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Bowlen keeps an eye on Elam negotiations

Kicker's possible exit could spark an intervention

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published March 18, 2008 at 5:22 p.m.

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It's rare Broncos owner Pat Bowlen gets personally involved in negotiations. That's why he hires personnel people.

But, in rare cases, he does step forward.

Safety John Lynch, a team captain, was one notable example last month. Bowlen personally intervened and helped talk Lynch out of leaving despite having to take a pay cut.

So with free-agent kicker Jason Elam scheduled to visit the Atlanta Falcons today and Thursday, the owner was asked whether he might get involved again, particularly if the scenario appeared likely he would be losing a player who has been splitting uprights with regularity for the franchise for the past 15 years.

"I've watched it. I haven't said anything to anybody . . . ," Bowlen said. "I'm sure our football people are watching that closely. But I can't really give you a really good answer to that question."

But Bowlen admitted the Lynch case is an apt comparison: "I think there are some parallel scenarios there."

It might take some outside involvement to maintain the status quo because the direction of Elam's negotiations appears to be heading more toward an exit than a return.

Negotiations are at a standstill with the Broncos. The Falcons are serious about upgrading their kicking game, having lacked stability there. And the Falcons wouldn't be courting the kicker if they felt they were being used as pawn in contract talks.

Elam made $2.2 million in base salary in the final year of his deal in 2007, when he made 27 of 31 field-goal attempts, including four winners.

There's a growing feeling that, while loyalty should be a consideration, there's a business element that's just as important and might ultimately win out.

WINDOW SHOPPING: The Broncos today will host center Casey Wiegmann, a starter for Kansas City since 2001 who wasn't retained as a free agent in the Chiefs' offseason youth movement.

Wiegmann, 34, would help provide some insurance for the Broncos on the interior line with the sign-and-trade Monday of Chris Myers to the Houston Texans.

Wiegmann isn't considered a mauler but physically appears to fit the Broncos' zone-blocking mold at 6-foot-2, 285 pounds. He has the quickness and ability to work off combination blocks and get to linebackers in the run game and also has a deep knowledge of opposing linemen and schemes as a 12-year NFL veteran.

The Broncos' only other experienced pivot behind starter Tom Nalen is guard Ben Hamilton, who's coming off post-concussion issues that kept him out the entire 2007 season.

JETS LINEMAN INTRIGUES: The Broncos mainly are focusing on the draft but remain intrigued by the potential acquisition of New York Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, though no deal appears imminent.

The situation is complicated by Robertson's knee issues, which necessitated a recent visit to Denver for a full checkup, and by trade compensation levels and financial outlay. Robinson is due a $3 million roster bonus in June and has two years worth $18.8 million left on his contract.

Comments

  • March 18, 2008

    5:46 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jlcampbelldenver writes:

    If they lose Elam after all their other bungled deals, I will not support them at all.I will officially be thru with the Donkeys.

  • March 18, 2008

    6:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    danglybanging writes:

    No you won't. You will be the driver of the bandwagon saying " I told you so.."

  • March 18, 2008

    7:09 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    filmjay2k writes:

    Anyone who would post a reference to the Broncos franchise as "donkeys" isn't a fan and is not supporting the team now. I'm sure losing that guy will not make a big impact on ticket and jersey sales for the franchise. Go Broncos!

  • March 18, 2008

    8:37 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Spidey writes:

    Why jump off bandwagon even tho it's just ONE player??? If Pat Bowlen wanna keep him, that's ok with me. If not, it's ok with me. Right now, it's kinda hard to find a better kicker. Let alone try to find one to complete with Elam.

  • March 18, 2008

    9:07 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    uva074 writes:

    Oh come on I love Elam and everything he's done for the franchise but when he can no longer kick off and he's getting paid buckets load and then we need someone else too? Come on, enough is enough. In free agency theirs rob bironas and john carney two notable guys and theirs at least two good legs in this draft all four of these guys come at one decent price and fulfill two needs. Can you imagine bironas in mile high kicking like 70 yarders, Guy's golden.
    But best wishes to Elam (he'll be missed or i'll be happy to see him back; providing a pay cut), and I'll always wear blue and orange and if Elam had heart, he would too!
    GO BRONCOS!!!

  • March 18, 2008

    10:31 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    climber4life writes:

    can i have your season tickets?

  • March 18, 2008

    10:57 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    firstfan writes:

    You can't deny the ice in his veins, but you must recoginize that by signing Elam you are eating two roster slots. One of those could have been used to keep Myers as an expensive back up.

