Upon completing his visit to Cincinnati, free agent running back Derrick Ward has packed his bags and is headed to Denver to visit with the Broncos. Denver has already signed two running backs, but obviously they have strong interest if they are still bringing him in for a visit.
In addition to Ward, the Broncos are currently courting free agent cornerback Andre’ Goodman, formerly of the Miami Dolphins.
Word on the street is that the Denver Broncos “listened” to offers from both the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Bucanneers for their stud quarterback Jay Cutler. As Henry reported earlier, thank goodness this did not happen. However, Cutler’s reaction raises some question in my mind.
The fact that Cutler “understands this is a business” and if he ends up being traded then “so be it”, is absolutely mind boggling to me. You would think the franchise quarterback would have a bit more security than this.
While it was stupid of the Broncos to say anything but “heck no” to these absurd offers, it is equally as dumb for Cutler to say that he is fine not playing in Denver. That is NOT what your fans want to hear Jay.
There are already questions as to whether the play of Jay Cutler has plateaued, and that his attitude is somewhat nonchalant. This potentially has opened up an entirely new can of worms in my opinion, and if Jay Cutler’s attitude doesn’t change, his days in Denver will be numbered. Not that he cares…If Cutler thought he was under pressure living in John Elway’s shadow, he has another thing coming.
Here’s my take on the situation. Obviously, other NFL teams who are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback are going to inquire as to the availability of your young signal caller. To me, this is going to be a dead situation in the coming weeks. Cutler will settle down, just like he did with the Mike Shanahan news. However, it’s time to grow up, Jay.
The Saints have reportedly re-signed Right Tackle Jon Stinchcomb to a five year deal.
He has started in 48 straight games, after not starting in any during his first three seasons.
Officially the Saints will be able to bring back all 22 starters on Offense and Defense.
The Texans have signed former Arizona Cardinal, Antonio Smith, to a 5 year 35.5 million dollar deal.
He is set to make 24 million dollars combined in his first three years with the team. His guaranteed money is a whopping 12.5 million bucks.
He is expected to be a starter along with three former first round picks: Amobi Okoye, Travis Johnson, and Mario Williams.
According to Schefter, the Denver Broncos were approached by both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions in trade talks for Broncos star quarterback Jay Cutler.
As the Chiefs and Patriots were working out the deal for Matt Cassel, the Lions and Bucs were unaware and believed that they each might still land Cassel.
Tampa approached Denver to try to make a three-way trade that would have sent Cassel to the Broncos and Cutler to the Buccaneers. The Broncos entertained the notion and pondered it but ultimately decided against it.
Then, the Lions approached the Broncos about a trade for Cutler, trying to dangle Cassel as bait. Once again, Denver debated the deal and opted against it apparently.
None the less, Cutler is reported to be very angry that his name was even mentioned in trade talks. The Broncos front office maintains that they only answered phone calls, and had no intention of trading Mr. Cutler
Reports are coming in from Adam Schefter that the Detroit Lions have traded quarterback Jon Kitna to the Dallas Cowboys. Compensation has not been announced.
This deal is an interesting one, as Dallas already owes Detroit their first round pick for receiver Roy E. Williams. It may also mean the end of backup QB Brad Johnson’s career.
According to the Denverpost.com website the Broncos are set to interview free-agent Cornerback, Andre Goodman.
Andre Goodman played in all 16 games last year with the Dolphins. He recorded 39 tackles with 5 interceptions. He is also only 30 years old and has a lot of gas left in the tank.
Denver has been looking for an upgrade at Cornerback since cutting Dre’ Bly a couple weeks back. They are also set to interview Free-Agent Cornerback Bryant McFadden.
As Henry Gula reported earlier, the Broncos have officially signed Brian Dawkins.
The contract is for five years worth 17 million dollars. The guaranteed money is 7.2 million.
Brian Dawkins is 35 and if he plays out his full contract, he will be 40 years old, and likely will retire as a Denver Bronco.
The Detroit Lions have signed former first round pick, Bryant Johnson. He was a first round pick of the Arizona Cardinals back in 2003. Johnson, hasn’t lived up to his potential since his days at Penn State.
He signed with the 49′ers last off-season, after five seasons with the Cardinals. He tallied 546 yards with 3 Touchdowns last season.
Bryant Johnson, will likely compete for a starting job opposite of Calvin johnson.
The Denver Broncos official website reported at 12:05 MST that the Broncos officially reached a deal with free agent safety Brian Dawkins.
There had been rumors and unconfirmed reports swirling all day Friday, but it took until midday Saturday to finalize the deal.
Dawkins is already in Denver and is scheduled for a press conference at 1:30 MST, just over an hour from now (12:24 MST).
Terms of the deal have not been announced, but it is expected to be four to five years and in the neighborhood of $20 million dollars.
Dawkins, despite being 35 and slightly past his defined “prime,” played with true passion during the Eagles’ playoff run in 2008 and is a true leader on defense.
