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BroncoWave
03-04-2014, 09:46 AM
Interesting...


Former Seahawks Pro-Bowl LB Lofa Tatupu, who hasn't played since 2010, is working out today for the Denver Broncos.

www.twitter.com/adamschefter

BroncoNut
03-04-2014, 09:53 AM
maybe he holds a grudge towards his former team

ForgettingBrandonMarshall
03-04-2014, 10:10 AM
I'm glad they are being thorough, but this looks like the brass is putting a bandaid on the MLB position again.

Northman
03-04-2014, 10:24 AM
Denver needs to make a splash defensively. We got the offensive firepower, now we need some defensive brutality.

BroncoNut
03-04-2014, 10:25 AM
I'm glad they are being thorough, but this looks like the brass is putting a bandaid on the MLB position again.

just a look so far, if even much of one.

CrazyHorse
03-04-2014, 10:50 AM
I thought he was really old but he's only 31. He could be a stopgap for awhile. I'd still like to draft our MLB of the future though.

weazel
03-04-2014, 10:54 AM
:tsk:

Al Wilson 4 Mayor
03-04-2014, 10:56 AM
I'm kind of surprised.....I thought he retired young because of multiple concussions.

Shazam!
03-04-2014, 10:57 AM
I think the line of thinking is to get the best possible player available through FA for the lowest price.

They're probably just kicking the tires.

MOtorboat
03-04-2014, 11:31 AM
I think the line of thinking is to get the best possible player available through FA for the lowest price.

They're probably just kicking the tires.

Isn't that always the goal?

I think this says more about their drafting strategy than anything. They must not like any of the second round backers and think they can't get any of he first rounders.

Al Wilson 4 Mayor
03-04-2014, 11:35 AM
I would be surprised if anyone signed him. I suppose having four years off could have helped his body heal, but he tried out for at least one team after Seattle released him and it went no where. I was under the impression he was done. I hope he is a new guy, but man, he had a lot of concussions.

Lancane
03-04-2014, 12:20 PM
I think the line of thinking is to get the best possible player available through FA for the lowest price.

They're probably just kicking the tires.

I disagree Shaz, Lofa Tatupu is a solid linebacker who Seattle wanted to keep but the two sides couldn't agree on the numbers and so he went to Atlanta, he tore a pectoral muscle and was lost for 2012 instead of wasting a roster spot the Falcons cut him outright and he's been out of football since. It's quite possible that he is looking to resurrect his career like Manning did after his injury and Denver is ideal. He had started every game since being drafted give 2009 due to injury and 2012 and 2013, despite his age, he is well rested and may have more in the tank thanks to that, if you look at the numbers the two are very similar, but Tatupu will come at about half the cost of Jackson in the end.

jhildebrand
03-04-2014, 12:44 PM
Maybe, while they are at it, they can see if Jason Sehorn has anything left in the tank. Elway is beginning to concern me in that he seems to be approaching the team construction the same way Shanahan did-especially at the end of his tenure! It is one thing to accentuate your D with a FA here or there and something completely different to build it almost entirely with FA's and almost ignoring it in the draft. I hope to see Denver seriously address the middle of the entire D in this draft for the future's sake.

BroncoWave
03-04-2014, 12:48 PM
Maybe, while they are at it, they can see if Jason Sehorn has anything left in the tank. Elway is beginning to concern me in that he seems to be approaching the team construction the same way Shanahan did-especially at the end of his tenure! It is one thing to accentuate your D with a FA here or there and something completely different to build it almost entirely with FA's and almost ignoring it in the draft. I hope to see Denver seriously address the middle of the entire D in this draft for the future's sake.

Wut? His first two draft picks were Von Miller and Rahim Moore. 2 of the next 3 were Nate Irving and Quinton Carter. His first pick the next year was Derek Wolfe. I would hardly say he isn't trying to build the defense through the draft.

NightTerror218
03-04-2014, 12:50 PM
He was signed in 2012 by the falcons but tore a pectural muscle that lost him the year.

SR
03-04-2014, 12:50 PM
Maybe, while they are at it, they can see if Jason Sehorn has anything left in the tank. Elway is beginning to concern me in that he seems to be approaching the team construction the same way Shanahan did-especially at the end of his tenure! It is one thing to accentuate your D with a FA here or there and something completely different to build it almost entirely with FA's and almost ignoring it in the draft. I hope to see Denver seriously address the middle of the entire D in this draft for the future's sake.

