In his first statement as a Bronco, Maurice Clarett said in no uncertain terms that after his long wait to get to the NFL, he wouldn’t contribute to a further delay.
The former Ohio State tailback said after being drafted in April that he would not hold out from the Broncos’ training camp. His agents were working feverishly with team officials late Wednesday evening to ensure their client, chosen with the last pick of the third round, keeps his promise.
“We all know how important it is to get Maurice in camp on time,” agent Steve Feldman said. “We have every intention of him reporting on time.”
Feldman said talks have progressed well.
In addition to Clarett, the Broncos’ other unsigned draft picks are cornerback Darrent Williams (second round, Oklahoma State) and guard Chris Myers (sixth round, Miami).
The Broncos had further discussions with both players and were close to a deal with Myers.
All Broncos are required to report to training camp today for a 5 p.m. meeting. Practice begins at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
There has been league-wide speculation Clarett’s contract could be a shorter-term deal, but Feldman wouldn’t confirm that.
“It’s too early to tell what the deal is going to be like,” Feldman said.
The Broncos worked out a deal with another draft pick, cornerback Karl Paymah. The third-round pick from Washington State signed a three-year deal with a signing bonus worth about $550,000.
“Karl expressed to me how important it was to him to not miss even a day,” said Rocky Arceneaux, Paymah’s agent. “This gives him a chance to get going quickly.”
Footnotes
To make room for Paymah, the Broncos cut receiver Grant Mattos. … Defensive end John Engelberger, acquired this month for cornerback Willie Middlebrooks, has been assigned No. 60.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
