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03-02-2008, 07:49 AM
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#1 |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Who cares
Posts: 3,757
Adopt-a-Bronco: Jacob Tamme |
Broncos setting trading sights lower
Broncos setting trading sights lower
Offseason deals avoid big names By Mike Klis The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 03/02/2008 05:51:41 AM MST Broncos right guard Montrae Holland has been a great value. ( John Leyba, The Denver Post ) Not long ago, the Broncos owned the offseason. Dominated it. They would aggressively attack the free-agent and trading period in a furious attempt to upgrade their roster, as if they were convinced Super Bowls were won in March. It was an exciting time, the Broncos' offseason. There was no need to buy the new edition of "Football Prospectus" to learn about the likes of Javon Walker, Dre Bly, Travis Henry, Daniel Graham, Brandon Stokley, Sam Adams and Simeon Rice. There was nothing like big names with big production to build hopes of playing in the big game. But then something odd happened to the Broncos in the regular season. The more star players coach Mike Shanahan acquired through trade or free agency since hosting the 2005 AFC championship game, and the more money owner Pat Bowlen spent, the further the Super Bowl fell away. The Broncos finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs in 2006. They tumbled to 7-9 last season, or nine wins fewer than the New England Patriots. This offseason has brought a philosophical shift to Dove Valley. Instead of big names, the Broncos are pursuing some players with really long names, like middle linebacker Niko Koutouvides. Other hardly household names the Broncos are visiting during the early days of free agency are receiver Keary Colbert, and linebacker Tracy White. "I don't think it's an extreme shift in philosophy," said Broncos owner Pat Bowlen. "We have gone after quite a number of free agents in the past few years and spent a lot of money. We could have gone in different directions that probably would have been more beneficial to the club. But I don't think we're sitting on the sidelines by any stretch of the imagination. We've got some guys we're targeting." But even the more-recognizable names like Marlon McCree, Boss Bailey and Sammy Knight are not considered elite players. The Broncos, it seems, are setting their sights on finding the next Montrae Holland. The least known from the team's star-studded free- agent class last year, Holland may have also provided the greatest value. Signed initially for one year and $1 million, Holland wound up starting all 16 games at right guard. "We are looking at what we need and we're a lot more vigilant about who fits in this organization," Bowlen said. That may be, but if Broncos fans didn't know better, they'd wonder if there's a cash problem at Dove Valley. Is there? "I would say the Broncos and 31 other teams are feeling much the same way," said Bowlen, who as chairman of the NFL labor committee does not want the league to continue giving 60 percent of revenues to players past the 2009 season. "I know we're going into very serious labor negotiation. Unfortunately, I've been given the responsibility on that labor committee, which I'm not looking forward to because I think it's going to be a very contentious negotiation. If you're seeing it with the Broncos, you're going to see the same thing with the rest of the league. "Now there are teams going after players and paying big bucks because they think they're going to find their missing link. And they may well be. But what I'm feeling is the philosophy is changing among the teams in the league. The feeling is free agency is too expensive. If you can draft quality players and keep them in your organization, that's a much better way to go." The Broncos' newfound prudence appears well- timed, as this year's market has been scarce in star-power and consequently a treasure chest for role players. Head-scratching contracts have been received by the unheralded likes of Tommy Kelly (seven years, $50.5 million), Madieu Williams (six years, $33 million), Gibril Wilson (six years, $39 million), and Justin Smith (six years, $45 million). It's difficult to look at the deals for those players and have confidence teams are going to get the expected performance value in return. Still, would the Patriots have taken an 18-0 record into the Super Bowl had they not acquired Randy Moss, Adalius Thomas, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth in the previous offseason? And aren't the Pats worse off today now that they've lost Asante Samuel, Stallworth and possibly Moss? Closer to home, there is concern the Broncos have too many weaknesses to be exercising fiscal responsibility. "Are we going to be favorites to win the whole thing?" Broncos safety John Lynch said after signing his reduced contract Friday night. "Absolutely not. A lot of opinions out there say we have a ways to go. But that's the fun thing about this business. You look at the Giants last year and people were talking about firing Tom Coughlin. They're losing Tiki Barber, and it looks like everything is in disarray. And they wind up winning the championship. So anything's possible." |
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03-02-2008, 07:57 AM
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#2 |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Who cares
Posts: 3,757
Adopt-a-Bronco: Jacob Tamme |
Broncos look for youth in free agent market
