Denver Native (Carol)
02-25-2009, 09:29 AM
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/feb/24/broncos-free-agents-bracing-for-change/
The Broncos have informed their players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents they will be allowed to enter the market and won't be re-signed before the league's shopping spree begins Thursday night.
Most, if not all, of those players won't return, regardless of price, though there have been some talks between the team and defensive lineman Kenny Peterson.
The rest of the group about to hit the market includes running backs Tatum Bell and Michael Pittman, defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, safety Marlon McCree, cornerback Karl Paymah, linebacker Nate Webster, receivers Darrell Jackson and Edell Shepherd and tight end Jeb Putzier.
"I want to come back to Denver if they want my services. But I want them to want me back," said Pittman, who noted he has fully recovered from a neck injury that cut short his 2008 season. "There's no hard feeling either way."
Pittman added he appreciated new general manager Brian Xanders calling him to apprise him of the situation.
Paymah, a 2005 draft pick who has shuttled between nickel and dime roles for four seasons, was told when he recently bumped into new coach Josh McDaniels there's interest in Paymah's potential return.
And with the new staff coming to Denver, Paymah said, "It's definitely something you want to be a part of."
But there's the business side to consider, and Paymah has goals he wants to attain.
"I'm definitely a starter. It's my time to be 'the guy,' " he said.
The Broncos, who are expected to be active in free agency, are well-positioned on the salary cap to begin restocking their roster and will focus heavily on the defensive side.
The team currently has about $35 million of cap room. That total, though, doesn't factor in player incentives previously earned or that weren't reached. Denver also will have to save at least $5 million for its rookie pool and is considering possible new deals with receiver Brandon Marshall and center Casey Wiegmann.
The Broncos have informed their players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents they will be allowed to enter the market and won't be re-signed before the league's shopping spree begins Thursday night.
Most, if not all, of those players won't return, regardless of price, though there have been some talks between the team and defensive lineman Kenny Peterson.
The rest of the group about to hit the market includes running backs Tatum Bell and Michael Pittman, defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, safety Marlon McCree, cornerback Karl Paymah, linebacker Nate Webster, receivers Darrell Jackson and Edell Shepherd and tight end Jeb Putzier.
"I want to come back to Denver if they want my services. But I want them to want me back," said Pittman, who noted he has fully recovered from a neck injury that cut short his 2008 season. "There's no hard feeling either way."
Pittman added he appreciated new general manager Brian Xanders calling him to apprise him of the situation.
Paymah, a 2005 draft pick who has shuttled between nickel and dime roles for four seasons, was told when he recently bumped into new coach Josh McDaniels there's interest in Paymah's potential return.
And with the new staff coming to Denver, Paymah said, "It's definitely something you want to be a part of."
But there's the business side to consider, and Paymah has goals he wants to attain.
"I'm definitely a starter. It's my time to be 'the guy,' " he said.
The Broncos, who are expected to be active in free agency, are well-positioned on the salary cap to begin restocking their roster and will focus heavily on the defensive side.
The team currently has about $35 million of cap room. That total, though, doesn't factor in player incentives previously earned or that weren't reached. Denver also will have to save at least $5 million for its rookie pool and is considering possible new deals with receiver Brandon Marshall and center Casey Wiegmann.