Even the mid-tier FA's too pricey for Broncos? - The Orange Mane

eddie mac · 02-24-2009, 01:36 AM

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11770456

INDIANAPOLIS — There is the national economy, and there is the NFL's free-agent market.

One is sagging; the other is roaring. One guess as to which is which.

The Broncos are not allowed to directly discuss contracts with any impending free agents until the 2009 player market opens at 10:01 p.m. MST on Thursday. But general discussion among agents and league executives in the hotel lobbies at the NFL scouting combine, a seven-day event that ends today, suggests either the Broncos are greatly underestimating the value of the so-called second-tier, free-agent players, or agents are greatly overestimating the worth of their second-tier clients.

Most likely, there is truth in both.

Still, by the second week of March, the Broncos are expected to add seven or eight free-agent players. Their needs: a starting cornerback, one or two safeties, a nose tackle, one or two defensive ends, one or two linebackers, a No. 3-type receiver, a backup quarterback and possibly a running back.

That's all.
Here's a closer look.

• Cornerback: The market-setter was the $22.5 million guarantee Indianapolis used to re-sign Kelvin Hayden. Now, St. Louis' Ronald Bartell, Atlanta's Domonique Foxworth and Miami's Andre Goodman are seeking huge contracts. The Broncos, who traded Foxworth for a seventh-round draft pick before the 2008 season, may seek the more affordable Bryant McFadden or Phillip Buchanon, if he doesn't re-sign with Tampa Bay.

• Nose tackle: Grady Jackson and Colin Cole are seeking significant deals. New England's Mike Wright would be affordable and could help teach the 3-4 techniques to Broncos' linemen.

• No. 2 quarterback: The Broncos unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a contract extension last summer with veteran Patrick Ramsey. While Ramsey prepares to enter the open market, the Broncos will want to bring in another quarterback, either in the draft's later rounds or in free agency, to compete with Darrell Hackney for the role as Jay Cutler's backup. A trade for New England's Matt Cassel would appear to be too pricey.

The free-agent backup class includes Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dan Orlovsky, J.P. Losman and Kyle Boller.

• Safeties: Miami is trying to re-sign Yeremiah Bell, which could leave the New York Giants' James Butler and New England's James Sanders as possibilities.

• Linebackers: There is a need for both an inside and an outside linebacker. Among the free agents available are Monty Beisel, Clark Haggans, Andra Davis and Rosevelt Colvin.

• Defensive ends: The top 3-4 defensive ends, Chris Canty and Igor Olshansky, probably are too expensive.

• No. 3 receiver: It's easy to look at the offensive system Broncos coach Josh McDaniels coordinated in New England the past two seasons and see Eddie Royal playing the slot role of the Patriots' Wes Welker.

If Royal moves inside, veteran Brandon Stokley could become a No. 4/swing receiver while the Broncos seek an outside receiver. The trick is finding an affordable veteran who will rebound from a disappointing season.

• Running back: Derrick Ward likely has priced himself beyond the Broncos' budget. McDaniels may rely on ever-reliable running backs coach Bobby Turner to find another late- round gem in the draft.

Killericon · 02-24-2009, 01:50 AM

Nothing about that implies that they're "too pricey", just that the FO might not have a grasp on the market for players this year...Which is fair, since I don't think anyone does.

eddie mac · 02-24-2009, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killericon

Nothing about that implies that they're "too pricey", just that the FO might not have a grasp on the market for players this year...Which is fair, since I don't think anyone does.

The whole article implies that and writers on both papers have been reiterating that fact for the last month.

I dont think we'll do anything till the prices start coming down and IMHO that's probably for the best.

We'll miss a lot of guys but they'll be getting heavily overpaid anyway. As long as Marshall, Kuper, Scheffler and even Doom if he fits the system are taken care off I dont really think much of the overpriced talent that's out there anyway.

You only have to look at some of the names listed in the upper echelon of FA's left at certain positions.

Canty/Olshansky as the best 3-4 ends available. Canty is average at best while Igor has played like a turd the last 2 years in San Diego.

Meanwhile at CB you've a player who didn't do **** for 3 seasons in a Bronco uniform, then all of a sudden after having 5-6 good games in Atlanta he's looking Kelvin Hayden money. It's laughable and I hope we stay well to **** out of it.