You should give him a call. Tell him how you feel and what you would do instead.


IMO, if Tatupu could come in and show he still has his high motor and is capable of playing to at least 80% of what he was in 2009, we have nothing to lose because he'd still be an upgrade at Mike over Woody, Lennon, and the other FA we signed last off-season.

Al Wilson 4 Mayor
03-04-2014, 12:56 PM
Maybe, while they are at it, they can see if Jason Sehorn has anything left in the tank. Elway is beginning to concern me in that he seems to be approaching the team construction the same way Shanahan did-especially at the end of his tenure! It is one thing to accentuate your D with a FA here or there and something completely different to build it almost entirely with FA's and almost ignoring it in the draft. I hope to see Denver seriously address the middle of the entire D in this draft for the future's sake.

They do try to fill holes through FA, but I don't think that's a fair comparison. During the last 3 drafts the first pick we've taken has been delegated to the front 7.

In fact the majority of our round 1-3 picks have been delegated to defense.

weazel
03-04-2014, 01:00 PM
is John Mobley coming for a visit tomorrow?

Ziggy
03-04-2014, 01:47 PM
Elway might be bringing him in to play special teams, back up the MLB, and/or mentor a young guy. He could be the plan for backup MLB, with an outside shot to start. Nothing wrong with brining in veteran depth. He was a solid player for Seattle.

MOtorboat
03-04-2014, 01:48 PM
Elway might be bringing him in to play special teams, back up the MLB, and/or mentor a young guy. He could be the plan for backup MLB, with an outside shot to start. Nothing wrong with brining in veteran depth. He was a solid player for Seattle.

People are acting like he's 40.

He's four years younger than Lenon (31).

ForgettingBrandonMarshall
03-04-2014, 02:24 PM
People are acting like he's 40.

He's four years younger than Lenon (31).

I'm not sure the age is as troubling as the fact he has been out of the league for years and the long list of injury history.

But hey, maybe he's our next comeback player of the year. Since that's such an outside shot, I think Ziggy's point is more likely.

Ziggy
03-04-2014, 03:11 PM
People are acting like he's 40.

He's four years younger than Lenon (31).

And Lenon was never brought in to be a starter. He was brought in for depth and special teams. Tatupu brings the same thing to the table with an outside chance to start. He was also one of the leaders of Seattle's defense before he got hurt.

Denver Native (Carol)
03-04-2014, 03:48 PM
Lofa Tatupu is a Pro Bowl blast from the distant past.

But after not playing the past three seasons, the former Pro Bowl middle linebacker doesn't want to sit out a fourth. Tatupu will visit with the Broncos at their Dove Valley headquarters on Wednesday, according to an NFL source.

The visit is considered to be a kick-the-tire type of session with the former Seattle Seahawks star. The Broncos are still hopeful of signing free agent D'Qwell Jackson to become their starting middle linebacker.

The Broncos visited with Jackson on Monday. A former eight-year middle linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, Jackson first visited Saturday with the Tennessee Titans.

Jackson was meeting with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, then planned to visit with the Indianapolis Colts before deciding on his new team by week's end.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_25272731/lofa-tatupu-visit-broncos

Dzone
03-04-2014, 04:09 PM
Cool. You never know. He is young and sometimes, 2 years of rest can rejuvenate the body. Good idea to bring him in for a look. Besides, we need some ex seahawks for the rematch

reimx007
03-04-2014, 07:09 PM
Please only if we cant get D'Quell Jackson. And then draft the best avaliable mike in the draft for long term.

luckyseven
03-05-2014, 12:51 AM
I thought he was really old but he's only 31. He could be a stopgap for awhile. I'd still like to draft our MLB of the future though.

if you get a good MLB they start day one. Al Wilson is a prime example. who was the 3rd LB that year (katzenmeyer and claiborne the only ones before us ) and we drafted at #31.

luckyseven
03-05-2014, 01:02 AM
They do try to fill holes through FA, but I don't think that's a fair comparison. During the last 3 drafts the first pick we've taken has been delegated to the front 7.

