Elam Still Unsigned, Bly/Broncos Agree To Restrcture - The Orange Mane

montrose · 02-20-2008, 06:03 AM

Elam remains unsigned priority
By Bill Williamson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 02/19/2008 09:15:53 PM MST

With nine days to go before the start of free agency, the Broncos have yet to have serious contract talks with kicker Jason Elam, the team's priority unrestricted free agent.

Still, his agent believes something can be worked out before Elam, 37, hits the open market — where he'll likely be a prized commodity.

"I do expect to have talks with the team in the next week and hopefully we can get something done there," Elam's agent, Jack Reale said. "Kickers are like doctors: nobody wants them until you need one, and you then hope you have a good one — and Jason is definitely a good one."

The Broncos are expected to talk to most of their prospective free agents in the next week. The team is still working on a potential long-term deal with safety Hamza Abdullah, a restricted free agent.

The Broncos have worked out a resolution that will keep cornerback Dré Bly with the team through 2008. Bly, acquired in a trade from Detroit last March, had a $9 million option bonus on his contract.

The Broncos will continue to work on veteran contracts before the free-agency signing period begins Feb. 29. Among the players in danger of not returning are receiver Javon Walker, linebacker Ian Gold and running back Travis Henry. Walker and Gold are more likely not to return than Henry; both are being shopped in trade talks. Safety John Lynch's contract will likely be addressed if he decides to play again. The Broncos have been talking to his agent, a strong sign that Lynch is seriously considering returning.

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_8308013

Sassy · 02-20-2008, 06:37 AM

The Broncos have been talking to his agent, a strong sign that Lynch is seriously considering returning.

bronco militia · 02-20-2008, 09:49 AM

earth to Javon Walker.......this is how it's done

Ratboy · 02-20-2008, 09:57 AM

I'm glad Dre Bly did this.

This could be a sign that a trade with Foxworth could be in the future. He's going to want some cash and I'm not sure if Shanahan will give it up.

bpc · 02-20-2008, 10:44 AM

Nice that he showed the committment to help this team. Although I would be a little skeptical if I was him and the Broncos said they weren't going to pursue high dollar free agents to help this team get better.

Paladin · 02-20-2008, 10:54 AM

Frankly, I have mixed feeling about Bly unless he does renegotiate for a more friendly cap footprint. The guy gave up some big plays, and lost a couple of games all by himself. Maybe with Ellis on the line (dreaming, 'K?), he might improve.....

Gcver2ver3 · 02-20-2008, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin

Frankly, I have mixed feeling about Bly unless he does renegotiate for a more friendly cap footprint. The guy gave up some big plays, and lost a couple of games all by himself. Maybe with Ellis on the line (dreaming, 'K?), he might improve.....

Bly did give up some big plays but we knew he'd do that when we got him...

He also made some big plays as well as lead the team in Ints...

I'm glad to see that Bly may be open to restructuring...

SouthStndJunkie · 02-20-2008, 11:22 AM

Get a consistent pass rush and Bly will look a lot better.

Atwater His Ass · 02-20-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthStndJunkie

Get a consistent pass rush and Bly will look a lot better.

Amen.

SonOfLe-loLang · 02-20-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin

Frankly, I have mixed feeling about Bly unless he does renegotiate for a more friendly cap footprint. The guy gave up some big plays, and lost a couple of games all by himself. Maybe with Ellis on the line (dreaming, 'K?), he might improve.....

It's hard to cover NFL receivers when the opposing QB has 15 seconds to throw

PRBronco · 02-20-2008, 11:44 AM

I'm worried about the lackadasical (man I should have picked an easier word) approach to re-signing Elam! Guess we could always tag him?

Beantown Bronco · 02-20-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRBronco

I'm worried about the lackadasical (man I should have picked an easier word) approach to re-signing Elam! Guess we could always tag him?

They probably will tag him, unless he agrees to a 2-3 year, cap friendly deal. He's still good and accurate, but for how much longer? And he no longer has the leg strength to command a long-term deal IMO. He obviously can't kick off and hasn't for years......I'm thinking they tag him this season, see how it goes, and draft his replacement next year if needed.

BroncoMan4ever · 02-20-2008, 12:06 PM

I thought Bly was signed for 5 years when we signed him last season. So why does the article say he is with the team through 2008?

Beantown Bronco · 02-20-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoMan4ever

I thought Bly was signed for 5 years when we signed him last season. So why does the article say he is with the team through 2008?

