Mike Anderson and Jamal Lewis might be trading places.
Sunday night, Anderson – cut by the Broncos on March 1 – agreed to terms on a four-year contract, including a $2 million signing bonus, with the Baltimore Ravens. Anderson’s arrival in Baltimore could signify the end of the Lewis era there, although his agent still was talking with the Ravens on Sunday.
Lewis is scheduled to visit Denver today and said he considers the Broncos a viable option, in addition to the Ravens.
It also appears San Francisco defensive end Andre Carter will be heading to Denver today for a visit. Carter – the son of former Broncos defensive tackle Rubin Carter – left Washington on Sunday without a contract.
Denver, with about $7.5 million in available salary cap room, is looking for an impact player on both sides of the ball and has targeted Lewis and Carter. Whether the team lands both will come down to finances.
Lewis is the premier running back on the market after Arizona signed Colts star Edgerrin James on Sunday. Still, there aren’t many teams in the market for a free-agent running back. The Ravens gave Lewis a low offer Sunday. The Colts could show interest in Lewis, but for now, Denver appears to be the team with the most interest.
Lewis, 26, has had four 1,000-yard seasons in six years and fits Denver’s running system.
The Broncos have designated Carter as their top priority at defensive end, even more than trading for the Jets’ John Abraham. Talks with the Jets likely will continue, and Abraham might visit the Broncos this week.
Carter is a stout pass rusher and probably would be less expensive than Abraham. The Redskins were visiting with Abraham today, and the Raiders are expected to be the Broncos’ main opposition for Carter. But Carter is said to be intrigued by the Broncos because of family reasons. Carter was born in Denver when his father played for the Broncos from 1975-86.
Meanwhile, Anderson will join former Denver teammate Trevor Pryce in Baltimore. Pryce, a veteran defensive end, agreed to terms with the Ravens on Saturday on a deal that pays him $10 million in bonuses. Tight end Jeb Putzier, cut along with Anderson and Pryce, said he will visit Houston on March 20.
Putzier likely will sign with the Texans, which would reunite him with Gary Kubiak, the Broncos’ former offensive coordinator who is entering his first season as Houston’s head coach.
Joining the Ravens gives Anderson a chance for another 1,000-yard season, said his agent, Peter Schaffer.
“Mike is going to a team that loves to run the ball,” Schaffer said. “It’s a great situation for him.”
Among the receivers Denver might look at are David Givens, who was part of the Patriots’ championship teams, and Brian Finneran of the Atlanta Falcons, but both are talking to other teams.
One tight end Denver could look at is the Jets’ Chris Baker, but Denver might wait until the draft to address that position.
If Miami cuts quarterback Gus Frerotte, Denver and St. Louis might show interest. Frerotte is a former Broncos backup.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