Broncojef · 02-24-2009, 02:08 AM

We've got lots of money under the cap, a day ago we read that McD was about to go on a spending spree...I wish these guys would get on the same page. I think theres some solid mid-grade talent that the Broncos will jump on myself. If we can't afford mid-grade guys being $40 Mill under when will we ever see another Free Agent signing in Denver?

Killericon · 02-24-2009, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddie mac

The whole article implies that and writers on both papers have been reiterating that fact for the last month.

I dont think we'll do anything till the prices start coming down and IMHO that's probably for the best.

We'll miss a lot of guys but they'll be getting heavily overpaid anyway. As long as Marshall, Kuper, Scheffler and even Doom if he fits the system are taken care off I dont really think much of the overpriced talent that's out there anyway.

You only have to look at some of the names listed in the upper echelon of FA's left at certain positions.

Canty/Olshansky as the best 3-4 ends available. Canty is average at best while Igor has played like a turd the last 2 years in San Diego.

Meanwhile at CB you've a player who didn't do **** for 3 seasons in a Bronco uniform, then all of a sudden after having 5-6 good games in Atlanta he's looking Kelvin Hayden money. It's laughable and I hope we stay well to **** out of it.

Fair enough. I just continually find myself stuggling to believe that the Broncos can be in financial trouble. Just out of curiosity, why does everyone seem to think we need a new #3 receiver? Does Stokely not fit into McDaniel's system or something?

Jens1893 · 02-24-2009, 02:46 AM

Klis was bored, didn´t know what to write and had to get an article out, so he just had a quick look at the needs, the available FA´s and ... voilá there you have your article without having to do much research. He might be right, but I expected way more when I saw the headline and the article is unsubstantial, at best.

elsid13 · 02-24-2009, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killericon

Fair enough. I just continually find myself stuggling to believe that the Broncos can be in financial trouble. Just out of curiosity, why does everyone seem to think we need a new #3 receiver? Does Stokely not fit into McDaniel's system or something?

Everyone appears to believe that Denver will run exact carbon copy of the NE passing attack, and Royal will fill the role of Wes Walker (slot WR only). I personally believe that we will see a slight different offense from New England and it will be more like Carolinas, New Orleans or Dallas with more power running, two te sets and with the spread throw in.

eddie mac · 02-24-2009, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broncojef

We've got lots of money under the cap, a day ago we read that McD was about to go on a spending spree...I wish these guys would get on the same page. I think theres some solid mid-grade talent that the Broncos will jump on myself. If we can't afford mid-grade guys being $40 Mill under when will we ever see another Free Agent signing in Denver?

He has to go on a spending spree of that there's no doubt unless he intends running a defense with the like of Nic Clemons, Carlton Powell, Vernon Fox and Jack Williams starting.

IMHO though the spending spree will be more in terms of quantity of free agents rather than quality. The Broncos have never entered any period I can remember with more holes on one side of the ball.

The problem is that the pool has been decimated with the tagging process (like every year I know) but we're changing to system which is still light in terms of available personnel in this league and we're doing it in a year when 2 other teams are performing a similar move.

This hikes prices up for very average 3-4 prototypes like Canty/Olshansky and I dont believe Bowlen will pull the trigger on major $$ into those guys pockets.

Just my thoughts on it.

BMarsh615 · 02-24-2009, 03:08 AM

Bowlen wants to win. He will pony up the cash if the players are worth the money.

Drek · 02-24-2009, 03:59 AM

Klis is crazy if he thinks the NFL FA signing period will be "roaring".

We saw last year that outside of the big name guys a lot of mid-tier guys took deals well below what they expected/wanted entering free agency. It'll be even more prominent this year.

Haynesworth will get paid. If Peppers moves on he'll get paid. Other than that a lot of guys are going to be very disapointed when the market doesn't bring them a huge deal.

MechanicalBull · 02-24-2009, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddie mac

• No. 2 quarterback: The Broncos unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a contract extension last summer with veteran Patrick Ramsey. While Ramsey prepares to enter the open market, the Broncos will want to bring in another quarterback, either in the draft's later rounds or in free agency, to compete with Darrell Hackney for the role as Jay Cutler's backup. A trade for New England's Matt Cassel would appear to be too pricey.