  • March 18, 2008

    11 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    DenverGold writes:

    The Broncos situation is like a washing machine...it goes round and round and creates lots of suds...but do the clothes come out clean? All this upheaval in the organization makes me proud I put MONEY on teams like the Colts. I'd like to see the Broncos in the upper tier of playoff football someday again...at least in my life time.

  • March 19, 2008

    2:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Hazardous_T writes:

    When it comes to scoring points Elam is money and he has been a great member of our community.
    I hope the Broncos can work a deal to keep him and find a punter who can kickoff. That eliminates the need for an extra roster spot. Just because Saurbraun was a flake doesn't mean the theory is flawed.
    Whatever the outcome I have a great deal of respect for Elam and wish him well.

  • March 19, 2008

    2:52 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    jeeks99 writes:

    yeah he's old, but who's kicked 27 of 30 and a long of 63 yards over all (record I think).

  • March 19, 2008

    6:14 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brent writes:

    Does anyone remember that the reason he had an opportunity to kick game winning field goals at the end of games is because he missed multiple kicks earlier in those same games? He's been great for the team, but every player's time passes.

  • March 19, 2008

    7:13 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dbworks69 writes:

    OK, I've been a die hard Broncos fan as far back as I can remember and I refer to them as the Donkeys all the time, so that makes me less of a fan? That's nonsense....and actually, the fact that I have stood by them through every up and down without ever wavering means I can call them whatever I want too becasue it doesn't change the fact that I bleed Orange and Blue year after year! As for the Elam thing, time to move in a new direction I think. He's lights out from 35 yards in and he was one fo the few bright spots from last year but that fact that he is losing accuracy from outside 35 yards and that we have to carry either a punter that can kick off or even a kick off specialist(waste of a roster spot) is proof posotive that it's time to move in

  • March 19, 2008

    7:46 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    SiquePupi writes:

    I am so sick of the whining idiots in these posts, constantly complaining about how horrible the broncos are, how hard it is to root for this team, how stupid Shanahan is. The Broncos have had 3 losing seasons in the last 17 years. & have finished in 1st or 2nd place in 9 of the last 12 seasons. Go root for the Cardinals or Lions who have not had a winning season between them in 7 years, at least then your chronic complaining will be justified. The broncos will right the ship after our string of 1 losing season to compete for the division again this year, so stop your crying.

  • March 19, 2008

    8:16 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    sharkcub writes:

    Elam's been great but let's move on. Kickers are a dime a dozen. Draft a young leg who can kick off too - I'm so frustrated seeing the other team's kicker consistently kick off through the end zone and then our kickoff specialist du jour barely get it to the ten-yard line. Use the money to shore up the O-Line. I was recently rewatching the Broncos-Packers Super Bowl - our line was scary good. And it had nothing to do with "scheme" - it was all about talent.

  • March 19, 2008

    8:36 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    waytoolongemailaddress writes:

    DenverGold,
    You know you might do good to remember that the colts are good now because the were so horrible for a long enough stretch the could draft guys like Peyton manning, marvin Harrison, Dwight Freeney Ect, all with picks higher then the broncos have even had in 10 years... most of you idiots dont put everything into consideration. Oh and elam was too old 2 years ago, we already hung on 1 year too long (could have drafted Mason Crosby last year) in todays NFL all of the kickers would have a great percentage if they only had to kick 35 yards and in...

    Siquepupi, well put and thank you

  • March 19, 2008

    10:53 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brockage writes:

    This is hilarious -- the one guy who saves Shanahan's skin in more than one game just this past season alone -- is ON THE BUBBLE. Jeez, what are they drinking out there in Dove Valley.

    They're nickel and diming the wrong guy.

  • March 19, 2008

    10:57 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    mmurphypci writes:

    Bowlen is leading the Broncos to where we were in the 1960's!

  • March 19, 2008

    11:31 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    LarryB writes:

    As for people who will abandon their loyalties to the Broncos because of player negotiations, I hope you do leave. As a fan who saw their first game on September 9, 1960, then suffered through FOURTEEN (14) straight years of losing seasons, I cannot stand bandwagon fans. Go. Let us be through with you.

    Having said that, I will be very upset if the Broncos allow Elam to slip through their fingers. Without him last year, they might have been, what, maybe 4-12? As Brockage said, they're nickel and diming the wrong player.

  • March 19, 2008

    11:34 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    T1anda writes:

    Good luck Jason Elam whether you go or stay!! What a great run he has had with the Broncos!!!!

