With or without Jay Cutler, the Broncos will open their training camp workouts at 8:30 sharp Friday morning.
The way negotiations have been going between Cutler and the team on a six-year contract, the rookie quarterback wouldn’t be surprised if a deal is struck minutes before the team stretch.
“I think it’s going to come down to the wire,” Cutler said Tuesday. “By down to the wire I mean Friday morning. But I think they want me in camp and I definitely want to be in camp.”
James “Bus” Cook, Cutler’s agent, has been swapping proposals with Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist. The sides have been working loosely off the parameters of the six- year deal Pittsburgh gave quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Like Cutler, Roethlisberger was drafted 11th overall.
Roethlisberger received $22.26 million in salary and bonuses and another $17.73 million in incentives for a total contract of nearly $40 million. Based on a 5 percent to 10 percent annual increase, Cutler’s six-year deal should be around $26 million in salary and bonuses and a total package of roughly $46 million.
One of the biggest snags is dollar allocation. The Broncos want to backload a considerable percentage of dollars while Cutler would prefer to get more on the front end.
“It’s a little bit of give or take on both sides trying to equal those things,” Cutler said.
Another potential problem is Cook wants to wait until Matt Leinart, Arizona’s rookie quarterback selected just ahead of Cutler with the 10th overall pick, agrees to his deal before firming up his asking price. But Arizona doesn’t begin training camp until Sunday, which means to avoid missing the first few days of camp, Cutler would have to sign ahead of Leinart.
“The effort will be put forth by both sides,” Sundquist said. “A lot of what limits the Broncos has to do with the various rules on the rookie pool, which takes away some the creativity you can do.”
Meanwhile, Sundquist said he is “on the cusp having a number of the second-day picks done.”
The Broncos’ second-day draft selections include wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Domenik Hixon, defensive lineman Elvis Dumervil, offensive lineman Chris Kuper and center Greg Eslinger.
Knorr returning
Josh Wright, the agent for punter Micah Knorr, confirmed that his client has agreed to a one-year contract to return to the Broncos. Knorr is the leading candidate to replace Todd Sauerbrun while he serves an NFL suspension during the first four games of the season.
Knorr was cut by the Broncos during the 2004 season. Familiarity and his ability to hold for kicker Jason Elam were instrumental in Knorr’s return.
Lelie update
With no deal imminent, disgruntled wide receiver Ashley Lelie is expected to open the season as a camp holdout. Lelie could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
“Does it hurt us?” Sundquist said. “I think we’ve done a good job of bolstering the receiving corps. … But when you’ve got a guy who led the league two years in a row in yards per catch, you’d love to have him out there competing. It makes you a stronger football team.
“But I do think the personnel that are there come Friday are more than capable of carrying us where we want to go.”
Footnotes
The Broncos’ one unsigned free agent is safety Chris Young. He likely would return only if there is an injury during training camp. … The Broncos were toying with the idea of going to Detroit before their Aug. 11 preseason game or having Tennessee come here for dual practices the next week, but both plans have been nixed for logistical reasons. Denver worked out in Houston last August. … The Broncos’ Ring of Fame committee will meet during the next several days to discuss whether to induct anyone this year.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
