty good stats for a rookie. Now that he's had experience in the rest of the LB positions and finally returned to where he should have been all along...I'm hoping for these kinds of numbers. I think he could be a difference maker if Denver will let him play where he's best. We'll see.

[Tombstone RJ]

Great extension by the Broncos. It sends all the young players a clear message: be a team player and you will reap the financial rewards.

DJ is the consumate team player and hopefully, he has his best year yet.

[tsiguy96]

now its marshall...if the broncos dont resign him long term it will be the worst FO move in the last decade. hes not a trouble maker regardless of what some of you morons think.

[Dedhed]

Pro Bowl guys... guys who change games. Big-play guys. Guys who have to be accounted for on every play. Huge hitters, great pass-rushers, guys who always seem to be forcing fumbles, blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage, etc.

None of those describe DJ.

That said, he's grown into a competent player who's solid enough to do his job... particularly if there's talent around him. As I said, he's a known commodity and as scary as it is... he's our best linebacker by a long-shot, so we don't want to mess around with him.
Leading the conference in tackles isn't included in that?

[kappys]

Leading the conference in tackles isn't included in that?

When your defensive line can't even get in the way of a running back being able to pile up tackles 5 yards down field is not that impressive. Hell Hamza had a great season based on tackle totals - doesn't mean anything.

[gyldenlove]

Pro Bowl guys... guys who change games. Big-play guys. Guys who have to be accounted for on every play. Huge hitters, great pass-rushers, guys who always seem to be forcing fumbles, blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage, etc.

None of those describe DJ.

That said, he's grown into a competent player who's solid enough to do his job... particularly if there's talent around him. As I said, he's a known commodity and as scary as it is... he's our best linebacker by a long-shot, so we don't want to mess around with him.

DJ as a player is very comparable to Lance Briggs. Both play the WLB, both are athletic players, both make a lot of tackles. Briggs has made 3 pro bowls and 2 all pros, mostly because he plays with Urlacher.

They signed deals that are very similar, so I think this is a pretty good deal for DJ, it was market value and shows commitment to our own guys.

[NFLBRONCO]

Marshall is probably going to get a 50 million deal with about 20 of it guaranteed. If its not from us, it will be from someone...even with all his problems. That guy is just so scary. The investment that will have to be made is astronomical, but the risk is really high. I don't know if we can trust him not to be a bonehead and repeat offenders get hit harder by the league. I don't think he is evil or anything, but he's just trouble prone for the lack of a better term. That will be a tough as nails negotiation. Great talent...great risk. He's not going to go for a "risk discount" either when he knows Dallas or whoever will gladly pay just as much and take the risk.

I understand your concern with Marshall but, imo he is a MUST sign player. We need a weapon like him here if he goofs up bad we will release him and eat his contract its not like this has never happened before. His upside is too great not to gamble longterm.

[OABB]

I believe williams makes the probowl this year....

and I believe this had something to do with the extension now.

anyone that has watched the broncos the last few years knows the kind of ability that d.j. has, and understands the situation he has been put in...

no lber in the league has played all three positions in the nfl, and not to mention he started as a fb in college....

he is an athlete, and a team player, and most importantly a very very good wlb.

so to anyone down on d.j., you will be eating your words by the end of this season.

I know it, and most here know it.

and those who don't see it, well you just aren't that perceptive or intelligent when it comes to football.

[Beantown Bronco]

That may be our best off season move all year so far.

*cough* Jim Bates *cough*

[Beantown Bronco]

no lber in the league has played all three positions in the nfl, and not to mention he started as a fb in college....


Boss has.

[OABB]

Boss has.

I didn't know that....

don't contradict me in front of the children again.

[Popps]

DJ as a player is very comparable to Lance Briggs. Both play the WLB, both are athletic players, both make a lot of tackles. Briggs has made 3 pro bowls and 2 all pros, mostly because he plays with Urlacher.

Huh?

So how did Urlacher make the Pro Bowls, because he played next to Briggs?

When Briggs held out, teams were reportedly offering #1 picks. You think anyone offers us a #1 for DJ Williams.

Let's try to be sensible, here.

Bringgs made Pro Bowls because he's a top-flight player, and you won't find anyone outside of the Denver area code to agree that he and Williams are "comparable." You're welcome to that opinion, but it's not one rooted in any kind of traceable logic.

Again, DJ Williams is fine. He's an average to above average player. We're better off just overpaying for him than screwing around. Shanahan has a hard enough time finding defensive talent without letting guys who can play leave.

[alkemical]

I believe williams makes the probowl this year....

and I believe this had something to do with the extension now.

anyone that has watched the broncos the last few years knows the kind of ability that d.j. has, and understands the situation he has been put in...

no lber in the league has played all three positions in the nfl, and not to mention he started as a fb in college....

he is an athlete, and a team player, and most importantly a very very good wlb.

so to anyone down on d.j., you will be eating your words by the end of this season.

I know it, and most here know it.

and those who don't see it, well you just aren't that perceptive or intelligent when it comes to football.

I think playing MLB will only help him when it comes to on the field stuff: Recognition, etc. So i love this signing.

[azbroncfan]

Huh?

So how did Urlacher make the Pro Bowls, because he played next to Briggs?

When Briggs held out, teams were reportedly offering #1 picks. You think anyone offers us a #1 for DJ Williams.

Let's try to be sensible, here.

Bringgs made Pro Bowls because he's a top-flight player, and you won't find anyone outside of the Denver area code to agree that he and Williams are "comparable." You're welcome to that opinion, but it's not one rooted in any kind of traceable logic.

Again, DJ Williams is fine. He's an average to above average player. We're better off just overpaying for him than screwing around. Shanahan has a hard enough time finding defensive talent without letting guys who can play leave.

Exactly!

[ANIMAL24]

it is time for dj to make some big plays and make the probowl, he better not get lazy now...

[CasinoRoyal]

great move, dj is comitted to the broncos.

hes locked up for a while now.

[SoDak Bronco]

Now lets draft a top flight MLB in the next draft and we will be set

[epicSocialism4tw]

It looks like DJ will be a career Bronco. Lets hope that he plays to his contract.

[dbfan21]

I am getting in late on this, but I can't tell you how glad I am that the FO got this done now, as opposed to the offseason. I really like DJ and think he will show just how good he is in the WLB spot.

Kudos to Shanahan and the FO!!