Ko Olina, Hawaii – NFL coaches can’t talk to prospective free agents until next month. However, that doesn’t stop players from doing a little lobbying.
Enter Al Wilson.
The Broncos’ star linebacker took the opportunity of the Pro Bowl week to mosey over to old friend Edgerrin James, a free agent in waiting, and tell him how much he likes it in Denver – just in case James might care.
“I went up to Edge and talked to him for a minute about little things (Wednesday),” Wilson said after the AFC’s practice for Sunday’s game in Honolulu. “I told him the mountains are beautiful, man. … I told him our running system is something else. Little things like that.”
The Colts running back listened intently, as he has to other pitches this week.
“Who wouldn’t be interested in that system and that history for running backs?” James said. “If I was there, I’d produce. I’d produce for anyone.”
James would be perfect for Denver’s system, fitting the mold of a Broncos running back. The team is looking for a playmaker on offense, having talked with wide receiver Terrell Owens and discussing internally possibly trading for Miami running back Ricky Williams.
James, though, likely would be more expensive than Owens or Williams, and the Broncos won’t have a lot of means financially.
James said he is willing to listen to all offers. While he’s open to returning to the Colts, he thinks he likely will end up with another team. Indianapolis also faces the task of re-signing receiver Reggie Wayne and wants to extend defensive end Dwight Freeney’s contract. Wayne likely will get the “franchise” tag.
“Any team that wants me, I’ll want them,” James said. “Whoever it is, let’s bring it on.”
Thumbs up
Wilson still is dealing with a heavily wrapped right hand. Wilson, who broke his right thumb Dec. 24 against Oakland and had surgery two days later, played in two playoff games with it wrapped and will do the same Sunday against the NFC team.
“Just one more time to deal with it,” Wilson said. “It really hasn’t been too bad. Really, the only thing that has been affected is my ability to catch the ball, but tackling and moving hasn’t been a problem.”
Smart secondary
In his first season as the Broncos’ defensive backs coach, Bob Slowik was amazed by one thing: the brains of his group.
“Our meeting room was full of so many bright players,” Slowik said. “I’ve never been around a group of guys who were so quick to get things. It was really amazing. Every one of my guys are very bright and very sharp players.”
Footnotes
The Broncos continue to work on paring their salary cap this month. … Offensive lineman Dwayne Carswell has started light workouts, beginning his comeback from an auto accident in October that ended his season. He is expected to participate in training camp. … Quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt and receiver Ashley Lelie are in Honolulu for the Pro Bowl festivities.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
