Myers mixed on trade to Texans
Denver acquires sixth-round pick for center-guard
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact), Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published March 17, 2008 at 1:37 p.m.
Photo by Matt McClain
The Broncos worked out a four-year, $11 million deal, including $3 million in guaranteed money, with Chris Myers, then traded the offensive lineman to the Houston Texans.
There are a lot of ways Chris Myers could look at his departure from the Broncos in a sign-and-trade deal Monday.
And that's just how the restricted free agent is viewing his acquisition by the Houston Texans - from several angles.
"It's definitely big-time bittersweet," said Myers, who signed a four-year, $11 million contract with $3 million in guaranteed money in the deal, which then netted the Broncos a sixth-round pick.
"I didn't want to leave Denver," he added. "But in this case, it happened where things worked in my favor and didn't work out where Denver could pick up a multiyear deal and Houston could. (The Texans) need a center, and I fit their scheme. So things worked out."
Myers was given the low restricted free-agent tender offer last month of $927,000, meaning any team signing him would have to pay only his original, sixth-round draft round compensation if the Broncos declined to match.
Houston could have gotten the center-guard's signature on an offer sheet and waited a week for Denver's decision whether to OK the financial terms.
Instead, negotiations were hastened and the trade hammered out.
From Denver's side, the deal fills the sixth-round vacancy created when the Broncos acquired defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy from the St. Louis Rams last year.
The Broncos now have nine picks at their disposal: single selections in the first, second and sixth rounds and two each in the fourth, fifth and seventh. The team dealt its third-rounder to move up to draft defensive tackle Marcus Thomas last year.
It also means the team is comfortable with Ben Hamilton's return from a concussion, considering he's not only the potential starter at left guard but Tom Nalen's backup at center.
VISIT A COINCIDENCE? Julius Peppers might have taken in the Nuggets' record-setting performance at the Pepsi Center on Sunday, but a Carolina Panthers spokesman again debunked trade rumors swirling around the three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Peppers, who is set to enter the final year of a contract that will count a whopping $15.6 million against the Panthers' salary cap in 2008, sat courtside for the Nuggets' 168-116 win against the Seattle SuperSonics.
Panthers general manager Marty Hurney was on the road for some of the long list of pre-draft pro days going on, but a team spokesman said Hurney consistently has been on record as saying Peppers is not being shopped for a trade.
Agent Carl Carey could not be reached for comment about Peppers, who is under contract and can't speak with or visit, another team without permission.
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March 17, 2008
2:08 p.m.
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mmorg17 writes:
Why? Isn't he worth at least what Keary Colbert got? I have always been a believer in Shanahan but, who will we get in the sixth round that is worth Chris Myers. The only exception, if we pick up Dewayne Robertson and their fifth for this extra pick and a fourth next year. Would love to have Julius Peppers hope we do trade for him, maybe for Moss and a low pick?
March 17, 2008
3:11 p.m.
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AWM writes:
I'm afraid Shanahan is loosing it! Nalen is great, but he's getting old & Injury prone!
March 17, 2008
3:12 p.m.
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GStapleton8 writes:
Huh???? We are already thin on the O-line, and now we trade a relatively young player with starting experience?? We already need a left tackle, Hamilton is one head bonk away from retirement, and Nalen is 36 and coming off an injury. I smell another 8-8ish season, but hopefully it will be Shanahan's last one.
March 17, 2008
3:29 p.m.
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xbfan writes:
This does sound kind of screwy. I thought the offensive line was going to need some bolstering up. Maybe Shanahan is planning on bringing over the entire O-line from Cleveland.
March 17, 2008
3:47 p.m.
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Denver81 writes:
Just don't get bunched up about this yet, it is possible that Shanny is off his rocker, but I doubt it. I still think there is a chance we will be making some major changes on our O line, like maybe going bigger, and if we can pick up some extra draft options to do that with, well that sounds good to me.
We want to protect Cutler now, not just run the ball, Myers had starting experience but he wasn't THAT guy, there are however still some free agents and a lot of prospective draft picks that ARE.
If I am wrong and we just gave up a good guy for the system we currently run, then shame on Shanny. but lets give it some time before we pass that judgment
March 17, 2008
3:48 p.m.