In fact the majority of our round 1-3 picks have been delegated to defense.

that is bad?

better to spend on rookie contracts than on O unless it is on the OL. OG being the spot to use one on.


Denver Broncos 2014 Salary Cap
Est. Salary Cap Space: $19,444,044
Offensive Spend: 31 Players $75,157,767
Defensive Spend: 27 Players $38,903,900
Specials Spend: 3 Players $7,633,834



right now we are spending 93% more on offense than defense. a lot of that is because of cheap rookies contracts.
http://overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Broncos&Year=2014

Simple Jaded
03-05-2014, 10:24 AM
The Broncos might spend more on defense if there were defensive players worth spending big money on.

Al Wilson 4 Mayor
03-05-2014, 11:18 AM
that is bad?

better to spend on rookie contracts than on O unless it is on the OL. OG being the spot to use one on.



right now we are spending 93% more on offense than defense. a lot of that is because of cheap rookies contracts.
http://overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Broncos&Year=2014


I didn't say it was bad.

artie_dale
03-05-2014, 12:07 PM
Denver needs to make a splash defensively. We got the offensive firepower, now we need some defensive brutality.

And how did that work out for us when it mattered most? I thought the defense did well during the first half of the Super Bowl. Unless we agree that the offense's problem during the Super Bowl was a coaching problem, I don't think this offense is where it needs to be yet (crazy saying that since it set records this past season, but also had one of the easiest, if not THE easiest schedule at it's disposal).

luckyseven
03-05-2014, 03:38 PM
The Broncos might spend more on defense if there were defensive players worth spending big money on.

Seriously. Which offensive players are you going to cut to spend the extra money.

There were loads of talented players last year to sign we passed because we did not have the money.
Biggest name on last years list was Dansby.

luckyseven
03-05-2014, 03:41 PM
I didn't say it was bad.

Must have misunderstood.

Give me talented rookies anytime over has beens. When they get to expensive like this year hopefully you have some talent already on the squad to step in and take over.

We are getting to that point in most spots. Another two years of good drafting and we can afford to keep the best and allow a few almost players to go if their heads get big.

luckyseven
03-05-2014, 03:59 PM
And how did that work out for us when it mattered most? I thought the defense did well during the first half of the Super Bowl. Unless we agree that the offense's problem during the Super Bowl was a coaching problem, I don't think this offense is where it needs to be yet (crazy saying that since it set records this past season, but also had one of the easiest, if not THE easiest schedule at it's disposal).

We got beat by a better more physical team. It happens all the time, our WRs all dropped balls and were indecisive about going up field the minute they got the ball. Everyone was pressing to hard that happens with a young team after that over the head snap we were shocked out of the we are the best offense in history.

Our defense played well all game how many long drives did it give up? Then go back and look at the number of short field drives. Outside of the QB On offense look at the age and playoff experience of the rest of the team.
Vasquez was the old man at 6 years and he never sniffed at a playoff game
Rameriz a rookie at OC.
Beadels 4 years
Franklin 3 years
Clark. 3 years
RBs all less than two years of actually playing
Wrs the than 4 years actuall time
TE basically a rookie. And
then Welker more time than God.

But overall this is a very young team. That never was all year disciplined in not making mistakes.
On O they knew they could make mistakes and overcome them (lack of punts and long FGs) first and 20 was not. A drive killer most of the time 3rd and 29 was doable.

Thai coming tear they have to be tougher mentally or we will not sniff at the playoffs, chargers will be better, chiefs probably better in conference and Oakland has to be better just because they have 70plus million to spend in the offseason. Couple all of that with the NFCW schedule, @ NE again and other first place schedule teams means it will be a tougher road this coming season.

Al Wilson 4 Mayor
03-05-2014, 04:00 PM
Must have misunderstood.

Give me talented rookies anytime over has beens. When they get to expensive like this year hopefully you have some talent already on the squad to step in and take over.

We are getting to that point in most spots. Another two years of good drafting and we can afford to keep the best and allow a few almost players to go if their heads get big.

I don't think it's a coincidence that we started drafting players for the front seven once John took over. He saw what an impact Mobely and Trevor Pryce had in the last two years of his career. He also saw what a disaster Denver was after he left and the front seven was a cluster.