Technically, you are correct. He is under contract for a few more years....but he never would've seen 2008 (and beyond) if he didnt agree to this restructuring of his bonus that is coming due. It's worded kind of oddly, but I think the author simply meant to say that now it is a guarantee that he will not be cut this off-season....which was a distinct possibility just days ago due to the team's cap situation.

oubronco · 02-20-2008, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonOfLe-loLang

It's hard to cover NFL receivers when the opposing QB has 15 seconds to throw

not to mention when they can run for 4-8 yds a pop it kinda opens up the passing game a bit when you have to have 8-9 players in the box to try to stop the run

Atwater His Ass · 02-20-2008, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beantown Bronco

They probably will tag him, unless he agrees to a 2-3 year, cap friendly deal. He's still good and accurate, but for how much longer? And he no longer has the leg strength to command a long-term deal IMO. He obviously can't kick off and hasn't for years......I'm thinking they tag him this season, see how it goes, and draft his replacement next year if needed.

I think not kicking off for years has saved some of Elam's leg strength, he's said so himself. The guy is still money from 45 yards in and 50/50 from 46 and out. Can't really ask more than that from your kicker.

The problem I see with kicking off, is either the K or P have to do it. We can't hold over yet another roster spot for a kickoff specialist. Honestly, I think Elam could kick off just fine if we asked him too.

BroncoBuff · 02-20-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRBronco

I'm worried about the lackadasical (man I should have picked an easier word) approach to re-signing Elam! Guess we could always tag him?

We tagged him in 05 or 06 if I recall correctly ... I'm not sure, but I think you can only tag guys once. But I'm sure we'll sign Elam ... I'm far more concerned about a punter right now.

Beantown Bronco · 02-20-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

We tagged him in 05 or 06 if I recall correctly ... I'm not sure, but I think you can only tag guys once. But I'm sure we'll sign Elam ... I'm far more concerned about a punter right now.

You can tag the same guy as much as you want, unless it is specifically written into their contract that they can't be. This is why the Asante Samuel situation was so closely watched this year. He specifically told them he would not sign the franchise offer and would hold out until week 10 this past season unless they wrote such a clause into it.

(I just checked and it was 2002 that they tagged him...and it only cost about $1.5 million - now THAT is a bargain)

Blueflame · 02-20-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beantown Bronco

You can tag the same guy as much as you want, unless it is specifically written into their contract that they can't be. This is why the Asante Samuel situation was so closely watched this year. He specifically told them he would not sign the franchise offer and would hold out until week 10 this past season unless they wrote such a clause into it.

(I just checked and it was 2002 that they tagged him...and it only cost about $1.5 million - now THAT is a bargain)

That's what I was thinking too... memory could be faulty, but it seems to me that the Chefs repeatedly tagged Gonzalez and one year he was an extremely unhappy camper about it.

Anyway, I think they should get Elam re-signed... right fonecoing now.

kmonty · 02-20-2008, 05:37 PM

I just posted on BT about slapping him with the franchise tag. It would be $2.51 million.

A player can be tagged more than once (the Seahawks tagged Walter Jones three years in a row or something).

Tag him, then work out the long term deal. This just makes sure he doesn't get lost in FA.

That One Guy · 02-20-2008, 05:37 PM

I'm almost getting the feeling that they may be quietly trying to let him go to FA. There's not many mentions of it and I, unlike other people I guess, have begun having serious doubts about his leg strength. Sure he could be the next 45 year old kicker but there's going to be games where you need a 50+ yd kick to win it and there's no way I'd want to put that kick on Elam's leg anymore. He's consistent, yes... but do you take the safe route with consistency even if you know it'll probably cost you games down the road?

kmonty · 02-20-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cah412

I'm almost getting the feeling that they may be quietly trying to let him go to FA. There's not many mentions of it and I, unlike other people I guess, have begun having serious doubts about his leg strength. Sure he could be the next 45 year old kicker but there's going to be games where you need a 50+ yd kick to win it and there's no way I'd want to put that kick on Elam's leg anymore. He's consistent, yes... but do you take the safe route with consistency even if you know it'll probably cost you games down the road?

FOUR of our seven wins were by last-second field goals. A rook would have hit half as many.

CHANGSTER · 02-20-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cah412

I'm almost getting the feeling that they may be quietly trying to let him go to FA. There's not many mentions of it and I, unlike other people I guess, have begun having serious doubts about his leg strength. Sure he could be the next 45 year old kicker but there's going to be games where you need a 50+ yd kick to win it and there's no way I'd want to put that kick on Elam's leg anymore. He's consistent, yes... but do you take the safe route with consistency even if you know it'll probably cost you games down the road?

It true its gonna hurt that we didn't draft Crosby last year.

NFLBRONCO · 02-20-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmonty

FOUR of our seven wins were by last-second field goals. A rook would have hit half as many.

Plus we need some points in the red zone. We will sign Elam day before FA starts.

Atwater His Ass · 02-20-2008, 05:48 PM

How many game winning kicks has Elam attempted from 50+ yards in his entire career, let alone last season?

Answer: Not enough to base a decision on wether or not we re-sign him.

Give me a quality, proven kicker, that can consistently hit from 45 and in over the big legged erratic bomber.

Elam is still one of the best kickers in the game. We'd be an absolute fool to let him walk.

People need to get over the Crosby situation.

