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Broncos land ex-Chief center Wiegmann

Veteran provides depth on interior line

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published March 20, 2008 at 9:33 a.m.

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Casey Wiegmann started 111 of 112 games with the Chiefs but was cut loose as part of Kansas City's ongoing youth movement under coach Herm Edwards.

Photo by Jamie Squire / Getty Images

Casey Wiegmann started 111 of 112 games with the Chiefs but was cut loose as part of Kansas City's ongoing youth movement under coach Herm Edwards.

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The Broncos fortified their interior offensive line Thursday, agreeing to terms with free agent Casey Wiegmann on a two-year deal.

Wiegmann (6-feet-2, 285 pounds) is expected to serve as Tom Nalen's primary reserve at center and might also help out at guard. His acquisition will counterbalance the loss of backup Chris Myers in a sign-and-trade with the Houston Texans this week.

Denver also re-signed fullback Cecil Sapp to a one-year, $645,000 contract.

Since 2001, Wiegmann, 34, started 111 of 112 games with the Chiefs, but his effectiveness was dulled when Herm Edwards entered as their coach and switched from a movement-oriented run attack up front to a more power-based offense.

Like Myers before him, Wiegmann struggles playing nose tackles head-up and is better when opponents employ a split front where his quickness and athleticism can come into play, allowing him a cleaner path to linebackers on the second level.

Wiegmann was an unrestricted free agent. Kansas City opted not to retain him as part of its youth movement this offseason.

But his athleticism and toughness appear to match well with Denver's zone- blocking system.

In total, Wiegmann has played in 163 career games in 12 years. He broke into the league with the Indianapolis Colts in 1996 before joining the New York Jets (1996-97) and Chicago Bears (1997-2000) before signing with Kansas City.

Sapp, meanwhile, has been with the Broncos since 2003, when he joined the team as a free agent out of Colorado State, and he'll return for a sixth season.

He is among the team's core special- teams players, having made 20 career tackles on those units. Sapp also accounted for 110 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns in addition to his lead-blocking chores in '07.

Sapp, 29, joins defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban and tight end Nate Jackson as in-house free agents choosing to return to the Broncos.

Denver is awaiting word on whether kicker Jason Elam will remain or jump to the Atlanta Falcons.

Elam on Thursday ended his two-day visit in Georgia and has a decision to make about his future.

rasizerl@RockyMountainNews.com

Comments

  • March 20, 2008

    9:59 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    myerda00 writes:

    OK Shanahan, Wiegmann better not cost more than $927,000 / yr. because it was stated that the Broncos could not pay Myers $2.7 mil / yr because that is starter money. KC paid Wiegmann $2.6 mil last year.

  • March 20, 2008

    10:42 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    kmonty writes:

    Closer to 1.5 mil / year.

  • March 20, 2008

    11:22 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    Fantastic! Bring in a 35 year old, to back up Two Guys who had Season Ending Surgery last year. Let the Young guy go to Houston......... bRiLLiAnT!!!!

  • March 20, 2008

    noon

    Suggest removal

    Cutler6 writes:

    Common everyone, it doesn't mention that Wiegmann has any injuries, and he has started 111 games in the NFL, lets not get to caught up in Meyer's and adequate back up but nothing more see record last year (7-9). With bronco fans one minute it's lets get veteran leadership the next it is lets get younger. Right now it is pretty balanced out which it should be.

    Probable starting offensive line next year:

    Harris 2yr exp. LT
    Hamilton 8 yrs exp. Guard
    Nalen 12 years exp. Center
    Kuper/Hollnad 3yrs/5yrs expierence Guard
    Kuper/Pears 3yrs/5yrs exp. RT

    pretty balanced

  • March 20, 2008

    12:15 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    firstfan writes:

    Cutler6
    I think that is a pretty good guess at the starting line. I would think Kuper would fit better at left guard and Hamilton at right, but both can go either place. Henry running behinf Kuper/Harris should get the two yards necessary to get into the end zone that we missed last year. I think this is a pretty solid line.

  • March 20, 2008

    12:17 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    broncoinSeattle writes:

    Great pickup! Reports are that he has a two year deal worth 3 million. If this is right, awesome deal for us. His experience and style is just what we need. A few years ago before Herm went to the chiefs KC's online was THE best line in the league hands down, for running, look and Preist's and Larry's numbers!!!!!!!! Weigmann was the anchor calling the plays for the OLine during that time. There are also reports that he can play guard as well. Experience, prices and player type, plus an extra 6 rounder, plus a couple mill in cap space...COME ONE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No more whinning, a tone on the same report on DenverPost.

  • March 20, 2008

    1:37 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Wizard_of_Id writes:

    Wonder who mikey can blame this one on. Trading a RFA for a 6th who is cheap and knows the system, who would be here for another two years for a 35 YO veteran that needs to learn the system and most likely will not be here more than 2 years..

    Lets just hope you got a better deal on this skell than you had for Meyers..

    YO Pat mikey can't blame this FUBAR on Ted, he is gone. You can start your search for either a real GM or a new HC real soon. The DAFT coming up should be the clincher IMO.