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Pigskin writes:
Maybe Shanahan realizes he needs to start using more draft choices on O-linemen who have a little more strength and ballast. Maybe guys who can drive block and pass protect.
So maybe he's collecting more choices to make moves that'll net him these players.
And maybe I'll win the lottery.
March 17, 2008
4:04 p.m.
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benn writes:
oops
March 17, 2008
4:42 p.m.
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BroncoRick69 writes:
Heh I was thinking he probably is trying to build through the draft....especially the offensive line, but ya never know, he may be stockpiling picks to trade up in the draft.
March 17, 2008
5:11 p.m.
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Broncos4Life writes:
I think that Pigskin nailed it on the head! The O-line is a weakness that just got weaker. Good move Shanahan! Let's hope he does something in the draft this year that will have an impact. When I say impact I don't mean on the police blotter either!
March 17, 2008
5:20 p.m.
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Spidey writes:
I have feeling that Broncos might draft Offense lineman in the 1st round and then worry about getting other defense lineman in the 2nd round... maybe that 6th round pick might go with Robertson deal??
March 17, 2008
5:39 p.m.
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lax65 writes:
r u serious?!?!? moss and a low round pick for peppers?!?!? we just drafted moss last year, and now everybody wants to get rid of him. why? cuz he didnt get 15 sacks so now he is a bust after one year? rediculous!! if thats the case we better get rid of crowder and thomas too!! they didnt get 15 sacks either so they must be busts too. oh and cutler didnt throw for 30 touchdowns and 4000 yards so he must be a bust too right?? i swear people need to be patient with our young players. its not like we have been waiting for 4 years for moss to pan out.
March 17, 2008
9:28 p.m.
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foreveraBroncofan writes:
Question. If they let Houston sign him and we choose not to match it we would get a 6th round pick, but my question is this would it be for this year also or next year?
March 17, 2008
10:29 p.m.
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den2mke writes:
Shanahan may have a trade strategy but I wouldn't over-analyze this. This is why teams sign players to qualifying offer sheets: You don't know what the market may be for a player (though, assuredly, the agent is pushing high) and if someone wants to offer big money at least you get compensation.
$4M per is good money for a center and if Houston--who has more immediate need-- was capable of paying it at least all parties got something out of the deal. Nalen's still probably got a year or so left and that kind of money for a backup just doesn't work in today's NFL.If someone offers crazy money for Abdullah and Foxworth they're probably gone too.
While all Broncoland wants results now, could be that Shanahan has decided it better to build through draft for long-term. Hard to argue when you look at how well a team like SD is set up for future. Maybe that had something to do with the Sundquist situation. Surely, the status quo with Ted left something to be desired.
Here's hoping they make the picks count now...
March 17, 2008
11:07 p.m.
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uva074 writes:
alright, i'm pissed as much as the next guy hear. I like Abdullah and Foxy too, but if we can't afford to match their offer then at least we got something for myers. Look at the brightside all you nay sayers, myers was a 6th round pick (so was tom brady) so if we did it once we can do it again. Shanny loose his touch? i don't think so i like what we have got so far in free agency but what we got, we got at good deals (even lynch changed his contract). Under the radar guys. Good safeties, fast linebackers that fit the system three years ago when we went to the AFC championship. Plug in that one big DT to stop the run up the gut like Grady Jackson? or Robertson? or D will be a strong point on our team again after all we have two shut down corners. Deep at safety. Fast linebackers who can cover and tackle and Dumerville the sack machine. Moss is gonna be good and Ekubans right their. When we went three years ago our defense was our strong point. Not taking anything from rod smith but he was our only offense back then. Jake plummer? Ashely lelie? Tatum bell and mike anderson? Jeb Putizer? Ya their all stars now huh?
March 17, 2008
11:20 p.m.