It's so idiotic of Klis to even think they'd try to trade for Cassel to be a back up.

backup qb · 02-24-2009, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechanicalBull

It's so idiotic of Klis to even think they'd try to trade for Cassel to be a back up.

No kidding. I about spit out my coffee as I read that. Oh wait, Kiper said Cassell is better than Cutler so that must mean.....

Hammer · 02-24-2009, 04:36 AM

A trade for New England's Matt Cassel would appear to be too pricey.

Gee, ya think?

Broncoman13 · 02-24-2009, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killericon

Nothing about that implies that they're "too pricey", just that the FO might not have a grasp on the market for players this year...Which is fair, since I don't think anyone does.

What

hades · 02-24-2009, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammer

A trade for New England's Matt Cassel would appear to be too pricey.

Gee, ya think?

LMAO, like he would even be considered in Denver.

SoDak Bronco · 02-24-2009, 05:48 AM

i think it will be best to sit back and wait, we dont need to overpay for any of those guys...long term it will be best for denver

socalorado · 02-24-2009, 06:00 AM

Klis grasping for a story where there is none.

Hercules Rockefeller · 02-24-2009, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechanicalBull

It's so idiotic of Klis to even think they'd try to trade for Cassel to be a back up.

Shouldn't have taken until the 11th post for someone to bring this up IMO. Kind of makes the whole article look shoddy because Klis actually decided to throw something that has 0 chance of happening like this out there as a possibility.

Popcorn Sutton · 02-24-2009, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechanicalBull

It's so idiotic of Klis to even think they'd try to trade for Cassel to be a back up.

My thoughts exactly... this blew the whole article up. Waste of time!

Meck77 · 02-24-2009, 06:22 AM

The big money owners are going to spend their way to top. The guys that have taken hits in this market and aren't as liquid are hoping for FA pricing to adjust. Why wouldn't they? EVERYTHING is searching for a market price....Houses, stocks, land, gold, rentals, cost of any other good you can think of. Why the hell would FA's pricing be any different folks?

brncs_fan · 02-24-2009, 06:31 AM

Any chance that we could get the FA's to Colorado and then just claim them on eminent domain?

Meck77 · 02-24-2009, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brncs_fan

Any chance that we could get the FA's to Colorado and then just claim them on eminent domain?

Never thought anyone could make a joke out of eminent domain. Good stuff.

bowtown · 02-24-2009, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddie mac

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11770456
The Broncos, who traded Foxworth for a seventh-round draft pick before the 2008 season, may seek the more affordable Bryant McFadden or Phillip Buchanon, if he doesn't re-sign with Tampa Bay.

But Woody Paige said Buchanon would get franchised by Tampa Bay!!!

For a town so centered around football, we sure get the crappiest writers. Come back Adam Schefter!

montrose · 02-24-2009, 07:01 AM

I'm interested to see what happens when these guys hit the market. Cap room is at a real high but cash may be at a low around the league. I'm not sure if I buy that all of these guys will be out of our price range but I don't see it as inconceivable we could find plenty of nice depth guys at an affordable price. The main positions I think need to be addressed from a starters capacity in free agency are S and CB as we're likely to go front 7 early in the draft. Playing CB opposite Champ takes a veteran mentality and willingness to be accept some failure while there are so many safeties available and considering it's a relatively underpaid position there's no reason we shouldn't grab two starters. On the front-7, I think we're looking at guys who know the 3-4 and can come in and be rotational. If we're going to spend on one position there it's probably going to be NT as their aren't too many available in the draft.

Pricing ourselves very low, I think an offseason that nets something like James Sanders, Jermaine Phillips, Bryant McFadden, Mike Wright, Ron Fields, Rosie Colvin, Andra Davis, J.T. O'Sullivan and Jabar Gaffney isn't totally unrealistic. At least it would restock our depth chart heading into the draft.

Kaylore · 02-24-2009, 07:19 AM

The problem is the renob's of the league in Al Davis and Dan Snyder. It's so easy to get their ego involved that they overpay for guys and only end up cutting off their noses to spite their face. 30 teams might agree to a player's value and it only takes one team to come in and start bidding them up to more than they're worth. The good news is it doesn't alwayd artificially inflate the market, but sometimes it does. Adam Archuleta and Javon Walker were among the highest paid players at their position in the whole league thanks to the idiocy of Oakland and Washington. In the case of safeties it didn't affect the value. It did have a ripple effect for receivers that year, though.