  • March 20, 2008

    2:15 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Spidey writes:

    No worries there...I just moved to Houston last October to reunite with my wife after spent over 2 1/2 years (lived in Colorado for over 36 years) in two separate households (due to my school, work and dealing with condo problems). I'm still remain a biggie Bronco fan and enjoying watching Texans play with Kubiak's reins. It's almost like "tale of two cities" LOL

  • March 20, 2008

    6:30 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Broncos4Life writes:

    Wow the guys only 34? I guess that means the "youth movement" has officially begun! The Broncos need a coach and a GM. Right now we have one guy doing two jobs and he's not doing either one very effectively. They spent all this time trying to save money for a guy that's almost as old as the center?

  • March 20, 2008

    8:18 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brain writes:

    For the money we should have kept Myers; he has more long term potential and Myers would have been cheaper. At least we did get 6th rounder.

  • March 20, 2008

    8:54 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    waytoolongemailaddress writes:

    what is with this concept that you all seem to think Meyers was some great stud or something? I would rather have a guy like Wiegmann for 2 years then Meyers for 10! Only the local analists with rose colored glasses think meyers was that good. Now if we could just get a 6th rounder for Eric Pears i would be happy, hell i would love a beer and a dog in exchange for Eric Pears. You guys should look back at film from last year, and then go watch what those "old guys" did on film from the broncos super bowl years. Lets not forget that Alex Gibs entire system was built on using older smarter verterans. He used to alway gripe about the young guys.

  • March 21, 2008

    1:06 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 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 employee!

  • March 21, 2008

    4:57 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    wiggytwig writes:

    I cannot count the number of times the Broncos tried to run straight up the middle only to find the opposing DT blowing Myers 6 inches backwards into the backfield and changing or erradicating the running lane. Let's not all drink the kool-aid the media is feeding us on the sad state of Bronco Nation...good things are over the horizon. Seriously, ask yourselves how good the interior running game was last year...that starts with the center and moves outward, so let's all stop romanticizing Myers just because every print writer, internet hack and squacking chatterbox on 104.3 says you should. Wiegmann is nasty, savvy and knows the game well...and can mentor the young-uns here now and inbound (9 picks in the draft? C'mon, you know AT LEAST one will be an interior lineman) alongside Nalen...truly great set up there.

  • March 21, 2008

    5:16 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    ExLakewood writes:

    Some of you must have seen something in Mr. Myers that I didn't. He more often than not got stuffed at the point of attack on running plays and there was way too much penetration up the middle on passing plays from my viewpoint. You may remember that the Broncos couldn't run very well at all between the tackles during the last half of the year. The truth is, I don't believe that Rick Dennison and the coaching staff were very high on Myers, and they didn't think he had much of an upside despite his youth. On the other hand, having watched Wiegmann play over the years, I see him as a huge upgrade. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see him end up starting at right guard if Nalen and Hamilton stay healthy.

    For those of you with long enough memories, go look back at 1995-97 and see what the Broncos did in bringing in offensive linemen with experience. And look at the results.

  • March 21, 2008

    9:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    myerda00 writes:

    Reply to FireShanahan,
    You are a 'glass-half-empty' fan. You see negativity in most issues. Elway had a LOT of help, remember Zimmerman, Nalen, Neil, TD, Sharpe, plus a defense.
    Open your eyes to next year with no cap, Broncos maybe getting ahead of the game. Letting office people go and building a new house have nothing to do with players on the field. Learn football or not post.
    Sometimes I do question Shanahans stance on questionable character players, BUT Thomas is not one. This 22 year old just needs guidance, remember AI was always in trouble in Philly but you have heard nothing about hime in Denver. Age is a how we all learn.

  • March 21, 2008

    9:39 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dougcfoster writes:

    It would have been nice to get more for Myers, but come on people it's not like the guy was a Pro Bowler! I can't believe how pessimistic people are about the Broncos these days. This team isn't as awful as we looked last year. With a good draft, we can be back in contention.

  • March 21, 2008

    2:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cutler6 writes:

    So, FireShanahan, I guess you must know Bill Cowher well, since you are pretty convinced he would accept a coaching vacancy with the Broncos. It's not like Bowlen calls somebody/anybody and says your our next coach. Also, before you jump on the what have you done for me lately band wagon.

    Super Bowl wins

    Cowher 1
    Shanny 2.

  • March 21, 2008

    4:25 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    T1anda writes:

    Superbowl wins

    Cowher 1...and that was the worst officiated Superbowl in recent history...the refs handed that game to Pittsburgh on a silver platter!!! I went to a Steelers blog the very next day and even the Steelers fans agreed and were embarrassed!!!!

    Cowher will more than likely coach in Carolina (near his home) in 2009 if John Fox can't get the Panthers in contention this year.

  • March 21, 2008

    5:01 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brain writes:

    So FireShanahan, wiggytwig, ExLakewood Kubiak got screwed then? I guess Kubiak saw something and was willing to pay more for Myers than the Bronco's were. The Bronco's interior lineman are fine, we have no depth at OT though.

    Before injuries started who was leading the league in rushing after 3 games last season?

  • March 22, 2008

    1:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brain writes:

    BTW, where is Alex Gibbs? Houston!

  • March 23, 2008

    8:26 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    foreveraBroncofan writes:

    It's always the same thing. Everytime it ends up in a bitch session about Shannahan.