Lonestar
08-21-2010, 01:23 PM
Next up on the bargaining table: Bailey
By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
POSTED: 08/21/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
The Broncos first took care of right guard Chris Kuper with a five-year contract extension worth $25.5 million in June. Then it was pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil getting a five-year extension for $58.332 million in July. And August brought a one-year, $8.8 million extension for quarterback Kyle Orton.
That's $92.632 million worth of new contract value, although the Broncos did not spend $1 of new money on this year's budget. Kuper ($2.521 million), Dumervil ($3.168 million) and Orton ($2.621 million) will continue to play this season on relatively affordable salaries.
They don't start making the really big bucks until next year.
Will September bring a new deal for star cornerback Champ Bailey? He is next up to the bargaining table. One reason the Broncos may have saved Bailey for last is he's already well-compensated for this year with a $13 million salary. Another is that his negotiation figures to have some complications.
At 32, he is getting up there in age by cornerback standards. But nine Pro Bowl selections is also evidence of investment certainty. There is also the likelihood of Bailey converting from cornerback to safety, a lower-paid position, in two or three years.
The team and Bailey's agent, Jack Reale, have held preliminary talks on following the same structure as the new deals for Kuper, Dumervil and Orton. What separates them, though, is the dollars.
With Bailey eligible for unrestricted free agency after this season, he figures to command at least a four-year extension.
Running back update.
Although starting tailback Knowshon Moreno initially was expected to be out three weeks with a hamstring injury suffered early in training camp, he likely will be given a fourth week to rehabilitate and not return to the practice field Monday.
It's possible Moreno's first competitive carry of the year won't come until the season opener Sept. 12 at Jacksonville.
The Broncos hope LenDale White will return from his hamstring injury next week. It's imperative White get in some kind of game shape before he starts serving his season-opening, four-game suspension.
The status of backup running back Correll Buckhalter remains unclear. He was thought to be out only a week with the back injury suffered on the first day of training camp, but he has yet to return.
Against the Detroit Lions tonight, the Broncos figure to give a long look at running backs Lance Ball and Justin Fargas.
Brother signs.
Clearly, D.J. Williams has the type of clout expected from a player who is about to begin his seventh season as a Broncos' starting linebacker.
The Broncos added linebacker Worrell Williams, D.J.'s younger brother, to their roster Friday. Worrell Williams was a three-year starter for the Cal Bears, but injuries prevented him from getting drafted last year.
It's likely too late for him to make the Broncos' season-opening roster, but Worrell Williams could be a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Footnotes.
The Broncos have sent out a game-day traffic advisory for tonight. Construction along the Interstate 25 corridor near the Invesco Field at Mile High exits could cause significant delays. . . . Bailey and tight end Daniel Graham will sit out the game tonight to rest their bumps and bruises. Both are expected to return to practice Monday.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_15845330
By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
POSTED: 08/21/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
The Broncos first took care of right guard Chris Kuper with a five-year contract extension worth $25.5 million in June. Then it was pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil getting a five-year extension for $58.332 million in July. And August brought a one-year, $8.8 million extension for quarterback Kyle Orton.
That's $92.632 million worth of new contract value, although the Broncos did not spend $1 of new money on this year's budget. Kuper ($2.521 million), Dumervil ($3.168 million) and Orton ($2.621 million) will continue to play this season on relatively affordable salaries.
They don't start making the really big bucks until next year.
Will September bring a new deal for star cornerback Champ Bailey? He is next up to the bargaining table. One reason the Broncos may have saved Bailey for last is he's already well-compensated for this year with a $13 million salary. Another is that his negotiation figures to have some complications.
At 32, he is getting up there in age by cornerback standards. But nine Pro Bowl selections is also evidence of investment certainty. There is also the likelihood of Bailey converting from cornerback to safety, a lower-paid position, in two or three years.
The team and Bailey's agent, Jack Reale, have held preliminary talks on following the same structure as the new deals for Kuper, Dumervil and Orton. What separates them, though, is the dollars.
With Bailey eligible for unrestricted free agency after this season, he figures to command at least a four-year extension.
Running back update.
Although starting tailback Knowshon Moreno initially was expected to be out three weeks with a hamstring injury suffered early in training camp, he likely will be given a fourth week to rehabilitate and not return to the practice field Monday.
It's possible Moreno's first competitive carry of the year won't come until the season opener Sept. 12 at Jacksonville.
The Broncos hope LenDale White will return from his hamstring injury next week. It's imperative White get in some kind of game shape before he starts serving his season-opening, four-game suspension.
The status of backup running back Correll Buckhalter remains unclear. He was thought to be out only a week with the back injury suffered on the first day of training camp, but he has yet to return.
Against the Detroit Lions tonight, the Broncos figure to give a long look at running backs Lance Ball and Justin Fargas.
Brother signs.
Clearly, D.J. Williams has the type of clout expected from a player who is about to begin his seventh season as a Broncos' starting linebacker.
The Broncos added linebacker Worrell Williams, D.J.'s younger brother, to their roster Friday. Worrell Williams was a three-year starter for the Cal Bears, but injuries prevented him from getting drafted last year.
It's likely too late for him to make the Broncos' season-opening roster, but Worrell Williams could be a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Footnotes.
The Broncos have sent out a game-day traffic advisory for tonight. Construction along the Interstate 25 corridor near the Invesco Field at Mile High exits could cause significant delays. . . . Bailey and tight end Daniel Graham will sit out the game tonight to rest their bumps and bruises. Both are expected to return to practice Monday.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_15845330