Every day he’s healthy, with each productive game, Broncos receiver Javon Walker moves closer to a $10.7 million prize.
For now, the big payout dangles there like a big, juicy carrot in front of a starved rabbit.
After missing virtually all of last season with the Green Bay Packers following reconstructive knee surgery, this has been Walker’s show-me year.
Through seven games, Walker not only has proven he can nudge veteran Rod Smith as the No. 1 receiver, but emerge as arguably the Broncos’ best offensive player. Walker is on pace for 75 catches and more than 1,200 receiving yards.
And even with his glitzy statistics, there is an overwhelming sense the Broncos have yet to fully tap into Walker’s talents.
“I’m still getting used to it, it’s still my first year here,” said Walker, whose Broncos play at Pittsburgh on Sunday. “I know what I’d like to do, but I’m still getting a feel for the coaches, the plays and trying to do my part.”
Having forced a trade from Green Bay after last season, Walker was lured by the Broncos with a make-good contract that pays him an affordable $2.15 million this year and No. 1 receiver-type compensation beginning next year.
There is a $6 million option bonus due Walker around mid-February, followed by another $4 million roster bonus in early March. His base salary and workout bonus would bring his 2007 earnings to $10.7 million.
Compare that to the $6.6 million Smith is scheduled to make next season.
The Broncos could opt to restructure Walker’s deal by making it more cap friendly, but $10 million-plus is the going rate for an elite receiver in his prime.
“Everyone can see I’m back,” Walker said. “The bonuses, that’s up to the team. But I’m confident that either I get it here or I will get it someplace else. Hopefully, it’s here.”
Champ and the kids
Offense, defense, it doesn’t matter to Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey. Rookie, veteran – but especially a rookie – Bailey isn’t too big to help them, either.
After the Broncos beat Kansas City in Game 2, Bailey noticed rookie tight end Tony Scheffler was feeling blue. After an impressive preseason, Scheffler was disappointed with his regular-season start.
He had lost a pass amid the St. Louis dome in the opener, and quarterback Jake Plummer misfired a sure touchdown pass intended for Scheffler against the Chiefs.
“After the Kansas City game, Champ Bailey come up to me and said he still looks back at his rookie year and can’t believe some of the stupid things he did,” Scheffler said. “He said, ‘I look back on it now and can’t believe what I was thinking.’ That has kind of stuck with me this whole season. To hear something like that from a player of his caliber, it brings hope that everyone goes through this.”
Through six games, Scheffler had only two catches for 16 yards, but he broke out last weekend for four receptions and 51 yards against the Indianapolis Colts. He also ran a rare, tight end reverse for 3 yards that left him with a sore hip, although he says it’s nothing game-day adrenaline can’t cure.
Does Bailey often seek out kids to offer encouragement?
“Only when I see they’re down,” Bailey said. “Like I’ve talked to (running back) Mike Bell a couple times. I tell him what I hate as a defensive back about running backs. And he just went out and did it – put a corner out of the game. I told him if you punish them, they will not tackle you the rest of the game.”
Big game for whom?
A week after the Steelers fell to lowly Oakland and the Broncos lost a tough one to undefeated Indianapolis, Pittsburgh (2-5) has been listed as a 3-point favorite against Denver (5-2) in one of the more surprising gaming lines of the year.
Apparently, the consensus is the Steelers will be desperate knowing they may have to win out to make the playoffs, but the Broncos believe the difference between a 6-2 mark with a win and a 5-3 record with a loss is significant to their own postseason aspirations.
“Our season is on the line this week,” Smith said. “For me, it’s about each and every week stepping up to the plate. This is a big at-bat for us.”
Footnotes
Rookie receiver Domenik Hixon, out all season with a foot injury, is expected to begin practicing next week. … Former backup quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt worked out with Buffalo this week. … The Broncos have won eight in a row against teams that participated in the Super Bowl the previous season.
Mike Klis can be reached at 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
