The Broncos’ final cuts weren’t as much about who was cut, although there were some interesting names on the list. They were more about what could happen next, particularly at running back and on the defensive line.
As the Broncos said goodbye to several players Saturday, they were heating up talks with free-agent defensive end Simeon Rice, the biggest name on the market. Indications were that Rice will visit the Broncos as soon as today. Discussions began with his agent Saturday night.
Rice said “it is down to” Denver and St. Louis.
“I haven’t heard a bad thing about Denver,” said Rice, who was a teammate of Broncos safety John Lynch’s with Tampa Bay. “I’ve talked to John and he raves about Denver and how happy he is there. I think Denver may be a great place for me. … If that team is on the verge of the playoffs, then I’ll take them to the Super Bowl. That’s what I do.”
Rice is a pass-rush specialist and has 121 sacks, the second most of any active NFL player. The biggest issues with him are a shoulder injury and his price tag. Rice said he passed the Rams’ physical on Friday and said he would be ready to play in Denver’s opener at Buffalo next Sunday should he sign with the Broncos.
Last month, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he liked Rice’s work ethic and that the team would monitor him. The Broncos have the salary cap room to sign Rice, 33.
Rice would bring a pass-rush presence to a defensive line that is ever-changing. The volatile nature of change on the line took another turn Saturday when defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy was released. Kennedy was acquired from St. Louis in June for a sixth-round draft pick. Kennedy’s exit follows the Aug. 20 trade of tackle Gerard Warren to Oakland.
With Kennedy gone, it appears rookie Marcus Thomas, former practice squad player Antwon Burton and veteran Alvin McKinley will back up starters Sam Adams and surprise starter Amon Gordon. Denver’s current starting defensive ends are John Engelberger and Elvis Dumervil, with top draft picks Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder likely to get a lot of playing time as rookies.
While the Broncos’ defensive line is in flux, the running back situation also is worth keeping an eye on. The Broncos made the bold move of releasing Kyle Johnson, a three-year starter at fullback. Johnson’s cut came out of nowhere, considering he started in training camp and in the preseason. He was held out of Thursday’s preseason finale against Arizona along with the other starters.
But the Broncos never thought Johnson was a strong blocker and decided to go younger. Cecil Sapp and Mike Bell, who worked at tailback virtually all summer, are now the team’s top fullbacks. Tailback Travis Henry will be backed up by undrafted rookie Selvin Young, who is the clear No. 2 tailback. Former practice squad player Andre Hall was kept as well.
Bell’s situation could be fluid. If the Broncos are offered the right price in a trade proposal, Bell, the No. 2 back last season, could be dealt. He has made it clear he would rather be a tailback.
Other notable players released Saturday by the Broncos were wide receiver and returner Quincy Morgan, defensive end John Browning and safety Steve Cargile.
The team is high on second-year players Domenik Hixon and Brian Clark behind top three receivers Javon Walker, Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley. Hixon and Clark will also figure into the team’s return plans. Morgan was the Broncos’ kicker returner last season after he was signed.
“It’s heart-wrenching,” Morgan said Saturday. “But it’s the NFL.”
The Broncos will sign up to eight players to the practice squad today.
Roster cuts
The following is the list of players that were released by the Broncos to get to the season-opening, 53-man limit:
(Player, Position)
Emmanuel Akah Guard
Bill Alford Cornerback
John Browning Defensive end
Steve Cargile Safety
Greg Eslinger Center Mark Fenton Guard
Darrell Hackney Quarterback
Steven Harris Defensive tackle
T.J. Hollowell Linebacker
Kevin House Cornerback
Kyle Johnson Running back
Jimmy Kennedy Defensive tackle
Glenn Martinez Wide receiver
Kevin McAlmont Offensive lineman
Marquay McDaniel Wide receiver
Quincy Morgan Wide receiver
Chad Mustard Offensive tackle
Preston Parsons Quarterback
Roderick Rogers Safety
Cameron Vaughn Linebacker
Cliff Washburn Offensive lineman
Kenny Peterson* Defensive tackle
* Peterson is starting a four-game suspension for violating the steroid policy.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
