Dan Wilkinson still might become a Bronco. It’s just not going to be anytime soon. And it will not cost Denver a draft choice.
Four weeks after the deal was agreed upon, the Broncos on Saturday nullified their trade with Miami for the massive defensive tackle. Wilkinson is again the property of the Dolphins, and Denver will get its sixth-round pick in the April 28-29 draft returned.
“Big Daddy” failed to report to the Broncos, and Friday’s deadline for his physical passed without Wilkinson coming to Denver, voiding the trade. The original deadline was March 16, but the teams agreed to extend it.
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Tuesday the deadline wouldn’t be extended a second time because he wasn’t sure if Wilkinson, 34, wanted to play.
Wilkinson had said March 7 he had “issues” to address and wouldn’t comment on if he was planning to retire.
Wilkinson’s agent had told the Broncos that Wilkinson wanted his knee checked out before reporting. Wilkinson ended the season healthy in Miami.
Miami is expected to put Wilkinson on the reserve/retired list. If he wants to play elsewhere, he would have to pay Miami about $300,000.
If Wilkinson decides to play and he becomes available, the Broncos would likely give him a chance.