We'll see how it all goes. Demand drives price and it's a foregone conclusion you overpay for free agents. This will be the first test of our new front office.

02-24-2009, 01:36 AM	#1
eddie mac Ireland's No1 Bronco Eddie Mac 87 gone but never forgott Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: IRELAND Posts: 15,573 Adopt-a-Bronco: Rod Smith	Even the mid-tier FA's too pricey for Broncos? http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11770456 INDIANAPOLIS — There is the national economy, and there is the NFL's free-agent market. One is sagging; the other is roaring. One guess as to which is which. The Broncos are not allowed to directly discuss contracts with any impending free agents until the 2009 player market opens at 10:01 p.m. MST on Thursday. But general discussion among agents and league executives in the hotel lobbies at the NFL scouting combine, a seven-day event that ends today, suggests either the Broncos are greatly underestimating the value of the so-called second-tier, free-agent players, or agents are greatly overestimating the worth of their second-tier clients. Most likely, there is truth in both. Still, by the second week of March, the Broncos are expected to add seven or eight free-agent players. Their needs: a starting cornerback, one or two safeties, a nose tackle, one or two defensive ends, one or two linebackers, a No. 3-type receiver, a backup quarterback and possibly a running back. That's all. Here's a closer look. • Cornerback: The market-setter was the $22.5 million guarantee Indianapolis used to re-sign Kelvin Hayden. Now, St. Louis' Ronald Bartell, Atlanta's Domonique Foxworth and Miami's Andre Goodman are seeking huge contracts. The Broncos, who traded Foxworth for a seventh-round draft pick before the 2008 season, may seek the more affordable Bryant McFadden or Phillip Buchanon, if he doesn't re-sign with Tampa Bay. • Nose tackle: Grady Jackson and Colin Cole are seeking significant deals. New England's Mike Wright would be affordable and could help teach the 3-4 techniques to Broncos' linemen. • No. 2 quarterback: The Broncos unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a contract extension last summer with veteran Patrick Ramsey. While Ramsey prepares to enter the open market, the Broncos will want to bring in another quarterback, either in the draft's later rounds or in free agency, to compete with Darrell Hackney for the role as Jay Cutler's backup. A trade for New England's Matt Cassel would appear to be too pricey. The free-agent backup class includes Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dan Orlovsky, J.P. Losman and Kyle Boller. • Safeties: Miami is trying to re-sign Yeremiah Bell, which could leave the New York Giants' James Butler and New England's James Sanders as possibilities. • Linebackers: There is a need for both an inside and an outside linebacker. Among the free agents available are Monty Beisel, Clark Haggans, Andra Davis and Rosevelt Colvin. • Defensive ends: The top 3-4 defensive ends, Chris Canty and Igor Olshansky, probably are too expensive. • No. 3 receiver: It's easy to look at the offensive system Broncos coach Josh McDaniels coordinated in New England the past two seasons and see Eddie Royal playing the slot role of the Patriots' Wes Welker. If Royal moves inside, veteran Brandon Stokley could become a No. 4/swing receiver while the Broncos seek an outside receiver. The trick is finding an affordable veteran who will rebound from a disappointing season. • Running back: Derrick Ward likely has priced himself beyond the Broncos' budget. McDaniels may rely on ever-reliable running backs coach Bobby Turner to find another late- round gem in the draft.

02-24-2009, 06:22 AM	#20
Meck77 Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 16,324	The big money owners are going to spend their way to top. The guys that have taken hits in this market and aren't as liquid are hoping for FA pricing to adjust. Why wouldn't they? EVERYTHING is searching for a market price....Houses, stocks, land, gold, rentals, cost of any other good you can think of. Why the hell would FA's pricing be any different folks? Last edited by Meck77; 02-24-2009 at 06:25 AM..

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02-24-2009, 01:50 AM	#2
Killericon YES A DT!!!!!! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: From Calgary, in Halifax for School Posts: 7,730 Adopt-a-Bronco: watermock	Nothing about that implies that they're "too pricey", just that the FO might not have a grasp on the market for players this year...Which is fair, since I don't think anyone does.