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News Originally published 09:14 p.m., March 1, 2008 Updated 09:14 p.m., March 1, 2008 At season's end Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and owner Pat Bowlen both promised a more "careful'' approach in free agency with both saying the focus of the Broncos' offseason being the draft and adding some more youth to the roster. In the opening days of free agency the team stuck to that plan, dipping in to re-sign two of their own veteran players – safety John Lynch and defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, both to one-year deals – to go with a shallow plunge into the market's opening days. Wide receiver Keary Colbert, who league sources said Saturday afternoon had agreed to a multi-year deal with the Broncos, was the initial toe-dip for the Broncos in the first 48 hours of free agency. Colbert, who is set to enter is fifth season, will turn 26 in May. Colbert is a project of sorts, having finished both the '06 and '07 seasons without a touchdown catch in limited playing time. By grabbing him in the first weekend of free agency the Broncos are clearly showing the belief they can resurrect the career of a player the Panthers selected in the second round of the 2004 draft. Colbert also finished '07 on injured reserve with a knee sprain. He missed Carolina's final two games this past season and was also bothered by an ankle injury in '06. Several personnel executives believe physically he has potential, but has consistently not made plays on the field. He career bests in catches (47), yards receiving (754) and receiving touchdowns (5) all came in his rookie year in '04. With Javon Walker's release and the Broncos desire to play Brandon Stokley as a third receiver in the slot instead of starting him on the outside as they were forced to do last season because of Walker's knee injury, the Broncos will be searching for a No. 2 wideout to play alongside Brandon Marshall. The Broncos will likely target a safety next with a selection of players at the position planning to visit in the coming week. Sammy Knight, who shares the same agent as Colbert, had a visit Friday. |
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03-02-2008, 08:22 AM
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Perennial Pro-bowler
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Little Hocking, OH
Posts: 934
Adopt-a-Bronco: Elvis Dumervil |
we let javon walker go and pick up Keary colbert. WTF!!!!!!
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03-02-2008, 08:23 AM
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YES A DT!!!!!!
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: From Calgary, in Halifax for School
Posts: 7,730
Adopt-a-Bronco: watermock |
Please...Just one competent DT...PLEASE...
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03-02-2008, 09:19 AM
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Rookie
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 89
Adopt-a-Bronco: None |
Quote:
exactly |
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03-02-2008, 09:30 AM
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Lost In Space
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DC
Posts: 19,079
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03-02-2008, 10:16 AM
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#7 | |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 1,505
Adopt-a-Bronco: DJ Williams |
Quote:
sheesh |
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03-02-2008, 10:22 AM
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#8 | |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Who cares
Posts: 3,757
Adopt-a-Bronco: Jacob Tamme |
Quote:
Who would you rather the Broncos shell out the big bucks for right now? A "me first" Javon Walker who has had injury problems or Tony Scheffler, Brandon Marshall, Selvin Young, Elvis Dumervil etc...? I think the issue that is sometimes lost in the discussion is that the Broncos are taking a huge cap hit this year for Javon, but, they did just save several million (real) dollars they can apply towards contracts for players who actually want to be in Denver. It sucks but the Broncos made the right decision. I'd love to have a healthy and happy Javon Walker but the fact is, he wasn't happy and often has not been healthy. He refused a pay cut and this is a business. Last edited by Popcorn Sutton; 03-02-2008 at 10:34 AM.. |
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03-02-2008, 11:03 AM
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"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Northern California
Posts: 12,566
Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller |
I just don't see any help coming from the DT position. And the more things change (free agent spending spree), the more they'll continue to stay the same (signing one year deals for old ass players offering them a place to roll over and die within their playing career).
I'm really not looking forward to this approach because it ultimately means that we will have get 180% better at the draft and I just don't see that happening. |
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03-02-2008, 11:16 AM
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Broncoholic
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Colorado
Posts: 16,961
Adopt-a-Bronco: Orange Julius |
Where is Fontain to accuse Pat of the Sky if Falling and to let him know we have plenty of money. That dude is an idiot. He couldn't figure this out and everybody was trying to tell him that we just don't have the budget even if we have the cap space. Things are changing in Bronco land... and most of us will appreciate it in the long run, just not this year.
Build through the draft and keep your home grown talent!!! |
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03-02-2008, 11:18 AM
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#11 | |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,798
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03-02-2008, 11:42 AM
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#12 |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Austin
Posts: 1,356
Adopt-a-Bronco: Rahim Moore |
I think I like this approach. It gives us the ability to sign more free agents that are hungry and willing to play a team first approach. I'm tired of these big mouth malcontents that come with alot of baggage.
