By agreeing to change essentially one word in his contract, linebacker D.J. Williams provided the Broncos with $3.6 million in salary cap relief for the 2009 season.
In return, Williams was rewarded with the peace of mind that came when his bonus was transferred from possibility to certainty.
This is what the business side of sports calls a win-win.
Williams’ $4.5 million roster bonus due by March 2 was converted into a signing bonus. Signing bonuses, unlike roster bonuses, can be prorated over the length of a contract, or five years in Williams’ case.
The prorated portion of Williams’ signing bonus comes out to $900,000 a year. There was no reason for Williams to hesitate over the change in contract language because his signing bonus, unlike his roster bonus, became guaranteed.
Contracts could become a major order of business this week as the Broncos send their new management team of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. The combine begins today and runs through Tuesday.
Besides Williams’ revised deal, the agents for center Casey Wiegmann and wide receiver Brandon Marshall are hoping the Broncos will be amenable to discussing contract extensions this week in Indianapolis. Wiegmann, who is to receive the veteran minimum $845,000 salary in 2009, and Marshall, who is scheduled to make $2.2 million, are in the final years of their contracts.
There had been preliminary discussions between their agents and Broncos executives Jim and Jeff Goodman, but the Goodmans were dismissed last week. Talks would have to begin anew with Xanders.
Financial commitments are part of every player evaluation, as was the case Monday when the Broncos cut six veterans, including defensive starters Dewayne Robertson, John Engelberger, Marquand Manuel and Jamie Winborn. The cuts generated $22.2 million in cap savings — $16 million from Robertson alone.
The Broncos may also be facing a decision on outside linebacker Boss Bailey, who is due a $2 million roster bonus in early March. Bailey played well when healthy last season but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 7.
Among the Broncos expected to receive their respective roster bonuses due by March 2 are cornerback Champ Bailey ($2 million), guard Ben Hamilton ($500,000) and wide receiver Brandon Stokley ($500,000).
