Broncos not likely to deal for Robertson
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published April 1, 2008 at 5:37 p.m.
The Broncos still are willing to give defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson a look. But a draft pick is looking too pricey because of Robertson's troublesome knees and Denver might be inclined to wait to see if the New York Jets release the veteran.
As a result, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Tuesday there has been "almost no talk" in recent weeks between the teams and that Robertson already had failed a physical given by the Broncos.
"And whenever a guy fails your physical, it's never good," Shanahan said. "He's a guy that, if you do take, there's going to be some question marks. Because you take a look at his knees - he still played 80 percent of his games - but you are taking a risk."
Beyond the physical is the financial drawback. Robertson, due a $3 million roster bonus in June, has been unwilling to renegotiate a deal that will pay him $18.9 million in base salary in the two remaining years.
Robertson has a bone-on-bone condition in one of his knees, which earlier this month caused Cincinnati to back out of a trade that had been contingent on him passing a physical.
DEFENSIVE EARPIECES APPROVED: The proposal to allow a defensive player to wear a coach-to-player communication device was approved by the league's franchise owners 25-7. It takes 24 "yes" votes for any measure to be approved.
Green Bay, Oakland, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington - each has a coach with an offensive background - voted against the measure.
Shanahan called it a "great idea."
One defensive player will have the device in his helmet. If that player leaves the field because of substitution or injury, another player designated before the game can go to the sideline and get a helmet with the earpiece in it.
Two players wearing helmets with the earpiece cannot be on the field at the same time.
Linebacker D.J. Williams, who is on the field for virtually all defensive snaps, and cornerback Champ Bailey would be the Broncos' candidates to wear the earpieces.
ETC.: Owners today will vote on several potential rules changes, including one to reseed the teams in the postseason below the top two in each conference. Shanahan said he would be in favor of leaving things the way they are - all division winners get at least one home game - but that he would listen to the arguments. . . . A measure to require players to tuck long hair into their helmets was tabled until the league meeting in May. . . . The Broncos' Erik Pears, a starter at right tackle last season, was one of the top earners in the league's performance-based pay bonus program. Pears earned a $255,454 bonus for the 2007 season - the 12th-highest total. The bonus program was created for players with lower contracts who end up becoming starters. It's based on percentage of snaps played.
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April 1, 2008
5:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
cutlerscrew writes:
I LOVE IT!!!!! its only fair the defense has this option it all but eliminate sthe possibility of another "spygate" and moves the game along,helps reduce miscues and penalties.i say great job now vote to reduce ticket prices so i can start going to bronco games again!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol broncos return to afc west dominance-12-4
April 1, 2008
6:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
Pigskin writes:
Robertson costs a ton of money, has injury issues, and you'd have to cough-up a pick or two to get him.
Sounds like a textbook Shanahan move. I wonder why the deal wasn't done weeks ago.
Though I'm glad it wasn't.
April 1, 2008
7:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
Broncos4Life writes:
Bone on bone? The guy already it getting his name stenciled on injured reserve. Don't waste money and draft picks on this guy!
April 2, 2008
4:59 a.m.
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mrcoops writes:
Jets fan here. Robertson's injury concerns are completely overblown. They guy has missed only a handful of games during his career, and they were for an unrelated injury. His knee issue was known when he was drafted, yet he has been a 5 year starter who hardly ever leaves the field.
Interesting how each of the teams who are alleged to be interested - Broncos, Bengals, Panthers, Lions etc - seem to want to sign him anyway if he is cut. So it seems they all agree he IS healthy enough to play...hardly a surprise since he hasn't missed a game for 2 years, and has started well over 90% of Jets games (not 80% as Shanny claims) over the last 5 years.
Whoever gets Robertson - even if it costs them some mid-level picks - will be getting a steal. The guy is big, young (26) and talented. He stays in the field and he produces, especially in a 4-3 scheme which allows him to shoot the gaps. He's just been a square peg in a round hole as a NT in the Jets' 3-4 scheme, which is a waste of his undoubted talents.
April 2, 2008
9 a.m.
Suggest removal
cmcray1 writes:
Pick him up as a free agent. The price tag will be less, and he wont cost picks. If someone eelse is willing to pay him the big dough, let them. That is the kind of cap responsability the Broncs need. remember that they have supposedly quit the "big name players in any condition for any price" game.
April 2, 2008
9:17 a.m.
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hdfresh writes:
The only problem I see with picking up Robertson is although he has not missed many games since drafted, he will definately be a risk due to his bone-on-bone condition not to mention the fact he failed his physical with 2 different teams. Football is a rough sport, many healthy players get injured all the time so there is no time in telling on if his knees are going to give out. If that happens then we are left with dead weight.
April 2, 2008
12:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
UncleBuck writes:
Did you not read the article Pigskin? The deal was not done because A) He failed a physical B) He is unwilling to renegotiate his salary and C) The Jets may eventually release him.
April 3, 2008
11:50 a.m.
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bwall19 writes:
Let's NOT pick up another Javon Walker! Expensive pine-rider!
April 3, 2008
7:35 p.m.
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Pigskin writes:
UncleBuck: Yes, I read the article AND your skillful synopsis.
And I'll stand by my response.
Thanks, though.
April 4, 2008
4:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
Apophus writes:
Keep in mind that teams will look for and find even the smallest thing if it means they will fail a physical. If a guy fails a teams physical, the bidding takes a turn and the bidding team can drive down the asking price. its no different than going to a used car lot, finding the car you like, and using every flaw about it to haggle the price downward (if you don't do this in looking for a car, you're an idiot haha). Even if other teams are in the bidding... the price is still lower than what it would be if he were in excellent playing shape.