Denver Native (Carol)
03-05-2014, 05:17 PM
Mike Klis ‏@MikeKlis 4h

#Broncos worked out Lofa Tatupu this morning. No word yet on whether they sign him or let him go.

luckyseven
03-05-2014, 08:09 PM
I don't think it's a coincidence that we started drafting players for the front seven once John took over. He saw what an impact Mobely and Trevor Pryce had in the last two years of his career. He also saw what a disaster Denver was after he left and the front seven was a cluster.

Probably one of the biggest reasons he hired Fox instead of the others they talked to, he knew that a great front Seven amd not just a great couple of players in the front seven will make the ultimate difference.

Also probably why he keeps picking up defensive talent from Fox and JDRs old teams, on the cheap. They also saw something special in Wolfe and Miller and prioritized them the way they did.

John told everyone it would be a 3 to 4 year plan to get back to glory days, he was on target when. manning fell in there laps, for fans they accelerated that to win NOW, all the while Johns 3-4 year plan remained in place.

They have been building since day one and each year have gotten better, if they get some of those rookie (cheap long term) contracts in place this year so much the better.

Dapper Dan
03-05-2014, 08:17 PM
I don't think it's that big of a deal. We need an MLB, so the team will be looking at some MLBs. If you think looking at a player means we'll sign him, congratulations, we're getting Jackson too.

Simple Jaded
03-05-2014, 09:03 PM
Seriously. Which offensive players are you going to cut to spend the extra money.

There were loads of talented players last year to sign we passed because we did not have the money.
Biggest name on last years list was Dansby.

I didn't mean in free agency, only that Denver might spend more money on defense if they had players worth spending big money on. If Denver had any Ryan Clady's on defense (Greg Hardy or Jairus Byrd) the ledger would be more balanced. Denver has to have to be near the top in highest paid specialists as well, Prater, Colquitt and Bruton.

Lancane
03-05-2014, 10:14 PM
Probably one of the biggest reasons he hired Fox instead of the others they talked to, he knew that a great front Seven amd not just a great couple of players in the front seven will make the ultimate difference.

Also probably why he keeps picking up defensive talent from Fox and JDRs old teams, on the cheap. They also saw something special in Wolfe and Miller and prioritized them the way they did.

John told everyone it would be a 3 to 4 year plan to get back to glory days, he was on target when. manning fell in there laps, for fans they accelerated that to win NOW, all the while Johns 3-4 year plan remained in place.

They have been building since day one and each year have gotten better, if they get some of those rookie (cheap long term) contracts in place this year so much the better.

They may have been building for the future, but the blocks are crumbling quickly. It's not like the front office doesn't have the business savvy, but they're geared toward this short contract policy, which can strand talent alone on the roster by themselves when the dust settles. Manning's contract was nothing short of ingenious when you read the in's and out's, various clauses put in place for both the team and the player to help protect each side. So they have the know-how to make the roster continually competitive. Which is not short contracts, eventually players will start shunning Denver if they don't take care of those who've earned their money. Dan Reeves was a great coach, he was also a very smart manager when it came to player personnel, the ones who got paid were his stars not the average, everyday fodder or okay athletes and they were here for years. Look at New England, they only cared to give such contracts to a select few, very few while others had smaller or average contracts worth peanuts and now the team is depleted of talent give their quarterback.

I know Manning changed the emphasis on winning for years to win now while building to win in the future, but the Broncos seriously need to focus on the long-term. They need to look at long-term solutions to weak spots and likewise focus on keeping talent at specific positions. When the Broncos won their back-to-back Championships the team was loaded with talent, some elite but some simply good that complimented the elite talent around them; Elway, Davis, Zimmerman, Schlereth, Nalen, Smith, McCaffrey, Sharpe, Smith, Romonowski, Mobley, Atwater, Braxton and so on. Problem for Denver is that they were at the tail end of their careers, whereas Baltimore, San Francisco and Seattle are moving forward with youth. Denver needs to become a bit of both schools, but need to lockdown the better talent on the roster which at this time is Julius Thomas, Von Miller, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Demaryius Thomas, all others are expendable, they would also be better off going after the likes of Lamarr Houston or Jairus Byrd rather then Shaun Phillips or Louis Delmas, not because Phillips is horrible and Delmas is awful, but because Houston has the youth on his counterpart and Byrd is elite in comparison to Delmas, seriously if Denver had Louis Vasquez, Ryan Clady, Demaryius Thomas, Von Miller, Julius Thomas, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and either Lamarr Houston or Jairus Byrd locked down long-term, fans would have little to fret about, the core of the team would be in place. The one year contracts for some would make sense, for others it would be two or three years and rookie contracts and when it was time to re-evaluate you do that or lock someone else down.