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03-02-2008, 11:57 AM
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Broncoholic
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Colorado
Posts: 16,961
Adopt-a-Bronco: Orange Julius |
Quote:
Bingo, bring in guys that are looking to make a name for themselves. Even G-Money is a good example. He had talent and felt like he hadn't lived up to his potential. He was playing his ass off to showed he belonged in the league. These are the types we want. Guys that aren't living on what they've done int he past. |
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03-02-2008, 12:08 PM
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Bleed Orange and Blue
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,776
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merlin, i guess you missed the draft from 2000 to 2004. jack boy
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03-02-2008, 12:33 PM
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#15 |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 9,149
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In short, I was right. The Broncos did move to a different approach to FA, and the issue is not cap space, but fiscal sanity. Where are the "value pick" guys when that is exactly what the Broncos are trying to do in FA?
The Colbert signing is not related to the Walker deal. Not a person in the Broncos' FO caused Walker to say what he did. People can point fingers at Shanahan's "Microfracture" remarks as being devious and devisive, and that may be so, but it may be more telling that Jay Cutler said in an interview that Walker had his own agenda. A team needs team players, not those with personal agendas. I would have hoped that Walker would have cooperated and maybe stuck with the team. But that was not his agenda. I have to agree that signings like Holland make a great deal of sense. I remember several people her and on other boards were absolutely critical of that signing, and he turned out to be a good contributer to the Oline. I wonder how many other guys might turn out to do okay after they get the experience and coaching. That speaks to the ability of some to evaluate and predict the effectivness of players, doesn't it? The super players are not going to make the FA market, so getting those players in the draft is more responsible. I am in agreement with the Broncos' new philosophy, and I do believe that other teams will do much the same in future years. If the are any future years. The monetary aspects of FA is causing a great deal of upheaval in the league. I suspect there will be a strike in 2009 and it could be difficult. We may see the Replacement Players again. Salary inflation, driven by agents and a few unscrupulous owners, could, in the long run, destroy the league..... |
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03-02-2008, 12:41 PM
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#16 |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 2,949
Adopt-a-Bronco: None |
Shanahan is going back to his roots, where he brought in another "project" WR in Ed McCaffrey, a washed up "bust" in Alfred Williams, promoting an undrafted FA named Rod Smith and a low round draft choice named Tommy Nalen.
I love these moves. Were going back to the roots. Montrae and Stokley were our cheapest and most rewarding FA singings last season. |
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03-02-2008, 12:53 PM
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#17 | |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,229
Adopt-a-Bronco: Derek Wolfe |
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03-02-2008, 12:54 PM
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#18 | |
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Smith Rules
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,091
Adopt-a-Bronco: wolf pot roast |
Quote:
On another note, the D-line is the biggest questionmark for Bronco fans. Denver has spent a lot of resources and tactics to "fix" the D-line over the last 4-5 years, and it kept getting worse....especially last year. If they had let go of Engleberer and Ekuban (acquired in '05), Dumervil would be the "vet" with 2-years with Denver. At least Denver can "start over" with Slowik in charge...because nobody has been here long enough to remember Coyer. The Bates burnout may turn out to be a blessing in disquise....because it may limit Denver from experimenting through FA and another DC for a quickfix. I was against Shanahan letting Bates go, because I didn't think he gave him enough time. I hope to see Slowik build his defense with a group of relatively new faces. |
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03-02-2008, 12:56 PM
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lets go partner
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Lakewood,Colo
Posts: 41,221
Adopt-a-Bronco: Woodyard |
Ahhh another shanahan hater you guys should start a club or something you could have secret hand shake and a club house with a no shanahan lovers sign on the front.
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03-02-2008, 01:16 PM
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#20 | |
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***************
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 25,432
Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH |
Quote:
So trade Foxworth and a pick for Robertson ... then we have a 3-DT rotation with MT, Robertson and a decent cheap vet like Tripplett (or even Michael Myers?) ... with Mallard, McKinley and Burton fighting for the 4th spot. That'd work for me. . |
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03-02-2008, 01:21 PM
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#21 |
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TEAM FIRST.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 29,785
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All this belt-tightening would be great if we had actually made any real splash in free agency over the past few years. (On defense.)
We haven't, so basically what Bowlen and Co. are telling you is that it's just going to be business as usual.... picking from the scrap heap and hoping we can eventually draft someone that can play. |
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03-02-2008, 01:31 PM
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Not a Chief's board
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,376
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There is one correlation you missed. They were both bone head moves.  |
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03-02-2008, 01:46 PM
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Ho-Slayer
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 1,436
Adopt-a-Bronco: Dave Logan |
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03-02-2008, 02:28 PM
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Ireland's No1 Bronco
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: IRELAND
Posts: 15,572
Adopt-a-Bronco: Rod Smith |
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03-02-2008, 02:36 PM
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#25 |
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® You Tell The NFL!
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Broncos Video Vault
Posts: 6,628
Adopt-a-Bronco: i4jelway7 |
The only guys i'm looking forward too is Boss Bailey and Sammy Knight then lets go to the Draft
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