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uva074 writes:
Also i think we should bring in a new offensive coordinater Shanny needs to stick to strategy and game planning. Have someone else calls the plays. i was hoping for his son, but didnt happen. Looks like GM's covered by three guys one (mike lombardi player personal big part of GM's job) they recently brought in i think ted was intimidiated that other people were doing his job. Power struggle and obviously on Shanny's team Ted lost. So they already covered that. But ya good luck to the draft I would love a franchise changer like Dorsey. But Clady or cutlers boy chris williams will do. Dont be suprised if malcom kelly big reciever gets orange and blue. The second round take jeff otah. But i think ryan harris will fit the system just fine (chad musturd is suppose to be decent). As for changing our style of offensive line system why change a running system that has always worked and if we were george foster would still be here. So zone blocking it is. Plus did you ever see the 300 then they were between the two walls. Now thats kinda like the denver zone blocking dont screw with it.
March 18, 2008
6:49 a.m.
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cj1030lee writes:
Are you guys really crying over Myers? Seriously? Who cares... this move isn't gonna make or break the team. He was a 6th rounder and we'll find some one just as good with the 6th round pick.
March 18, 2008
7:36 a.m.
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dcspence writes:
I think we all need to just hold on for a second. Shanahan knows what he's doing. I think that the reason cutler's protection broke down last year was because we have a slim offensive line who are used to running alot of bootleg plays. Last year we basically threw from the pocket, and shanahan knows that the bootleg day is basically over. San Diego's 3-4 scheme shut that down so he's going to try to bring in bigger offensive linemen who can withstand the beating from the shaun rodgers of the world.
Honestly If i were shanahan i would trade back and select the guard/tackle brandon albert from virginia, and then go defensive line in second round like Trevor laws of notre dame, then in the later rounds find another diamond in the rough like brandon marshal.
March 18, 2008
7:54 a.m.
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dcspence writes:
Shanahan understands that hes going in another direction scheme wise, because honestly Kubiak in Houston ran it to a T against us.
We just need to find our own identity and be patient.
As for Julius Peppers I would love to see him in orange and blue but we all know thats not happening. The only way would be to possibly to trade picks with carolina in the first round and give up maybe a second, fourth and a fifth. I would rather keep our picks and our money and develop our own players. Because in the past trading for d-line hasnt been so great(Rice,Kennedy,Warren,Lang,Brown,). We need to get back to Bronco football, stopping the run and running against their defense.
March 18, 2008
2 p.m.
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RustyWon writes:
I'm not sure I understand trading Myers for a 6th unless it was all monetary. Maybe Shanny thinks he can get another Myers in the 6th and that would be less expensive.
Another thing to consider is that if Hamilton is indeed healthy, we would have 2 centers even without Myers.
Maybe he isn't very good as a guard?
More Cheeseburgers is always a good idea.
March 18, 2008
5:14 p.m.
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superchop7 writes:
The draft is deep on o-line, I'm sure that is part of Shanny's thought process.
The two worst guys on the line were Holland and Meyers, it's not like we lost a pro-bowler.
There is alot of value in the third round, we need to stockpile picks to maneuver.
March 18, 2008
10:35 p.m.
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firstfan writes:
Superchop7
You are right on. According to every source I have read, this years' draft is way deep in O line. I am not even sure Myers would be drafted this year. He is a hell of a nice guy and did a yeoman's job for us and I hate to see him go. However, as a first year starter a lot of the pressure Cutler felt came over center/right guard. Shannahan knows a lot more than I do about the new direction we are going.
March 19, 2008
9:46 a.m.
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nb807 writes:
Im really sick and tired of all this crap about shanahan, honestly how many coaches have won back to back superbowls.It was just a few years ago the broncs were in the AFC championship, a couple of bad years does not make shanahan an idiot!!! shanahan knows what he's doing, this team has got a lot of young talented players with star potential, with shanahan at the helm they'll be back in the playoffs in no time.
March 19, 2008
4:36 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
this will be a heavy offensive line draft for the broncos. You all might remember that the great offensive line that blocked for Davis was a bunch of nobodys and a tight end converted to a great left tackle. You guys all amaze me when you act like you can draft a whole team to get you to the superbowl. Maybe if the Broncos had and owner & Head Coach that didnt want to win they would have more Early 1st round picks. The Broncos have had only 2 top five draft spots in 25 years 83 & 91 and aside from the last 4 years have had pick in the high 20's which means they made the playoffs everyone of those years.
Compare that to the colt who have had 5 top 5 draft slot since 93. 4 times since 98 for the great San Diego Chargers and dont forget they trade a few number ones.