Prater won't be handed kicking job
Vanderjagt has tryout with Broncos
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 04:40 p.m., April 14, 2008
Updated 09:43 p.m., April 14, 2008
Brent Stirton / Getty Images/2006
Mike Vanderjagt has been out of the league since being released by the Cowboys midway through the 2006 season.
He's the most accurate kicker in NFL history.
And he's jobless.
That second designation potentially could change for Mike Vanderjagt after a tryout Monday with the Broncos.
The club still wants competition for untested Matt Prater, and the names don't come any bigger than Vanderjagt, who nearly was automatic on field goals during eight years with the Indianapolis Colts.
But the Broncos also brought into Dove Valley for a tryout former University of New Mexico kicker Kenny Byrd, who was released by the Detroit Lions last summer.
And the Broncos previously had cursory discussions with the agent for veteran John Carney, who still is on the open market. So it's also clear the team is getting the lay of the land in terms of what's available and the financial cost.
The competition theme also holds true at the punter position, where 2007 late-season pick-up Sam Paulescu won't get the job unopposed.
Two-time Pro Bowler Mitch Berger, who finished last season with the Arizona Cardinals, and Danny Baugher, who briefly spent time this spring with the Cincinnati Bengals before his release, also worked out for Denver's personnel department.
But Vanderjagt was the headline name.
He hasn't kicked since the Dallas Cowboys released him midway through the 2006 season. He since has unsuccessfully tried out for the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints. He made 13-of-14 attempts in a workout for the Kansas City Chiefs last week, according to his agent, Gil Scott.
Vanderjagt, 38, has been true on 230-of-266 field goals for an 86.5 percent accuracy rate, including 42 straight in 2003 and 2004.
His tenure in Indianapolis ended after a bad miss in a playoff loss to Pittsburgh. He joined Dallas on a three-year, $5.3 million free-agent contract before getting on then-coach Bill Parcells' bad side.
The kicker's since been out of work.
"We all find it a little bit difficult to understand why when he's been such a good kicker," Scott said. "But, hopefully, there's an opportunity here and he can show what he can do."
TWO-FER? The Broncos agreed to terms with one free- agent receiver and appear to be closing in on another.
Samie Parker, whose deep speed was his biggest asset during four seasons with the Chiefs, will join the Broncos once his agent, Jordan Woy, returns from a trip outside the United States to finalize details.
Parker's best season came as a full-time starter in 2006, when he caught 41 passes for 561 yards and one touchdown.
Even more intriguing, perhaps, is longtime Seattle standout Darrell Jackson could join the Broncos within the week.
Jackson was acquired by San Francisco in April 2007 for a fourth-round pick but struggled through quarterback changes and a new system.
It appears Jackson would like to visit Denver first before making a firm decision but, barring any problems there, should sign.
Among the draws for Jackson is the Broncos offense is akin to a Seahawks attack for whom the receiver had three 1,000-yard seasons and 47 receiving touchdowns from 2000 to 2006.
GETTING READY: Chris Kuper has been watching tape of Matt Lepsis from the 2005 and 2007 seasons to get a jump-start on his likely move from guard to tackle in upcoming camps.
"So if I wind up kicking out, I'll be prepared," Kuper said.
It has been widely rumored the Broncos will select an offensive tackle in a deep draft at the position in a couple weeks.
"It wouldn't surprise me, but it's going to be competition either way," Kuper said, adding he wants to play in the position that gives him the best chance to start, whether at guard or tackle.
"I don't see anybody handed the job. That's not my experience here."
FILLING THE DOCKET: The NFL schedule will be released today. The Broncos already know they'll open at Oakland on Monday Night Football on Sept. 8 but will discover the other 15 game-day assignments.
On Monday, the team's preseason game was finalized.
Denver opens in Houston at 6 p.m. Aug. 9, then hosts games against Dallas (7 p.m. Aug. 16) and Green Bay (7 p.m. Aug. 22). The Broncos close the preseason with a trip to Arizona at 8 p.m. Aug. 29.
ROSTER MOVE: The Broncos released defensive tackle Antwon Burton, who appeared in seven games for the club the past two seasons.
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April 14, 2008
5:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
KalHali writes:
Why is it that the Broncos always seem to play their first game on the road??? 2005: @miami, 2006: @St Louis, and 2007: @Buffalo
April 14, 2008
6:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
aragornzxl writes:
No only is the broncos looking at Vanderjagt, sources are saying that the Broncos "are close to dealing for DE Dewayne Robertson" of the Jets in exchange for a second round DP.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/po...
Also the Broncos are also reportedly close to signing Chief's WR Sammie Parker and/or 49er's Darrell Jackson according to this article.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/po...
I think signing Jackson is an essential, Parker might be good as a consolation signing, but Robertson for a second round DP, i am not so sure. 1st, hes got knee problems and second, hes salary is trouble. the jets are desperate to unload him and I am sure the if they're desperate enough, the Broncos can offer a low round draft pick for him, and not a 2nd rounder. That is just too much of a risk.
