Broncos lead the race for Rice - The Orange Mane

dragondawg · 09-03-2007, 03:36 AM

Broncos lead the race for Rice
Veteran free agent would boost D-line
By Mike Klis and Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writers

As Simeon Rice was getting ready to dine Sunday night with a contingent led by coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos already were in the lead and starting to pull away.

"The Broncos are better than 50-50," Rice said. "They're like 55-45, maybe 60-40. Things are leaning their way. They're classy, man. All class. I want to knock on wood, but I feel like this is the place. I feel like this is a team that will challenge for the Super Bowl and create a Camelot type of experience."

Providing Shanahan's favorite restaurant didn't burn Rice's entree, the Broncos should be in good position to land one of the most productive defensive ends in NFL history. Eventually, the Broncos will have to satisfy Rice's taste for financial comfort. Nothing sells class, after all, like money, especially with the St. Louis Rams also bidding for Rice.

But if things go well for the Broncos, their visit with Rice will extend well beyond Labor Day weekend.

"I don't want to just go for a place for a year," Rice said. "I want to be there for a while and cement my legacy. I'm all about legacy, and I'm hungry to achieve it."

Legacy? Only four players - Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Kevin Greene and John Randle - have more double-digit sack seasons than Rice's eight.

With 121 career sacks while playing with Arizona and Tampa Bay in his 11-year career, Rice is 13th on the NFL all-time sacks list. He needs eight more sacks to move into the top 10, and another 17 would put Rice into the NFL's top five.

Can the Broncos help get him there? After Rice, 33, was given the orange-and-blue carpet treatment Sunday, he was expected to enter serious discussions this morning with the Broncos, whose defensive line has been in flux since the final week of training camp. The Broncos wound up dumping veteran defensive tackles Gerard Warren and Jimmy Kennedy, and lost defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban to a season-ending Achilles injury. "I think I can change a defense," Rice said. "Another thing I like about Denver is that it's a historical franchise."

After never missing a game because of injury through his first 10 seasons, Rice was hampered in 2006 by a season-long shoulder ailment that eventually required surgery. When Rice didn't pass the team physical prior to training camp, Tampa Bay wanted him back only at a pay cut from the $7.25 million he was scheduled to make this season. Rice refused and was released to free agency.

"My shoulder is straight," Rice said. "The physical wasn't the reason. Let's get real - the reason they let me go was money."

If he signs with the Broncos today, would Rice be ready to play Sunday in the opener at Buffalo?

"Do birds fly?" he said.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6788356

dragondawg · 09-03-2007, 03:37 AM

i knew shanny would take him to that steak place

footstepsfrom#27 · 09-03-2007, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragondawg

After never missing a game because of injury through his first 10 seasons, Rice was hampered in 2006 by a season-long shoulder ailment that eventually required surgery. When Rice didn't pass the team physical prior to training camp, Tampa Bay wanted him back only at a pay cut from the $7.25 million he was scheduled to make this season. Rice refused and was released to free agency.

"My shoulder is straight," Rice said. "The physical wasn't the reason. Let's get real - the reason they let me go was money."

I think he's telling the truth. Why would a team take a player back who couldn't pass the physical? It WAS all about money...which means that's what it's about here also.

Legacy indeed...

Bronco LB 59 · 09-03-2007, 04:22 AM

I have never cared for Simeon Rice's ego. I guess we might as well deal with his crap because Denver isn't going to find anybody remotely comparable on the scrap heap.

Kaylore · 09-03-2007, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footstepsfrom#27

I think he's telling the truth. Why would a team take a player back who couldn't pass the physical? It WAS all about money...which means that's what it's about here also.

He wants a long term deal and money. Lynch didn't pass the Buccs physical either as I recall and that looked ok. The doctors will pass or fail you depending on what the front office tells you to do.

footstepsfrom#27 · 09-03-2007, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

He wants a long term deal and money. Lynch didn't pass the Buccs physical either as I recall and that looked ok. The doctors will pass or fail you depending on what the front office tells you to do.

Exactly my point...he wants a long term deal and the $$$...are we in position to give him that? I can't imagine we can do more than a one year deal or maybe an incentive based 2nd year. He's 33...how much longer can he have if he's already showing signs of wear? I'm thinking we'll have to over pay if we want him.

Kaylore · 09-03-2007, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footstepsfrom#27

Exactly my point...he wants a long term deal and the $$$...are we in position to give him that? I can't imagine we can do more than a one year deal or maybe an incentive based 2nd year. He's 33...how much longer can he have if he's already showing signs of wear? I'm thinking we'll have to over pay if we want him.

