It’s official. Rod Smith will be a Bronco in 2007 – and perhaps beyond.
Beating a Wednesday deadline, the Broncos and the team’s all-time leading receiver tweaked a temporary contract restructuring agreement, ensuring he will stay with the team.
The new deal includes incentives that would reward Smith should he have a strong 2007 season.
Smith, who will be 37 in May, restructured his contract March 7 down to a base salary of $1.5 million for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. The new incentive-based deal also covers the 2008 season, the final year of Smith’s contract.
The agreement was made during a meeting at Dove Valley on Wednesday. Head coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Ted Sundquist were present.
When the two sides made the temporary agreement, it meant Denver wouldn’t be forced to make Smith a salary cap causality. However, it left three scenarios: Smith gets an incentive-based deal, the contract remains the same or Smith decides to move on.
“We’re all very happy that this was the outcome,” said Tom Mills, one of Smith’s Boulder-based agents. “The most important part is Rod is satisfied and excited about it.”
Mills said both sides hope Smith can play the next few years. If that happens, Smith’s playing time likely will be limited. Smith essentially is a coach on the field, so his presence in the locker room is valued by the Broncos.
Smith had hip surgery last month and is expected to be ready for training camp.
Shanahan visits Gophers
Shanahan was the talk of spring practice Tuesday at the University of Minnesota.
Shanahan and assistant Steve Watson joined former Broncos tight ends coach Tim Brewster at the Gophers’ workout. Brewster now coaches the Gophers. Shanahan, the Gophers’ offensive coordinator in 1979, spoke to the team after the workout.
Brewster became Minnesota’s head coach in January. He invited Shanahan to the practice. It was Shanahan’s first trip to the Minneapolis campus since he departed after his one-season stay.
“What a great day that was,” Brewster said Wednesday. “He had my kids fired up. They saw the best coach in the business, and I just really appreciate that he took time to spend time with the kids as we try to get this thing going here.”
Plummer update
Jake Plummer has not filed retirement papers with the NFL office. However, it means little.
The former Broncos quarterback told the Broncos and Tampa Bay on March 2 that he was retiring. He met with media members March 9 and reiterated his decision.
Plummer is expected to have to squabble with Tampa Bay over an estimated $7 million in prorated signing bonus money if he remains retired. The timing of his retirement is a reason his papers have yet to be filed. The Buccaneers acquired Plummer’s rights March 3 for a conditional draft choice.
Footnote
Former Colorado and Broncos linebacker Jashon Sykes is expected to have a coaching internship with the Broncos.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