02-24-2009, 02:08 AM	#4
Broncojef Ring of Famer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Great White North Posts: 3,023	We've got lots of money under the cap, a day ago we read that McD was about to go on a spending spree...I wish these guys would get on the same page. I think theres some solid mid-grade talent that the Broncos will jump on myself. If we can't afford mid-grade guys being $40 Mill under when will we ever see another Free Agent signing in Denver?

02-24-2009, 02:46 AM	#6
Jens1893 Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Location: People´s Republic of Bad Cannstatt Posts: 9,170	Klis was bored, didn´t know what to write and had to get an article out, so he just had a quick look at the needs, the available FA´s and ... voilá there you have your article without having to do much research. He might be right, but I expected way more when I saw the headline and the article is unsubstantial, at best.

02-24-2009, 03:08 AM	#9
BMarsh615 Ring of Famer 21’s No Champ Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,024 Adopt-a-Bronco: # 15	Bowlen wants to win. He will pony up the cash if the players are worth the money.

02-24-2009, 03:59 AM	#10
Drek Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 12,358	Klis is crazy if he thinks the NFL FA signing period will be "roaring". We saw last year that outside of the big name guys a lot of mid-tier guys took deals well below what they expected/wanted entering free agency. It'll be even more prominent this year. Haynesworth will get paid. If Peppers moves on he'll get paid. Other than that a lot of guys are going to be very disapointed when the market doesn't bring them a huge deal.

02-24-2009, 04:36 AM	#13
Hammer Solid Starter I Want You! Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 137	A trade for New England's Matt Cassel would appear to be too pricey. Gee, ya think?

02-24-2009, 05:48 AM	#16
SoDak Bronco Lace em' up and lets go!! Von Miller aka QB Killa Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,133 Adopt-a-Bronco: Robert Ayers	i think it will be best to sit back and wait, we dont need to overpay for any of those guys...long term it will be best for denver

02-24-2009, 06:00 AM	#17
socalorado Ring of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5,221	Klis grasping for a story where there is none.

02-24-2009, 06:31 AM	#21
brncs_fan How about some Tapenade! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: The Coaches Cradle...Eastern Illinois University Posts: 5,496 Adopt-a-Bronco: Manti Teo	Any chance that we could get the FA's to Colorado and then just claim them on eminent domain?

02-24-2009, 07:01 AM	#24
montrose Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 6,096 Adopt-a-Bronco: VP John Elway	I'm interested to see what happens when these guys hit the market. Cap room is at a real high but cash may be at a low around the league. I'm not sure if I buy that all of these guys will be out of our price range but I don't see it as inconceivable we could find plenty of nice depth guys at an affordable price. The main positions I think need to be addressed from a starters capacity in free agency are S and CB as we're likely to go front 7 early in the draft. Playing CB opposite Champ takes a veteran mentality and willingness to be accept some failure while there are so many safeties available and considering it's a relatively underpaid position there's no reason we shouldn't grab two starters. On the front-7, I think we're looking at guys who know the 3-4 and can come in and be rotational. If we're going to spend on one position there it's probably going to be NT as their aren't too many available in the draft. Pricing ourselves very low, I think an offseason that nets something like James Sanders, Jermaine Phillips, Bryant McFadden, Mike Wright, Ron Fields, Rosie Colvin, Andra Davis, J.T. O'Sullivan and Jabar Gaffney isn't totally unrealistic. At least it would restock our depth chart heading into the draft.

02-24-2009, 07:19 AM	#25
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,321 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	The problem is the renob's of the league in Al Davis and Dan Snyder. It's so easy to get their ego involved that they overpay for guys and only end up cutting off their noses to spite their face. 30 teams might agree to a player's value and it only takes one team to come in and start bidding them up to more than they're worth. The good news is it doesn't alwayd artificially inflate the market, but sometimes it does. Adam Archuleta and Javon Walker were among the highest paid players at their position in the whole league thanks to the idiocy of Oakland and Washington. In the case of safeties it didn't affect the value. It did have a ripple effect for receivers that year, though. We'll see how it all goes. Demand drives price and it's a foregone conclusion you overpay for free agents. This will be the first test of our new front office.