As far as cap room, long term contracts are actually easier on the cap than one year ones. They designed it that way so as to encourage contracts that keep the player in one place. But yes, obviously he has his best football behind him so the team would need to figure out what he's expecting and they also want to protect themselves and not throw a bunch of money at a guy that will only be somewhat productive for a couple of years. We'll see what happens. I think he could be as good as Ekuban would have been and that would be a nice void to fill.

footstepsfrom#27 · 09-03-2007, 05:12 AM

If he can take Engleberger's spot and notch 8 sacks in a rotational role with Crowder I'd be happy. He's a better bargain than over-the-hill Michael Strahan at this point. Let's hope he's not a locker room cancer though.

Broncojef · 09-03-2007, 05:13 AM

Too bad we couldn't rent Simeon for just a coule years for a reasonable price. Long term deal for him makes me scratch my head.

footstepsfrom#27 · 09-03-2007, 05:17 AM

Well NFL contracts aren't garanteed, so why not give him what he wants? We can cut him next year if we want to as long as the signing bonus isn't that large.

Gcver2ver3 · 09-03-2007, 08:30 AM

I can't understand why this term "locker room cancer" keeps coming up with Rice....

Rice has an ego, but he's not a cancer....

I am born and raised in Tampa....

Rice is a fan favorite and an even bigger locker room favorite.....

Rice is not a cancer....he's actually quite funny....hopefully you guys will come to find that out.......

He is vocal....but thats not always a bad thing

The guy has played at a high level PAST 30 yrs old....

Only reason he didn't last yr was due to injury....he' healthy now and has a chip on his shoulder...he's an upgrade from Ekuban....trust me on that...

You guys are missing the boat on Rice...

Compare this to adding Neil Smith who was also playing to show KC what they missed...or compare it to Lynch who did the same thing to prove Tampa wrong....

Gcver2ver3 · 09-03-2007, 08:35 AM

To add to that....

Truly great pass rushing ends play at a high level well past 30....

Neil Smith
Reggie White
Bruce Smith
Kevin Greene
Michael Strahan
Trevor Pryce
Jason Taylor
Simeon Rice
And others I'm sure

In fact Jason Taylor won DPY at 32 yrs of age......

Is Rice in his prime?....no....can he still tally double-digit sacks and command double teams?...for sure

i4jelway7 · 09-03-2007, 08:52 AM

If we sign Rice... who gets cut? my guess is Antwon Burton

rbackfactory80 · 09-03-2007, 09:21 AM

I rather see him on the field Sunday instead standing on the sideline wrapped in fur.

MechanicalBull · 09-03-2007, 09:36 AM

I don't like Rice's attitude but I don't mind bringing him in at all. My question with him is how long does it take for him to be in game shape and when would he start playing?

Paladin · 09-03-2007, 09:38 AM

Would having a rusher like Rice - experienced and proven - be of help in the play and/or development of the young DTs?

I wouldn't mind seeing a DE and DT added that have some experience. Further, a good LB would be useful, don't you think?

Drek · 09-03-2007, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i4jelway7

If we sign Rice... who gets cut? my guess is Antwon Burton

Doubt it, we've assembled the DT core Bates wants, Rice isn't going to play in that core, so why pull pieces out?

I think its more likely that we'd move one of the RBs instead. We don't need three HBs, two HB/FB 'tweeners, and a special teams FB who can block pretty well as it is all on the roster at once.

DarkHorse30 · 09-03-2007, 10:02 AM

does this remind anyone of the Neil Smith move? That didn't work out so bad....

epicSocialism4tw · 09-03-2007, 10:06 AM

The line needs a stabilizing veteran presence.

This is a no-brainer.

Rice wants to be a Bronco.

Make it happen.

DenverBrit · 09-03-2007, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryllama

The line needs a stabilizing veteran presence.

This is a no-brainer.

Rice wants to be a Bronco.

Make it happen.

Exactly!

BroncoFiend · 09-03-2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcver2ver3

I can't understand why this term "locker room cancer" keeps coming up with Rice....

Rice has an ego, but he's not a cancer....

I am born and raised in Tampa....

Rice is a fan favorite and an even bigger locker room favorite.....

Rice is not a cancer....he's actually quite funny....hopefully you guys will come to find that out.......

He is vocal....but thats not always a bad thing

The guy has played at a high level PAST 30 yrs old....

