Warren still in commission - The Orange Mane

dragondawg · 03-01-2007, 03:57 AM

Defensive tackle redoes deal, helps Broncos with cap

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
March 1, 2007

Gerard Warren isn't going anywhere.
The defensive tackle has agreed to restructure the six-year contract he signed last year, helping the Broncos free much-needed salary-cap space and providing the team with a big body in the middle at a position currently lacking depth.

Terms were unavailable, but Warren was scheduled to pocket two bonuses in the coming days totaling nearly $5.4 million.

And with the Broncos heading into today's final day of the league year with $1.9 million of wiggle room under the $109 million cap, it should help some as the free-agency period starts Friday.

Warren could have told the Broncos he refused to redo the deal and perhaps put him in line for another payday and leave the team in a tight spot.

Demetrin Veal is the only other defensive tackle with experience under contract. Michael Myers, who started next to Warren the past two years, is an unrestricted free agent.

Warren often has spoke of his love affair with Denver and the organization, which rejuvenated his career in 2005 after some difficult seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

Warren didn't play nearly as well last season after signing a $36 million contract, but injuries were a factor. He suffered a dislocated toe on each foot, making it difficult to gain leverage.

Warren figures to play an important role in Jim Bates' new defensive scheme.

The tackles in Bates' system usually are bigger players who cover the two guards and allow linebackers to go for the ball.

At 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, Warren fits that bill.

The team is continuing talks regarding the contract of veteran receiver Rod Smith and his potential $8.55 million salary-cap charge.

Talks are scheduled to continue, but because the Broncos will be under the salary cap, there's no hard deadline to rework the deal.

Smith is due a $1 million bonus March 8, and a resolution should come before then, if not sooner, because there likely will be a rush into the open market for the top- tier players, and the Broncos need financial flexibility.

MORE CONTRACTS: It has been an emotional roller coaster for Cecil Sapp the past few days.

One of his best friends on the team, running back Damien Nash, suddenly died Saturday night. Two days later, Sapp had a screw removed that was helping repair his broken left leg, keeping him on pace to return by minicamps.

On Wednesday, Sapp found out he likely will be sticking around the Broncos for at least one more season with a healthy pay raise.

The Broncos informed the fullback they were tendering him at the $1.3 million level as a restricted free agent, meaning any team that signs him to an offer sheet will have to give the Broncos a second-round pick as compensation should they decline to match the contract.

The second-round compensation is new this year under the revised collective-bargaining agreement. Sapp made about $430,000 last season.

The Broncos placed the $850,000 low tender on fullback Kyle Johnson. The Broncos retain the right of first refusal if another team offers Johnson a deal and would receive a fifth-round pick, where Johnson was drafted, if he leaves.

Sapp, an undrafted free agent who joined the Broncos' active roster in October 2004, is expected to be the favorite to start next season. He was on that path before getting injured in training camp last season and missed the opener.

Sapp rushed for 80 yards on 10 carries and had eight catches and six special-teams tackles in 11 games before he broke the fibula in his left leg while returning a kickoff. Sapp was placed on injured reserve Dec. 4.

There's a chance he might get a look at tailback.

MYERS UPDATE: Silence continues between Myers' agent, Eugene Parker, and the Broncos despite the exclusive negotiating window that ends today.

It doesn't mean Myers won't return once free agency begins Friday. He has expressed a willingness to do so and the team has stated it will let him gauge his market value.

But the price might get higher with other teams flush with cash in a thin defensive tackle market made thinner with the re-signing of players such as the New Orleans Saints' Hollis Thomas (four years, $12 million) and the Oakland Raiders' Terdell Sands (four years, $18 million) among others.

"I anticipate we're going to talk at some point, I just don't know when that's going to be," Parker said.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...386587,00.html

BroncoBuff · 03-01-2007, 04:16 AM

Damn good news on Warren and Sapp .... but Myers loks like a goner.

This quote - about Sapp - was the most interesting point:

Quote:

There's a chance he might get a look at tailback.

Anybody know Cecil's 40 time?

Natedogg · 03-01-2007, 04:29 AM

Whew. Glad that's over. I think Warren is a good asset for the Donks. I'm suprised we didn't even have a chat with Meyers; he seemed like a competent starter and a very good rotational player. Anybody have any ideas why the two sides didn't even meet? Barginning tactic?

fontaine · 03-01-2007, 04:30 AM

Who would have thought Big Money would restructure his contract sooner than Mr. Bronco himself in Rod Smith!

Major props to Warren.

watermock · 03-01-2007, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Damn good news on Warren and Sapp .... but Myers loks like a goner.

This quote - about Sapp - was the most interesting point:

Anybody know Cecil's 40 time?

