Broncos unlikely to devote salary cap space to Haynesworth

[Denver Native (Carol)]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/feb/19/broncos-unlikely-devote-salary-cap-space-hayneswor/

INDIANAPOLIS — In the wake of the Broncos' recent roster cuts that included several high-priced veterans, speculation already has begun in some broadcast reports the team could have enough salary-cap room to make a bid for free-agent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

But with the amount of money the Broncos will pay to coaches who don't work for the team in the upcoming season sapping a big slice of the cash reservoir and Xanders' belief one player cannot command too much cap money - he said Monday that "It's a team game and one person can't take a huge burden in the existing framework of the salary cap" - the Broncos would need a significant policy shift to get involved in the pursuit of Haynesworth.

Haynesworth has said he wants to be the league's highest- paid defensive player.

[dogfish]

this should surprise no one. . . .

[broncobryce]

and the laziest, once he gets paid.

[Superchop 7]

Terrance Cody 2010

[Cugel]

It doesn't matter how good Haynesworth is, the Broncos simply aren't in a position to pay him what he wants, and he doesn't even want to come here.

The team needs at least 7 new starters on defense, and probably 8 or even 9.

If you look over the roster only Champ Bailey, DJ Williams and possibly Marcus Thomas stand out as starters. Thomas is a stretch, but he's a 3rd year DT, so unless they cut him he ought to be given a job somewhere on the defensive line. Hopefully, he'll be at least mediocre and fill up space on the field.

Outside of him, it's all wishful thinking:

Can Tim Crowder become a 3-4 DE starter, or even backup?
Can Elvis Dumervil or Jarvis Moss become an OLB starter or even backup in a 3-4?
Can become any other Bronco start in a 3-4?
Who's going to play CB? Who's the nickel CB?
Who are the safeties (you need 4)?

It's as if you needed to spend thousands of dollars on rebuilding your home foundation, and someone was talking about expensive french doors with gold leaf trim and new crown moldings, or fancy wrought iron gates for your driveway.

Those things might look nice, but if termites have undermined the entire structure of your house you'd better shore up the foundation first!

Pretty good analogy I'd say. After perhaps 2 or 3 years, when the Broncos have a solid basis of starters at almost every position through the draft, THEN they can talk about adding a couple of elite FAs to put them over the top. That's what the Patriots did when they brought in Randy Moss & LB Adelius Thomas. But, they didn't build their team that way, it's too expensive.

The Broncos won't sign even ONE top FA this year. Expect 4 or 5 little signings, but no big names and certainly not Haynesworth.