02-20-2008, 06:03 AM	#1
montrose Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 6,095 Adopt-a-Bronco: VP John Elway	Elam Still Unsigned, Bly/Broncos Agree To Restrcture Elam remains unsigned priority By Bill Williamson The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 02/19/2008 09:15:53 PM MST With nine days to go before the start of free agency, the Broncos have yet to have serious contract talks with kicker Jason Elam, the team's priority unrestricted free agent. Still, his agent believes something can be worked out before Elam, 37, hits the open market — where he'll likely be a prized commodity. "I do expect to have talks with the team in the next week and hopefully we can get something done there," Elam's agent, Jack Reale said. "Kickers are like doctors: nobody wants them until you need one, and you then hope you have a good one — and Jason is definitely a good one." The Broncos are expected to talk to most of their prospective free agents in the next week. The team is still working on a potential long-term deal with safety Hamza Abdullah, a restricted free agent. The Broncos have worked out a resolution that will keep cornerback Dré Bly with the team through 2008. Bly, acquired in a trade from Detroit last March, had a $9 million option bonus on his contract. The Broncos will continue to work on veteran contracts before the free-agency signing period begins Feb. 29. Among the players in danger of not returning are receiver Javon Walker, linebacker Ian Gold and running back Travis Henry. Walker and Gold are more likely not to return than Henry; both are being shopped in trade talks. Safety John Lynch's contract will likely be addressed if he decides to play again. The Broncos have been talking to his agent, a strong sign that Lynch is seriously considering returning. http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_8308013

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

02-20-2008, 06:37 AM	#2
Sassy Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Location: ND Posts: 37,952 Adopt-a-Bronco: Eddie Royal	The Broncos have been talking to his agent, a strong sign that Lynch is seriously considering returning.

02-20-2008, 09:49 AM	#3
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,568	earth to Javon Walker.......this is how it's done

02-20-2008, 09:57 AM	#4
Ratboy It's all over... ಠ_ಠ Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Okinawa, Japan Posts: 13,276	I'm glad Dre Bly did this. This could be a sign that a trade with Foxworth could be in the future. He's going to want some cash and I'm not sure if Shanahan will give it up.

02-20-2008, 10:44 AM	#5
bpc "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" 1 sword keeps another in the sheath Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 12,567 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	Nice that he showed the committment to help this team. Although I would be a little skeptical if I was him and the Broncos said they weren't going to pursue high dollar free agents to help this team get better.

02-20-2008, 10:54 AM	#6
Paladin Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9,149	Frankly, I have mixed feeling about Bly unless he does renegotiate for a more friendly cap footprint. The guy gave up some big plays, and lost a couple of games all by himself. Maybe with Ellis on the line (dreaming, 'K?), he might improve.....

02-20-2008, 11:22 AM	#8
SouthStndJunkie Ring of Famer Shannon Says: Listen to The Junkman Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 15,244	Get a consistent pass rush and Bly will look a lot better.

02-20-2008, 11:44 AM	#11
PRBronco FML less Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Vancouver Posts: 4,206 Adopt-a-Bronco: I'm so alone	I'm worried about the lackadasical (man I should have picked an easier word) approach to re-signing Elam! Guess we could always tag him?

02-20-2008, 12:06 PM	#13
BroncoMan4ever Ring of Famer Here to chew bubblegum and kick ass Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 11,555 Adopt-a-Bronco: VIRGIL GREEN!!!	I thought Bly was signed for 5 years when we signed him last season. So why does the article say he is with the team through 2008?

02-20-2008, 05:37 PM	#20
kmonty BT Blogger Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 1,113 Adopt-a-Bronco: Sweet Feet	I just posted on BT about slapping him with the franchise tag. It would be $2.51 million. A player can be tagged more than once (the Seahawks tagged Walter Jones three years in a row or something). Tag him, then work out the long term deal. This just makes sure he doesn't get lost in FA.

02-20-2008, 05:37 PM	#21
That One Guy Producer of Nonsense Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sun and Beachville Posts: 14,042 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	I'm almost getting the feeling that they may be quietly trying to let him go to FA. There's not many mentions of it and I, unlike other people I guess, have begun having serious doubts about his leg strength. Sure he could be the next 45 year old kicker but there's going to be games where you need a 50+ yd kick to win it and there's no way I'd want to put that kick on Elam's leg anymore. He's consistent, yes... but do you take the safe route with consistency even if you know it'll probably cost you games down the road?

02-20-2008, 05:48 PM	#25
Atwater His Ass Ring of Famer Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5,360 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	How many game winning kicks has Elam attempted from 50+ yards in his entire career, let alone last season? Answer: Not enough to base a decision on wether or not we re-sign him. Give me a quality, proven kicker, that can consistently hit from 45 and in over the big legged erratic bomber. Elam is still one of the best kickers in the game. We'd be an absolute fool to let him walk. People need to get over the Crosby situation.