INDIANAPOLIS — Negotiations between the Broncos and kicker Jason Elam are ticking toward Toro! Toro!
So long has Elam been the Broncos’ place-kicker, he predates the Mike Shanahan era. Elam’s recently completed 15th season was one of his best, starting with the opener at Buffalo where a “Toro! Toro!” call prompted a mad dash onto the field and a game-winning field goal as time expired.
Yet, with the free-agency period beginning at 10 p.m. MST on Thursday, Elam not only doesn’t have a contract, he and the Broncos have yet to exchange numbers.
The team and Elam’s agent Jack Reale had a discussion in January, and another Thursday.
“I still don’t really know what they’re thinking,” Elam said. “It’s still real preliminary. I guess I would say at this point the ball is still in their court. But I understand their position. I don’t envy their situation. They have a lot of salaries they have to fit under the cap.
“If it doesn’t work out, I understand. Mr. Bowlen and Mike have been great to me over the years. I’m totally at peace with whatever happens.”
Shanahan, with consent from owner Pat Bowlen, is expected to get involved with negotiations this week, not only with Elam but with free safety John Lynch.
“I’m not closing any doors,” Elam said. “I don’t want to back myself into a corner. I just hope I get all the information presented to me by the time free agency starts.”
