If today truly is the final day before the new NFL calendar year begins, it will be the Broncos’ last chance to secure their two remaining key free agents – defensive tackle Gerard Warren and running back Ron Dayne – before they reach the open market.
After some talks Saturday, the Broncos and agents for both players were expected to talk again today. With tonight being the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement, the agents must decide whether to take their chances with Denver’s current offers or try the open market. That could be somewhat of a risk if there is no CBA, because there will be less money overall on the open market.
It won’t be a surprise if Warren reaches the open market. It wouldn’t necessarily mean his one-year stay in Denver would be over, but only that he’s seeing what the market is bearing.
While Warren may hit the streets, it’s no slam dunk Dayne will come to an agreement today, either. Dayne can’t re-sign with Denver until Monday because the former Heisman Trophy winner signed a one-year veteran minimum contract last year. Still, there is a chance he could test the market.
If he signs with Denver, Dayne will get the opportunity to replace Mike Anderson – cut in a salary cap-related move last week – as the starting tailback.
Dayne’s agent, Len Rowe, said today is a pivotal day. It’s believed the negotiations are about up-front money in a deal that will be built on incentives.
“We’re still trying to work something out, but we haven’t yet,” Rowe said. “I hope it works out.”
It appears the only way free agency would be delayed again – it was pushed back 72 hours on Thursday – is if a deal is struck, because it will take some time for owners to ratify any new deal.
If Warren leaves, there are several veteran defensive tackles Denver likely would consider. Among the veterans available are St. Louis’ Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis, Green Bay’s Grady Jackson, Seattle’s Rocky Bernard and recently cut Sam Adams and Ted Washington.
Still, Denver considers Warren a priority. Re-signing him was part of a plan that included retaining center Tom Nalen and offensive tackle Matt Lepsis. Both have been re-signed.
There’s a strong chance Denver soon will announce a restructured contract for veteran defensive end Courtney Brown. If no restructure is reached, he could be released.
Footnotes
The deadline for Philadelphia to pay Terrell Owens a roster bonus has been pushed back from Wednesday to Saturday. Still, Owens is expected to be released this week. It appears the only way Owens will join the Broncos, the only team he has visited, is as a last resort for Owens because of financial reasons. … In addition to Denver, Atlanta is among the teams that may make a push to trade for New York Jets defensive end John Abraham. The situation likely will become more clear once the CBA situation is cleared. … Philadelphia is expected to have an interest in Anderson. … The agents for former Broncos Trevor Pryce and Jeb Putzier said they continued to receive calls this weekend. No deals appear imminent.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
