We all knew this was would be a landmark year in NFL free agency. We knew because of the dearth of great talent in the group and with so many teams with so much to spend – thanks to a record salary cap – there would be some huge dollars spent.
And there has been.
That means, in the next year, players with existing contracts will be looking for new deals. And you can’t blame players, especially the stars. They see players such as cornerback Nate Clements – not an elite player – sign with the San Francisco 49ers for $80 million over eight years and they’re going to want their pieces of the pie.
Upon hearing of Clements’ contract, an agent for a standout cornerback in the NFC said he was planning to talk to his client’s team the next business day.
Don’t be surprised if the Broncos and cornerback Champ Bailey discuss a new contract next year. Bailey, the best cornerback in the league, is 28, in his prime and entering the fourth year of a seven-year contract. Bailey averages $9 million a year and still is the top-paid cornerback in the league because in real dollars, Clements’ deal averages $8 million. Don’t expect Bailey and the Broncos to disagree about a new contract. It is normal for a star player, after four years or so, to get a new deal. The Broncos will have money to spend next year and if Bailey continues to be one of the most effective players in the NFL, he likely will be rewarded for it.
Average players are being rewarded. It only makes sense great players will be as well.
Bly update
Yes, the Dré Bly story has gone quiet. Not much has been said by either side, by design. The Broncos hope the situation calms down. Some in the organization have said reports of Bly’s unhappiness with his trade from the Detroit Lions to Denver and his desire to play for the Washington Redskins are overblown.
Still, there are indications Denver will take a wait-and-see approach, and the Broncos remain open to trading Bly, especially if they can move up in the first round of the draft. But the Broncos would like to keep Bly. It seems Bly is taking the high road and will deal with whatever happens. It’s still possible he will sign a long-term contract with the Broncos.
Around the league
Don’t be surprised if the Broncos open the 2007 regular season at home. The Broncos have been on the road to start the season the past two years. One potential opening-day opponent is Green Bay and quarterback Brett Favre. Don’t expect Denver to get a huge number of night games when the NFL schedule is announced in April. Denver played six night games last season. … Early favorites to play in Super Bowl XLII: Seattle (NFC) and New England (AFC). These power teams have had nice offseasons and look like the teams to beat. Of course, it’s only March. … A lot of Broncos fans are upset that middle linebacker and defensive captain Al Wilson has been mentioned in trade talks. The bottom line: Expect Wilson in Denver for the 2007 season. … Some people think defensive end Grant Wistrom, recently cut by Seattle, would be a good fit with the Broncos. But Wistrom has a lot of wear and tear, and the former Nebraska star may decide to retire. … Talk that the Redskins are prepared to vigorously shop the No. 6 pick in the April 28-29 draft apparently won’t die. Denver will monitor the situation along with the New York Jets, Green Bay and Houston. … Dominic Rhodes’ arrest for drunken driving hurt him in free agency. Now free-agent tight end Jerramy Stevens is in trouble. He recently was arrested in Scottsdale, Ariz., for alleged DUI and marijuana possession. The market for Stevens already was slow because with Seattle he had a history of off-field issues, had problems catching the ball and was known as a dirty player. After his arrest, Stevens likely will be signed for the league minimum.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
