The Denver Broncos Playing Free Agency Close to the Vest
By Matt Petrero
Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos general manager John Elway speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
So here we are, a day away from the NFL’s free agency period. For the past few weeks, we have heard rumors circulating about several players and their possible landing spots. We have had countless experts and insiders pontificating about their thought of the mocing and shaking of NFL rosters. So what do we know after weeks of speculation? Absolutely nothing.
Denver Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations, John Elway was on 104.3 The Fan’s Evans and Klatt show on February 28th and in about seven minutes had a lot to say and said nothing all at the same time; which is exactly what he is supposed to do. No NFL Executives want to overplay their hands at this point as they engage in the ultimate game of Poker. There are several free agents who have several suitors; many of which are pushing all of the chips to the middle of the table in hopes of landing that one player to put them over the top. For the players and their agents, the decision rests on whether they want the biggest payday, the best chance to win a Super Bowl, or somewhere in the middle. Needless to say, the Broncos offer the middle option but are approaching it more frugally.
Some rumors coming out of Dove Valley would have you think that the Broncos are working on a package to send to the New York Jets for All-Pro cornerback, Darelle Revis. Then there are those indicating that there is no way Denver will pay the price for him both with draft picks and in the salary he is sure to want. The latter seems to be supported by what Elway said during the aforementioned 104.3 The Fan interview:
"“We don’t go out and sign All-pros, we make them!”, proclaimed the Broncos head honcho."
When pressed for insight as to whether Denver would lean toward reinforcing either the cornerback or safety positions based on the greater importance to the team, Elway stated:
"“It really comes down to scheme and what the coordinator prefers to play.”"
Clearly there is no clairvoyance in that quote.
In addition to statements like those, John used other clichés such as:
"“We are still in our evaluation process”, “we’ll let it all play out”, and “We’ll get all of our ducks in a row and we’ll see what happens once free agency opens…”"
An example of these differing rumors is no more evident than today’s buzz about Miami Dolphins running back, Reggie Bush. According to today’s Monday Morning Quarterback piece on SI.com, as reported by Zac Snyder on The SideLion Report, Peter King offered the following analysis:
"“Arizona wants a running back, one NFC West source told me. It’s probably too rich for their blood, and I think he’ll end up with Detroit, but Reggie Bush is the perfect back for that offense.”"
However a differing rumor comes from Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. On Twitter today, Kelly hinted that the Broncos are the leaders in the clubhouse for Bush’s service. Either way, it appears certain that he is taking his talents to anywhere but South Beach.
So after all of the dust settles, the one thing we can say for certain is that we certainly don’t know who will end where. My suggestion is to sit back, relax , and enjoy the ride sure to be created by the vacuum of the first day of NFL free agency.
Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.