Lenny Walls, potentially one of the most attractive free agents on the open market next March, plans to keep his mind on the field this year. But he did make one significant off-field decision this week.
Walls said Thursday he has dismissed agent Drew Rosenhaus. Walls said he plans to hire Denver-based agents Lamont Smith and Peter Schaffer next week. Players must wait five days after firing one agent before hiring another.
The move is notable for several reasons. Rosenhaus, who has been in national headlines recently representing star receivers Terrell Owens and Javon Walker, has been known for gaining clients, not losing clients. However, Walls said he felt somewhat lost in the shuffle. Rosenhaus has more than 90 clients.
“I still think the world of Drew, but I felt this change was necessary for me,” Walls said. “Drew had too much going on for me. I feel better about this.”
Rosenhaus, who represents former Denver running backs Clinton Portis and Reuben Droughns, predicts he’ll work with Walls again.
“I like Lenny very much,” Rosenhaus said. “Things like this happen. I think this will get worked out and we’ll be working together again.”
Walls, who has had several agents and had worked with Rosenhaus for about a year, said he believes working with local agents could help keep him in Denver.
Like Rosenhaus, Smith and Schaffer are among the more successful agents in the NFL. The pair represents Broncos Trevor Pryce, Ben Hamilton, Mike Anderson, Quentin Griffin, Jeremy LeSueur and Tim Stuber. In the past they represented Steve Atwater, Alfred Williams and Mark Jackson. They represented Denver cornerback Kelly Herndon in March when he received a five-year, $15 million contract with a $3.6 signing bonus as a restricted free agent.
“This is where I want to be, so having Denver guys could help,” Walls said.
Schaffer declined comment because he said Walls is not yet a client.
Cornerback always is a popular position on the open market. At nearly 6-feet-5, Walls is the tallest cornerback in the NFL and is just 25 – attributes that are likely to make him popular if he hits the open market.
Walls knows he is entering a crucial year in his career and life. However, he said it is up to him to play well and let his contract future play itself out.
“I have to stay focused on football and everything else will work out,” Walls said. “If I don’t have a good year, no one will want me.”
Most vital for Walls will be staying healthy as he attempts to settle in opposite star Champ Bailey at right cornerback. Walls suffered five injuries last season – starting with an ankle injury suffered on the first day of training camp – and ending with his third separated right shoulder in November. That landed him on injured reserve.
Walls has been healthy all camp and has been a standout in practices.
“With Lenny, it’s all health,” Bailey said. “You know he’s going to make plays if he’s in there. I know staying healthy is a big thing to him. I know I want him out there, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