April 14, 2008
7:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
MiamiMike writes:
The only way we should get Robertson for a second round pick is if we have it written into the contract that if he does not play a certain percentage of games we get a draft pick next year of some sort. I know Denver keeps signing these guys that are either hurt or have issues off the field. We need to make sure these contracts are worked to cover our money and or draft picks. Sometimes a team can luck out and get a player that might have a red flag but you have to make sure you do what is needed to cover your investment. That seems to be where Denver drops the ball.
April 14, 2008
7:48 p.m.
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dabroncs writes:
The trade for Robertson will be a second day pick - so 3rd round max, 'cept the Broncos sent theirs to Minnesota last year. With two fours and two fives, the Jet's have to be angling for a 4th rounder because they have to cut Robertson soon. Smart money says the Broncos will get him for a fifth round pick. The bigger issue is how big of albatross he'll be on the cap and cash. I'm sure the contract is done, let's hope this isn't too painful. Jimmy Kennedy anyone?
April 14, 2008
8:32 p.m.
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aragornzxl writes:
Im sorry guys, I misread the print.
It said the broncos are negotiating a second day pick, not a second rounder. Second day pick means a fourth rounder or under.
The jets were asking for a second rounder before, but they figured out there were no takers because of Robertson's injury problem and his salary. I think the broncos should do it, although his salary worries me.
April 14, 2008
8:40 p.m.
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Brain writes:
Kuper at LT, is that saying Ryan Harris isn't working out?
April 14, 2008
8:47 p.m.
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Brain writes:
Robinson might not be very valuble with his high salary. Why wouldn't he want to negotiate salary to make a trade happen? Even if we only gave a 7th it still might not be that great if he doesn't pan out and were stuck with salary.
April 14, 2008
8:55 p.m.
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aragornzxl writes:
Broncos have just signed WR Sammie Parker, a former WR for the Chiefs who was bumped by Bowe last season.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_...
I dont really like the signing of Parker. I wished that the Broncos would go after Darrell Jackson, who is a much better WR. However, i mean, i guess Shanahan could just throw in four five recievers during preaseason and watch them battle it out.....
If they also sign Jackson, then Marshall, ya better check your reaview mirror son.
April 14, 2008
9:10 p.m.
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sportsfreak28 writes:
aragornzxl the pick offered for robertson wouldn't be a second round pick it would be a second day. which includes rounds 4-7. I would be in favor of this trade if it was a fifth or later pick but i would need to be assured his knee is good to give up a pick any earlier.
April 15, 2008
8:06 a.m.
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redfive777 writes:
The NFL has changed it's format, the first day is now only rounds 1 and 2. 3 thru 7 are now on day two.
April 15, 2008
8:16 a.m.
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UncleBuck writes:
Denver does not currently have a 3rd round pick so it has to be rounds 4 - 7. They already have a deal in place with the Jets and have also agreed with Robertson on a contract.
April 15, 2008
8:29 a.m.
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Denver81 writes:
couple things to clear up, Robertson is a DT not a DE,something that is much needed in broncoland, and the jets could be getting not just one but TWO late round picks for him, check it out.
http://nyj.scout.com/2/745433.html
April 15, 2008
9 a.m.
Suggest removal
MGD writes:
How much money are the Broncos going to save with these kickers versus Elam?
I wonder if that amount of money is worth it to have such and unknown at such an important position.
April 15, 2008
7:18 p.m.
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trueblue writes:
The Robertson trade is a good idea. He has been productive every year he's played. He has only missed two games while playing for the Jets. He would be a much better DT than a NT which is what he played for the Jets. I wouldn't be too concerned with his knee, because he knows that the Jets will cut him before giving him a large signing bonus which is due prior to the season. Denver will structure his contract to ensure that there's no cap hit if he's cut. Unless we trade back in the draft on 4/26/08, there won't be sufficient value for a DT at our pick. Sedrick Ellis and Glen Dorsey will both be long gone and the next best DT rated to fall in the 20 to 30 picks of round one. The best scenerio is that we trade back and get extra picks to build depth.
May 3, 2008
2:12 a.m.
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RPOPOFF writes:
Vanderjagt has not been signed, sadly, because the NFL is far too political. He has the best stats as a kicker and has not been signed. So what if he occassionally pisses team mates off; they play better angry anyway. Indy fans are lame and can complain all they want about a missed kick; if it wasn’t for Mike the Colts would have never made it that far in the season anyway!
Let the stats speak for themselves and let the Vandys, Owens and other great (sometimes controversial) players play!!!!!!! With the exception of QB, there is no position more nerve-racking and challenging than the K; the QB and K are judged not by their many contributions to their team but by their last play.
Bring Vandy back…we could use the excitement and Denver could use this future Hall of Famer!