luckyseven
03-05-2014, 10:31 PM
I didn't mean in free agency, only that Denver might spend more money on defense if they had players worth spending big money on. If Denver had any Ryan Clady's on defense (Greg Hardy or Jairus Byrd) the ledger would be more balanced. Denver has to have to be near the top in highest paid specialists as well, Prater, Colquitt and Bruton.
So then which of the offensive players or stars get cut to balance out the doubling of offense over defensive contracts.

luckyseven
03-05-2014, 10:36 PM
They may have been building for the future, but the blocks are crumbling quickly. It's not like the front office doesn't have the business savvy, but they're geared toward this short contract policy, which can strand talent alone on the roster by themselves when the dust settles. Manning's contract was nothing short of ingenious when you read the in's and out's, various clauses put in place for both the team and the player to help protect each side. So they have the know-how to make the roster continually competitive. Which is not short contracts, eventually players will start shunning Denver if they don't take care of those who've earned their money. Dan Reeves was a great coach, he was also a very smart manager when it came to player personnel, the ones who got paid were his stars not the average, everyday fodder or okay athletes and they were here for years. Look at New England, they only cared to give such contracts to a select few, very few while others had smaller or average contracts worth peanuts and now the team is depleted of talent give their quarterback.

I know Manning changed the emphasis on winning for years to win now while building to win in the future, but the Broncos seriously need to focus on the long-term. They need to look at long-term solutions to weak spots and likewise focus on keeping talent at specific positions. When the Broncos won their back-to-back Championships the team was loaded with talent, some elite but some simply good that complimented the elite talent around them; Elway, Davis, Zimmerman, Schlereth, Nalen, Smith, McCaffrey, Sharpe, Smith, Romonowski, Mobley, Atwater, Braxton and so on. Problem for Denver is that they were at the tail end of their careers, whereas Baltimore, San Francisco and Seattle are moving forward with youth. Denver needs to become a bit of both schools, but need to lockdown the better talent on the roster which at this time is Julius Thomas, Von Miller, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Demaryius Thomas, all others are expendable, they would also be better off going after the likes of Lamarr Houston or Jairus Byrd rather then Shaun Phillips or Louis Delmas, not because Phillips is horrible and Delmas is awful, but because Houston has the youth on his counterpart and Byrd is elite in comparison to Delmas, seriously if Denver had Louis Vasquez, Ryan Clady, Demaryius Thomas, Von Miller, Julius Thomas, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and either Lamarr Houston or Jairus Byrd locked down long-term, fans would have little to fret about, the core of the team would be in place. The one year contracts for some would make sense, for others it would be two or three years and rookie contracts and when it was time to re-evaluate you do that or lock someone else down.

This is much of what I have been saying, got to churn those rookie contracts while keeping the talent worth keeping if you do not have enough cheap rookie contracts there is NO way you can afford to sign the studs long term.

Have never said anything to the contrary.

You stated it well though. MHS to you.

Simple Jaded
03-06-2014, 12:02 AM
So then which of the offensive players or stars get cut to balance out the doubling of offense over defensive contracts.

None.

ShaneFalco
03-06-2014, 12:13 AM
i like this more then jackson He probably wont be looking for a multi year deal

DenBronx
03-06-2014, 12:57 AM
I always thought Tatupu was a weird name.

ShaneFalco
03-06-2014, 01:37 AM
He is from hawaii right?

Ziggy
03-06-2014, 06:52 AM
He is from hawaii right?

No, he was born in California and grew up in the continental US. His father was an NFL player before him.

Jsteve01
03-06-2014, 12:46 PM
He is from hawaii right?

No, he was born in California and grew up in the continental US. His father was an NFL player before him. he's Polynesian. Hence the "weurd" name