Retirement looking like Rice's next destination

[SoCalBronco]

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3002005

broncos notes
Retirement looking like Rice's next destination
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer



It appears likely Jerry Rice will have decided to retire by the time he meets with Broncos coach Mike Shanahan this morning.

"That is certainly a possibility," said Jim Steiner, Rice's agent, when asked if he thought the NFL's all-time leading receiver's career was over. "That is something that could be speculated about, but a final decision hasn't been made."

The Broncos are expected to enter the regular season Sunday at Miami with wide receivers Charlie Adams and Darius Watts playing a big role. That pushes Rice, who has been bothered by a heel injury, down the depth chart.

"He wants to be a No. 3, and that's not going to happen," said Steiner, who added that if Rice leaves the Broncos, he will not look to extend his career.

"He's not going to play anywhere else," Steiner said.

Mauck may be moving

The agent for Matt Mauck, released Saturday, said the quarterback was considering some offers. He could sign elsewhere or go on the Broncos' practice squad for a second season.

"Being released was a disappointing event for Matt," agent Mark Rodgers said. "But there is a strong level of interest out there, and Matt will sleep on it before making a decision."

The Broncos, who have just two quarterbacks on their roster, are likely to bring in other quarterbacks as soon as today if Mauck doesn't return. One possibility is Rohan Davey, whom the New England Patriots shopped to the Broncos before releasing him. Chad Friehauf, a former Colorado School of Mines star, was in camp with the Broncos but was released last week.

If the Broncos wanted to have a third quarterback on the active roster, veteran Danny Kanell could return. Shanahan has said Kanell could come back if




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there were an injury.
No Denver players who were cut Saturday were claimed Sunday. Running back Quentin Griffin, linebacker Terry Pierce and defensive tackle Dorsett Davis may get looks elsewhere.

Wide receiver Triandos Luke, also cut Saturday, was planning to work out for Houston today. If Rice leaves, the team could bring back Luke if he's available.

Put on practice squad

The Broncos signed seven players to their practice squad, including four they had released: 2005 sixth-round pick Chris Myers, fellow offensive lineman Erik Pears, safety Curome Cox and fullback Brandon Miree. Also signed were running back Cedric Cobbs, cut by New England; offensive lineman Rob Hunt, a fifth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts this year; and defensive end Corey Jackson, an NFL Europe player cut by the Cleveland Browns.

Babers with Bears

Rod Babers, a cornerback Denver cut last week, signed with Chicago's practice squad. He was a fourth-round pick by the New York Giants in 2003 and played for Detroit last season.

Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.

[Kaylore]

Thanks SoCal. A few thoughts on this.

Jerry is done. He's probably going to ask Shanahan if he can "earn his third spot back." Shanahan will tell him "no" and that will be that.

Luke worked out with the Texans already. (obviously) I had feeling they'd be in our garbage can after cuts.

I'm very very grateful that Van Pelt is a very sturdy player because the last thing any of us would want to see is Danny Kannell throwing for us.

[Crushaholic]

If Rice is shown the door, that means that Shanahan is content with the depth at WR. Therefore, I don't like the speculation of Luke coming back if the Texans don't sign him. Replace that spot with a lineman. I can deal with that. You can't have enough depth on the line.

[watermock]

I'm not into padding stats for the GOAT.

[Crushaholic]

Originally Posted by watermock

I'm not into padding stats for the GOAT.

Padding stats for the GOAT is perfectly fine with me if it helps us get another Super Bowl win.

[watermock]

IF? Good Lord what an idiotic statement even at this hour.

IF God comes we all go OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD as well.

Rice is totally done. You didn't see how slow he is now? Never mind.

[BlitzingDog]

Nothing on Jeremy LeSueur?

I wouldn't mind seeing Triandos back, I met his dad last year in canton.

[broncohaven]

I'd like to see Davis back in place of Jerry.

[Spider]

Kinda reminds me of an old boxer clinging to past glory ..........Hanging on when they dont have it anymore .......

[Meck77]

Same old Jerry. He comes in here and said he will accept any role the team gives him. Now he has changed his mind and needs to be the #3. Jerry I respect what you did in the past but please give it up. It's time for the goat to go off to pasture.

[i4jelway7]

good riddance...

now get on the phone Shanny and bring back Triandos or Davis!!!

[BlitzingDog]

I would have to guess Chris Watton might be the guy to take Rice's roster spot.

[Mediator12]

Chris Watton would be great for insurance. Plus, we have four TE's that are Almost WR's. We definitely do NOT need Six WR's with that many Receiving TE's.

[Jason in LA]

Remember when everybody was saying Shanny's loyalties to Rice would be a problem, and his ego would get in the way of getting rid of Clarett? Looks like a lot of people were wrong.

[Mediator12]

Tupe Peko and Sciullo are still out there as potential OG picks for the PS. Scott young signed to the Eagles PS.

[Northman]

Originally Posted by Jason in LA

Remember when everybody was saying Shanny's loyalties to Rice would be a problem, and his ego would get in the way of getting rid of Clarett? Looks like a lot of people were wrong.

Yep, there were a lot of people saying Clarett would never get cut and that he would do well here. Clarett was the biggest waste of a draft pick ever and yet so many fans thought it was the greatest move.

[Sir Mawn]

Originally Posted by Jason in LA

Remember when everybody was saying Shanny's loyalties to Rice would be a problem, and his ego would get in the way of getting rid of Clarett? Looks like a lot of people were wrong.

Of course... Bashing Shanahan is a national pastime to many here at the Mane. Once their predictions don't come true, it's like nothing was ever said or happened. In case they do, however, the "I told you so" crowd roars.

Bringing in Rice has been a smart move so far... It cost us nothing and it proved to be very inspiring for the young players (WR's, and QB's especially). And today, it's still a win-win, other than the fact that I wish we added more depth at OL.

[Broncoman13]

I think it was expected that Rice would retire...thus we kept 6 WR's. I can't think of any #4 or 5 WR's that don't contribute in ST's. Rice's writing was on the walls as soon as Watts caught that 2nd TD!!!

[Rocket 7]

Press Conference

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.ph...4&storyID=4612

[Wes Mantooth]

I can think of some bigger wastes than Clarrett...

Originally Posted by Anubis_Zyklon

Yep, there were a lot of people saying Clarett would never get cut and that he would do well here. Clarett was the biggest waste of a draft pick ever and yet so many fans thought it was the greatest move.