  • March 19, 2008

    2:04 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    mrfxx writes:

    I am surprised to see the number of posts referencing Jason's inability to kick off - even at Mile Hi - as if that were something new. I can't remember the last YEAR he kicked off. Does anyone else recall Tom Rouen taking over that responsibility in addition to early in Jason's career (not to mention being the placeholder)?

    I'll take Jason's accuracy at placekicking almost any day - at least any day he's healthy, although he does seem to be susceptible to groin/hamstring injuries the last couple of seasons - is that why Shanahan is being so firm about the amount he is willing to pay? And no, I am not a Shanahan apologist, but even a broken clock is right twice a day.

  • March 19, 2008

    3:21 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RustyWon writes:

    Elam is money when the game is on the line. He'll be back.
    Believe me, you all aren't going to worry about how far he can kick off when we need a 43 yarder with .02 left to win the game.

    I was at the Jax game when he hit from 63.
    That was a special moment (said in the Bill Cowher sniffle)
    Elam's kick was actually about a foot (no pun intended) longer than Tom Dempsey's back in 1970, but they are both listed as 63 yards.

    My question has always been why can't we get one of the linebackers to kick off? One of those big guys should be able to kick the crap out of a football.

  • March 19, 2008

    5:28 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    AKuser writes:

    Elam is great Bronco and as clutch as they come but it is time to move on. He cant kick off as others have noted so they must carry 3 kickers or only consider punters who can also kick off. He cant hit from 50 hence all the 4th down plays last year from the 35. He also is widely credited for those game winners last year but as Brent noted his earlier misses lead to the game winning opportunities is 2 of those games. Might as well deal with the transition now instead of dealing with it next off season and save those $'s for Dumerville, DJ Williams, Brandon Marshall & Schef's new contracts.

  • March 19, 2008

    6:40 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    kameron804 writes:

    This guy calling us the "donkeys" is an idiot. Apparently he isn't true to anything and needs to get a life. Truthfully you sound like one of those fake a** raider fans go join there club loser. I'm with my BRONCOS with or without Elam. GO DENVER!!!!!!

  • March 21, 2008

    1:14 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    FireShanahan writes:

    Chaos Is Reigning at Dove Valley!!!
    Consider the facts:
    * Mike Shanahan has won ONE playoff game in the last 10 years.
    * The Broncos have gone two straight seasons without making the playoffs
    * Since John Elway retired, the Broncos have only had four seasons with 10-or –more wins
    How do the Broncos respond?
    - First, let’s fire the GM and promote Shanahan to oversee his position
    - Second, let’s fire eight non-football related positions, including a 13-year employee in PR man Paul Kirk, 20+ year employee Pamela Krotchko and website manager Andrew Mason.
    Contrary to a local newspaper writer’s opinion, money is not tight at Dove Valley. While most fans could careless about the front office folks, as winning is their only concern, I can guarantee you that the franchise is not hurting for money. To publically say the recent staff reductions were budget cuts is ludicrous. On the very high-end, these eight employees made $900,000 total, for all eight employees combined annually -- a far cry from bankrupting a multiple million dollar entity. Consider the sell-outs, the television money and the licensee deals; this franchise does not have financial issues, PERIOD.
    Who do I blame? Mike Shanahan. He certainly is not pinching pennies to help the loyal employees within the organization, who have personally sacrificed.
    * Shanahan recently sold his Cherry Hills home for $16 million and recently broke ground on a new home rumored to be 30,000 square foot mansion. What could he possibly need this big of house for, perhaps his ego?
    * Shanahan elects to stand behind a multiple drug offender in rookie defensive tackle Marcus Thomas, versus loyal and dedicated employees. The shady Shanahan has a proven track record of trying to win at all costs (circumventing the salary cap is just one example) and is no different than the Patriots recent video taping scandal.
    Questions to consider………..
    * Is Shanahan turning into a Dan Reeves, a coach who wanted all the power?

    * Is it time for Shanahan’s free pass to expire? How long can a Super Bowl win that occurred 10 years ago continue to offer job security?

    If I’m in charge, I’d have Bill Cowher on my speed dial immediately. In Cowher’s last 10 seasons, he had eight playoffs wins…. Wake up Broncos, you’ve released the wrong employees!

  • March 24, 2008

    12:07 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Disgusted_in_Denver writes:

    Way to keep an "eye" on the scenario Bowlen. Maybe the article's title should have read, Bowlen keeps an eye on another digustingly ugly fur coat. Funny thing is he won't be using it anytime soon during the chilly playoff season. His proud franchise will be watching from home and his GM/Coach/Tyrant will be firing the next round of coaches and "taking the blame" for another below .500 season. This organization makes me ill!