Only reason he didn't last yr was due to injury....he' healthy now and has a chip on his shoulder...he's an upgrade from Ekuban....trust me on that...

You guys are missing the boat on Rice...

Compare this to adding Neil Smith who was also playing to show KC what they missed...or compare it to Lynch who did the same thing to prove Tampa wrong....

Well said, living in Tampa the last few years, I've never heard anything negative said about the guy from his teammates or the fans. The fans were crushed when he was cut and everyone is saying 'This is the Lynch situation all over again'. Really his play hasn't shown signs of slipping, just that he was hurt last year, before this past year he was still a top DE in this league.

He is a big upgrade over Eb IMO.

long beach bronco · 09-03-2007, 11:35 AM

I bet we sign him today and he gets at least one sack against Buffalo on Sunday.

lazarus4444 · 09-03-2007, 11:44 AM

WOW! I can't believe all the negativity against Rice. Sign him please shanny! WE havne't had anything resembling a pass rush for years and its KILLING us. DOn't you yahoos who are down on rice understand this? Tampa Locals are telling you he's a good guy so why all this negativity? Im sure glad posters on the mane don't decide roster moves, geeeeeezus. SOme of you are real idiots. SIgn him Mike!

orinjkrush · 09-03-2007, 11:49 AM

I'd like to see us get a D player with something to prove. a chip on the shoulder. sounds like Rice could be one. I'd go with what Lynch says.

long beach bronco · 09-03-2007, 11:49 AM

I agree Laz, we need to sign him. People on here gripe and curse about no pass rush, now we got one of the best staring us right in the face and they're still complaining. Sign Rice today please!!!!

09-03-2007, 03:36 AM	#1
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	Broncos lead the race for Rice Broncos lead the race for Rice Veteran free agent would boost D-line By Mike Klis and Bill Williamson Denver Post Staff Writers As Simeon Rice was getting ready to dine Sunday night with a contingent led by coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos already were in the lead and starting to pull away. "The Broncos are better than 50-50," Rice said. "They're like 55-45, maybe 60-40. Things are leaning their way. They're classy, man. All class. I want to knock on wood, but I feel like this is the place. I feel like this is a team that will challenge for the Super Bowl and create a Camelot type of experience." Providing Shanahan's favorite restaurant didn't burn Rice's entree, the Broncos should be in good position to land one of the most productive defensive ends in NFL history. Eventually, the Broncos will have to satisfy Rice's taste for financial comfort. Nothing sells class, after all, like money, especially with the St. Louis Rams also bidding for Rice. But if things go well for the Broncos, their visit with Rice will extend well beyond Labor Day weekend. "I don't want to just go for a place for a year," Rice said. "I want to be there for a while and cement my legacy. I'm all about legacy, and I'm hungry to achieve it." Legacy? Only four players - Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Kevin Greene and John Randle - have more double-digit sack seasons than Rice's eight. With 121 career sacks while playing with Arizona and Tampa Bay in his 11-year career, Rice is 13th on the NFL all-time sacks list. He needs eight more sacks to move into the top 10, and another 17 would put Rice into the NFL's top five. Can the Broncos help get him there? After Rice, 33, was given the orange-and-blue carpet treatment Sunday, he was expected to enter serious discussions this morning with the Broncos, whose defensive line has been in flux since the final week of training camp. The Broncos wound up dumping veteran defensive tackles Gerard Warren and Jimmy Kennedy, and lost defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban to a season-ending Achilles injury. "I think I can change a defense," Rice said. "Another thing I like about Denver is that it's a historical franchise." After never missing a game because of injury through his first 10 seasons, Rice was hampered in 2006 by a season-long shoulder ailment that eventually required surgery. When Rice didn't pass the team physical prior to training camp, Tampa Bay wanted him back only at a pay cut from the $7.25 million he was scheduled to make this season. Rice refused and was released to free agency. "My shoulder is straight," Rice said. "The physical wasn't the reason. Let's get real - the reason they let me go was money." If he signs with the Broncos today, would Rice be ready to play Sunday in the opener at Buffalo? "Do birds fly?" he said. http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6788356

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09-03-2007, 03:37 AM	#2
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	i knew shanny would take him to that steak place

09-03-2007, 04:22 AM	#4
Bronco LB 59 Ring of Famer Keep your head up dog Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Leucadia CA Posts: 6,068	I have never cared for Simeon Rice's ego. I guess we might as well deal with his crap because Denver isn't going to find anybody remotely comparable on the scrap heap.