He ran a 4.55 out of college. Now that he isn't "screwed" he can continue to heal.

That's a pretty damn fast time for a FB. His 8 yards per carry isn't too shabby either.

chrisp · 03-01-2007, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natedogg

Whew. Glad that's over. I think Warren is a good asset for the Donks. I'm suprised we didn't even have a chat with Meyers; he seemed like a competent starter and a very good rotational player. Anybody have any ideas why the two sides didn't even meet? Barginning tactic?

Dude, don't call us the Donks - Chiefs and faiders do that.......

I am relieved about the Warren deal on two counts - one, we don't lose him, two he seems genuine in his desire to play hard for us, help the team and earn his money.

I'm sure the restructure doesn't hurt him that much - maybe some guaranteed money becomes easy-to-earn bonus instead or something like that, but even so, he didn't have to do it. He could have hit the open market and there was always a chance someone would overpay for him despite a sub-par year.

The Meyers situation is odd though - it is beginning to look as if they don't really want him back, and that's despite one of the major targets re-signing.

It seems more and more that there WILL be some DT action in free agency somehow, and that they don't want to pay Meyers starter money for a backup spot.....that's all I can suggest

eddie mac · 03-01-2007, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontaine

Who would have thought Big Money would restructure his contract sooner than Mr. Bronco himself in Rod Smith!

Major props to Warren.

There's a huge difference there. Warren wasn't asked to take a paycut, Rod will be. Warren still gets every penny he was due this season the Broncos just prorated it over the length of the contract. The only way Rod's money will be pushed back is if they use some of this year's base/roster bonus and add it to next year's figures which he'll never see.

fontaine · 03-01-2007, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddie mac

There's a huge difference there. Warren wasn't asked to take a paycut, Rod will be. Warren still gets every penny he was due this season the Broncos just prorated it over the length of the contract. The only way Rod's money will be pushed back is if they use some of this year's base/roster bonus and add it to next year's figures which he'll never see.

How can you be sure? The terms were not disclosed, but you're likely right that the roster bonuses were convereted to SB which will be prorated. Although, the mere fact that Warren chose to restructure rather than be adamant in order to get a big money payday in FA does in some way mean he's taking a pay cut.

I really hope we don't push back Rod's money. The guy has been a warrior for us but he's got to take a drastic paycut.

Kaylore · 03-01-2007, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontaine

Who would have thought Big Money would restructure his contract sooner than Mr. Bronco himself in Rod Smith!

Major props to Warren.

Warren was looking at getting cut so his was a priority. Rod obviously isn't looking at such a situation.

fontaine · 03-01-2007, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Warren was looking at getting cut so his was a priority. Rod obviously isn't looking at such a situation.

Might as well bring up the possibility. Would you cut Rod if he doesn't take a paycut?

I mean we can always restructure his high base, turn it into a SB and prorate that $5million into the next few years but if Rod doesn't want to take an actual paycut (which is what the FO wants) then would you let him go?

Pendejo · 03-01-2007, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Damn good news on Warren and Sapp .... but Myers loks like a goner.

This quote - about Sapp - was the most interesting point:

Anybody know Cecil's 40 time?

I don't know what his 40 times were coming out of college. But at CSU he ran like a friggin' battering ram. (Accidental pun.)

watermock · 03-01-2007, 06:23 AM

I saw Cecil carry a DL into the endzone 3 yards on his back.

Ratboy · 03-01-2007, 06:51 AM

Awesome news! I'm glad to have Warren back. I would have been furious if we would have let him get away, we need defensive lineman too much.

BroncoBuff · 03-01-2007, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natedogg

Whew. Glad that's over. I think Warren is a good asset for the Donks. I'm suprised we didn't even have a chat with Meyers; he seemed like a competent starter and a very good rotational player. Anybody have any ideas why the two sides didn't even meet? Barginning tactic?

It seems they want to allocate their limited resources to other positions. The DT market is wafer-thin, so Myers is likely a goner. They really like Veal though .... maybe Dorsett Davis and Monsanto Pope are still around

I'd rather have Graham or Bly than Myers. I think I'd rather keep Myers than sign Kerney though. It all depends on the draft .... it's a very deep D-Line draft.

cutthemdown · 03-01-2007, 07:07 AM

it wouldn't have made sense to not give Warren another shot considering all the money he has already gotten. We made him so important last year during FA we didn't really do much else. Considering the fact it may have just been the toes holding him back it also makes sense to throw him out there and see.

cutthemdown · 03-01-2007, 07:08 AM

Cecil doesn't have enough wiggle to be a full time tailback IMO.

watermock · 03-01-2007, 07:12 AM

Jamal Lewis does?

cutthemdown · 03-01-2007, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

Jamal Lewis does?

