Many in the NFL believe Jake Plummer will reconsider his decision to retire in the next few months and show up at Tampa Bay’s training camp, but that might be wishful thinking.
The word among his friends is that Plummer intends to stay away. Plummer’s six weeks away from the game apparently have only reinforced his decision to move on.
A big reason many in the league believe Plummer will play again is because retiring means he will owe the Buccaneers $7 million in prorated signing bonus. The Buccaneers obtained the rights to Plummer and the ability to pursue the bonus money in a trade with the Broncos a day after he informed both teams he planned to retire.
Last month, Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden said he hoped Plummer, 32, would show up and compete with newly signed Jeff Garcia for the Bucs’ starting quarterback job. It looks like Gruden will be disappointed.
Those who know Plummer say his decision isn’t about the money. A friend of Plummer’s who recently spoke with him said Plummer is continuing to say the same things he did when he originally quit the game. Plummer is telling friends he remains at peace with the decision and is looking forward to a new phase in his life.
Come to grips
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s new player conduct policy includes intense rookie education courses because many of the players getting into trouble are the younger ones.
Tennessee cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones and Cincinnati receiver Chris Henry, the two players suspended by Goodell last week, came out of West Virginia in 2005.
“I think there is a new generation of guys who have been coddled since they were youngsters,” said Broncos safety John Lynch, who plans to play his 15th NFL season this year.
“But the commissioner showed (last) week that he doesn’t care about that and that every player is ultimately responsible for his own actions. That’s the way it should be.”
Real possibility
Keep an eye on Carolina’s Kris Jenkins in the days leading up to the draft. The Panthers are shopping him and the Broncos have a need for a big defensive tackle. Jenkins fits the bill, tipping the scale at 340 pounds.
St. Louis also is interested in Jenkins, who may be cut if he isn’t traded.
Hall available?
Profootballtalk.com reported last week that the Chiefs are shopping return man Dante Hall. Yes, I know what you are thinking. Denver would have to be interested.
The Broncos have been craving a premier return man. But Hall is 28, his statistics are sliding and he may have only a year or two left.
It would be a stretch for the Chiefs to trade Hall to the Broncos, but Denver would have to consider the idea. The Broncos will look at returners in the draft.
Around the league
Defensive players Denver might look at in the April 28-29 draft include Florida safety Reggie Nelson, Michigan inside linebacker David Harris and Utah defensive tackle Paul Soliai.
The hard-hitting Nelson likely will be a first-round pick, but the athletic Harris and the massive Soliai could be had in the second or third rounds. …
Former Denver tight end Wesley Duke is trying to return from his second major knee injury, suffered last June. The former college basketball star is hoping to be ready for training camp. Even if Duke were to return healthy, it’s no sure bet Denver would bring him back. …
Highlands Ranch High School graduate Kasey Studdard, the son of former Denver offensive lineman Dave Studdard, likely will be a midround draft pick. The Broncos might have interest in the guard from Texas.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