09-03-2007, 05:12 AM	#8
footstepsfrom#27 helmet to helmet hitter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 16,117 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	If he can take Engleberger's spot and notch 8 sacks in a rotational role with Crowder I'd be happy. He's a better bargain than over-the-hill Michael Strahan at this point. Let's hope he's not a locker room cancer though.

09-03-2007, 05:13 AM	#9
Broncojef Ring of Famer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Great White North Posts: 3,019	Too bad we couldn't rent Simeon for just a coule years for a reasonable price. Long term deal for him makes me scratch my head.

09-03-2007, 05:17 AM	#10
footstepsfrom#27 helmet to helmet hitter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 16,117 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	Well NFL contracts aren't garanteed, so why not give him what he wants? We can cut him next year if we want to as long as the signing bonus isn't that large.

09-03-2007, 08:30 AM	#11
Gcver2ver3 Ring of Famer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Posts: 6,629 Adopt-a-Bronco: not Lance Ball	I can't understand why this term "locker room cancer" keeps coming up with Rice.... Rice has an ego, but he's not a cancer.... I am born and raised in Tampa.... Rice is a fan favorite and an even bigger locker room favorite..... Rice is not a cancer....he's actually quite funny....hopefully you guys will come to find that out....... He is vocal....but thats not always a bad thing The guy has played at a high level PAST 30 yrs old.... Only reason he didn't last yr was due to injury....he' healthy now and has a chip on his shoulder...he's an upgrade from Ekuban....trust me on that... You guys are missing the boat on Rice... Compare this to adding Neil Smith who was also playing to show KC what they missed...or compare it to Lynch who did the same thing to prove Tampa wrong....

09-03-2007, 08:35 AM	#12
Gcver2ver3 Ring of Famer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Posts: 6,629 Adopt-a-Bronco: not Lance Ball	To add to that.... Truly great pass rushing ends play at a high level well past 30.... Neil Smith Reggie White Bruce Smith Kevin Greene Michael Strahan Trevor Pryce Jason Taylor Simeon Rice And others I'm sure In fact Jason Taylor won DPY at 32 yrs of age...... Is Rice in his prime?....no....can he still tally double-digit sacks and command double teams?...for sure

09-03-2007, 08:52 AM	#13
i4jelway7 Ring of Famer :notworthy Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,873	If we sign Rice... who gets cut? my guess is Antwon Burton

09-03-2007, 09:21 AM	#14
rbackfactory80 Ring of Famer Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New York Posts: 4,609	I rather see him on the field Sunday instead standing on the sideline wrapped in fur.

09-03-2007, 09:36 AM	#15
MechanicalBull Interesting Times Ahead Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,825	I don't like Rice's attitude but I don't mind bringing him in at all. My question with him is how long does it take for him to be in game shape and when would he start playing?

09-03-2007, 09:38 AM	#16
Paladin Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9,150	Would having a rusher like Rice - experienced and proven - be of help in the play and/or development of the young DTs? I wouldn't mind seeing a DE and DT added that have some experience. Further, a good LB would be useful, don't you think?

09-03-2007, 10:02 AM	#18
DarkHorse30 Smith Rules Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,091 Adopt-a-Bronco: wolf pot roast	does this remind anyone of the Neil Smith move? That didn't work out so bad....

09-03-2007, 10:06 AM	#19
epicSocialism4tw Tebowing the long haul all the way to the title Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TX, USA Posts: 37,072 Adopt-a-Bronco: Champ Bailey	The line needs a stabilizing veteran presence. This is a no-brainer. Rice wants to be a Bronco. Make it happen.

09-03-2007, 11:35 AM	#22
long beach bronco Registered User "I'm your Huckleberry" Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,017 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Manning	I bet we sign him today and he gets at least one sack against Buffalo on Sunday.

09-03-2007, 11:44 AM	#23
lazarus4444 Ring of Famer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,240 Adopt-a-Bronco: Coach McDaniels	WOW! I can't believe all the negativity against Rice. Sign him please shanny! WE havne't had anything resembling a pass rush for years and its KILLING us. DOn't you yahoos who are down on rice understand this? Tampa Locals are telling you he's a good guy so why all this negativity? Im sure glad posters on the mane don't decide roster moves, geeeeeezus. SOme of you are real idiots. SIgn him Mike!

09-03-2007, 11:49 AM	#24
orinjkrush ... Prospects for the future... Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: DistrictOfCorruption Posts: 4,913 Adopt-a-Bronco: Ben Garland	I'd like to see us get a D player with something to prove. a chip on the shoulder. sounds like Rice could be one. I'd go with what Lynch says.