No he doesn't either really. I'd much rather see a younger back with some moves.

Barry Ramey · 03-01-2007, 07:30 AM

It is good news that Warren is staying. Hopefully he will be healthy for next year. Myers would be nice to keep, but not at a big price and I'm not sure the Broncos are seeing him as a starter, so that may be why aren't too much of a rush to re-sign him. They likely want a bigger DT next to Warren.

broncswin · 03-01-2007, 10:19 AM

I wonder how much more cap space his restructuring will give us? Kyle Johnson had so much promise a couple of years ago, I really thought he was going to be our next great FB. Oh well, I like cecil anyway. The one thing he needs to work on is his pass catching capability, I don't know how many times last year I saw him drop a little dump pass that could have gotten us 10 or more and a big first down. Oh who gives a **** that's in the past!! Great news Sapp!!

ludo21 · 03-01-2007, 10:20 AM

good.

Im just going to hold out hope that his toes hurt bad and he will be better next year.

Either way, we are too thin to let our best DT leave.

baja · 03-01-2007, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broncswin

I wonder how much more cap space his restructuring will give us? Kyle Johnson had so much promise a couple of years ago, I really thought he was going to be our next great FB. Oh well, I like cecil anyway. The one thing he needs to work on is his pass catching capability, I don't know how many times last year I saw him drop a little dump pass that could have gotten us 10 or more and a big first down. Oh who gives a **** that's in the past!! Great news Sapp!!

That would be quite an accomplishment dropping a pass from injured reserve.

RunSilentRunDeep · 03-01-2007, 10:29 AM

Great news on Warren. I believe Cecil Sapp is now timed with a sundial, but who cares? He makes plays.

I would be all in favor a cutting Rod Smith -- at least for a week. I doubt there would be much interest in him regardless of all the cap space. Broncos could probably sign Kevin Curtis twice with the amount of cap room Rod is taking.

broncswin · 03-01-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baja fan

That would be quite an accomplishment dropping a pass from injured reserve.

Hey Baja he didn't get hurt in off season work outs, the guy did play a few games last year!

Tredici · 03-01-2007, 10:44 AM

Does this mean Warren has a new nickname? Little Money.

03-01-2007, 03:57 AM	#1
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	Warren still in commission Defensive tackle redoes deal, helps Broncos with cap By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News March 1, 2007 Gerard Warren isn't going anywhere. The defensive tackle has agreed to restructure the six-year contract he signed last year, helping the Broncos free much-needed salary-cap space and providing the team with a big body in the middle at a position currently lacking depth. Terms were unavailable, but Warren was scheduled to pocket two bonuses in the coming days totaling nearly $5.4 million. And with the Broncos heading into today's final day of the league year with $1.9 million of wiggle room under the $109 million cap, it should help some as the free-agency period starts Friday. Warren could have told the Broncos he refused to redo the deal and perhaps put him in line for another payday and leave the team in a tight spot. Demetrin Veal is the only other defensive tackle with experience under contract. Michael Myers, who started next to Warren the past two years, is an unrestricted free agent. Warren often has spoke of his love affair with Denver and the organization, which rejuvenated his career in 2005 after some difficult seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Warren didn't play nearly as well last season after signing a $36 million contract, but injuries were a factor. He suffered a dislocated toe on each foot, making it difficult to gain leverage. Warren figures to play an important role in Jim Bates' new defensive scheme. The tackles in Bates' system usually are bigger players who cover the two guards and allow linebackers to go for the ball. At 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, Warren fits that bill. The team is continuing talks regarding the contract of veteran receiver Rod Smith and his potential $8.55 million salary-cap charge. Talks are scheduled to continue, but because the Broncos will be under the salary cap, there's no hard deadline to rework the deal. Smith is due a $1 million bonus March 8, and a resolution should come before then, if not sooner, because there likely will be a rush into the open market for the top- tier players, and the Broncos need financial flexibility. MORE CONTRACTS: It has been an emotional roller coaster for Cecil Sapp the past few days. One of his best friends on the team, running back Damien Nash, suddenly died Saturday night. Two days later, Sapp had a screw removed that was helping repair his broken left leg, keeping him on pace to return by minicamps. On Wednesday, Sapp found out he likely will be sticking around the Broncos for at least one more season with a healthy pay raise. The Broncos informed the fullback they were tendering him at the $1.3 million level as a restricted free agent, meaning any team that signs him to an offer sheet will have to give the Broncos a second-round pick as compensation should they decline to match the contract. The second-round compensation is new this year under the revised collective-bargaining agreement. Sapp made about $430,000 last season. The Broncos placed the $850,000 low tender on fullback Kyle Johnson. The Broncos retain the right of first refusal if another team offers Johnson a deal and would receive a fifth-round pick, where Johnson was drafted, if he leaves. Sapp, an undrafted free agent who joined the Broncos' active roster in October 2004, is expected to be the favorite to start next season. He was on that path before getting injured in training camp last season and missed the opener. Sapp rushed for 80 yards on 10 carries and had eight catches and six special-teams tackles in 11 games before he broke the fibula in his left leg while returning a kickoff. Sapp was placed on injured reserve Dec. 4. There's a chance he might get a look at tailback. MYERS UPDATE: Silence continues between Myers' agent, Eugene Parker, and the Broncos despite the exclusive negotiating window that ends today. It doesn't mean Myers won't return once free agency begins Friday. He has expressed a willingness to do so and the team has stated it will let him gauge his market value. But the price might get higher with other teams flush with cash in a thin defensive tackle market made thinner with the re-signing of players such as the New Orleans Saints' Hollis Thomas (four years, $12 million) and the Oakland Raiders' Terdell Sands (four years, $18 million) among others. "I anticipate we're going to talk at some point, I just don't know when that's going to be," Parker said. http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...386587,00.html Last edited by dragondawg; 03-01-2007 at 04:00 AM..

