For many players, the final four games of this season can mean job security for next season.
Although the NFL notified teams this week the salary cap will be bumped to $116 million by 2008 – up from $102 million this season and $109 million in 2007 – the increases will not liberate the Broncos from facing tough personnel decisions.
The Broncos soon will be dealing with six unrestricted free agents at season’s end: offensive guard Cooper Carlisle, defensive tackle Michael Myers, special team mainstays Keith Burns and Patrick Chukwurah, reserve defensive lineman Kenny Peterson and backup receiver/returner Quincy Morgan.
From this list, the Broncos foremost want to re-sign Myers, who has been a productive run-stopper since coming over with so many of his Cleveland Browns defensive line cohorts two years ago.
“I want to stay with the guys I came here with,” Myers said. “We’ve still got that bond and communication that makes it easier if we stay together. We’ve lost together, we’ve won together and now we need to get a championship together.”
The most difficult decisions may involve Carlisle and Burns.
Carlisle has been their starting right guard the past two seasons. But with guards Chris Myers, a second-year pro, and rookie Chris Kuper waiting for their opportunity, Carlisle may have to overcome both young competition and salary-cap considerations.
Burns is the Broncos’ special-teams captain and a locker room leader. But he also is 36, and the Broncos’ special-teams have struggled this season.
“I’ve got to go play,” Burns said. “Got to. That’s how I’ve approached it my whole career. When it comes to the business side of this game, I consider myself an independent contractor, and you want to go out there and prove something not only to the team you’re with, but the other 31 teams out there. I have a great rapport here, but you never know. Change is inevitable, but you have to still go out there and make plays.”
Eat, Domonique, eat
It is a testament to Domonique Foxworth’s intelligence, speed and athleticism that the Broncos have promoted him from nickel cornerback to starting strong safety.
Such a dramatic position change so late in the season, however, is not made without concern. Foxworth was moved after starter Nick Ferguson and top backup Sam Brandon went down with season-ending knee injuries, and Curome Cox apparently didn’t show enough in his audition against Kansas City on Thanksgiving night.
“It’s a lot more physical position,” Foxworth said. “Nick was 215 pounds, and I’m 175 stepping in and trying to do the same things he was doing. That’s the biggest challenge.”
To help compensate for his relatively slight frame, Foxworth will don larger shoulder pads for the game Sunday against San Diego. As for adding bulk, that would become an offseason goal only if the coaching staff considers making his switch permanent.
“It’s too late to put on weight for this season,” Foxworth said.
Schoolteacher to NFL
After promoting safety Steve Cargile from the practice squad to the 53-man roster Thursday, the Broncos signed former Syracuse fullback Keith “Thump” Belton to their practice squad.
“Any fullback nicknamed ‘Thump’ is my kind of fullback,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.
“I’ve been called ‘Thump’ so long, when people say ‘Keith,’ I don’t know who they’re talking about,” Belton said.
Belton is the Broncos’ second practice-squad back who went to training camp with the Chicago Bears, but was released. Tailback Andre Hall is the other.
Belton said he spent the past 12 weeks substitute teaching at North Mecklenburg High School near Charlotte, N.C.
“I learned the hard way you better get your degree, and I put it to work real fast,” Belton said.
Footnotes
Shanahan said he expects middle linebacker Al Wilson (neck) and kicker Jason Elam (hamstring) to play Sunday. … Chargers backup receiver Malcom Floyd will miss the game Sunday because of an ankle injury.
Mike Klis can be reached at 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