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03-01-2007, 04:29 AM	#3
Natedogg 1st Amendment Protection You sending The MethWolfe!!!??? Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Petersburg Russia Posts: 1,878 Adopt-a-Bronco: Travis Henry	Whew. Glad that's over. I think Warren is a good asset for the Donks. I'm suprised we didn't even have a chat with Meyers; he seemed like a competent starter and a very good rotational player. Anybody have any ideas why the two sides didn't even meet? Barginning tactic?

03-01-2007, 04:30 AM	#4
fontaine Ring of Famer Go John Manning! Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,425	Who would have thought Big Money would restructure his contract sooner than Mr. Bronco himself in Rod Smith! Major props to Warren.

03-01-2007, 06:23 AM	#12
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I saw Cecil carry a DL into the endzone 3 yards on his back.

03-01-2007, 06:51 AM	#13
Ratboy It's all over... ಠ_ಠ Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Okinawa, Japan Posts: 13,276	Awesome news! I'm glad to have Warren back. I would have been furious if we would have let him get away, we need defensive lineman too much.

03-01-2007, 07:07 AM	#15
cutthemdown A verbis ad verbera Zimm to HOF Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Long Beach Posts: 32,460	it wouldn't have made sense to not give Warren another shot considering all the money he has already gotten. We made him so important last year during FA we didn't really do much else. Considering the fact it may have just been the toes holding him back it also makes sense to throw him out there and see.

03-01-2007, 07:08 AM	#16
cutthemdown A verbis ad verbera Zimm to HOF Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Long Beach Posts: 32,460	Cecil doesn't have enough wiggle to be a full time tailback IMO.

03-01-2007, 07:12 AM	#17
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Jamal Lewis does?

03-01-2007, 07:30 AM	#19
Barry Ramey Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,700	It is good news that Warren is staying. Hopefully he will be healthy for next year. Myers would be nice to keep, but not at a big price and I'm not sure the Broncos are seeing him as a starter, so that may be why aren't too much of a rush to re-sign him. They likely want a bigger DT next to Warren.

03-01-2007, 10:19 AM	#20
broncswin God I love those Broncos Bring back the hardware Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Broncos Fantasy Land Posts: 2,017 Adopt-a-Bronco: three amigos	I wonder how much more cap space his restructuring will give us? Kyle Johnson had so much promise a couple of years ago, I really thought he was going to be our next great FB. Oh well, I like cecil anyway. The one thing he needs to work on is his pass catching capability, I don't know how many times last year I saw him drop a little dump pass that could have gotten us 10 or more and a big first down. Oh who gives a **** that's in the past!! Great news Sapp!!

03-01-2007, 10:20 AM	#21
ludo21 RIP Darrent Williams Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 17,903 Adopt-a-Bronco: Paul Ernster	good. Im just going to hold out hope that his toes hurt bad and he will be better next year. Either way, we are too thin to let our best DT leave.

03-01-2007, 10:29 AM	#23
RunSilentRunDeep Ring of Famer I root for laundry Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,403 Adopt-a-Bronco: Matt Prater	Great news on Warren. I believe Cecil Sapp is now timed with a sundial, but who cares? He makes plays. I would be all in favor a cutting Rod Smith -- at least for a week. I doubt there would be much interest in him regardless of all the cap space. Broncos could probably sign Kevin Curtis twice with the amount of cap room Rod is taking.

03-01-2007, 10:44 AM	#25
Tredici Ring of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 10,010	Does this mean Warren has a new nickname? Little Money.