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Broncos still search for kicker as Mare chooses Seahawks

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published March 28, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Scratch Olindo Mare off the Broncos' list of potential kickers.

The 11-year veteran finished his visit with the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday by agreeing to terms on a two-year, $3.5 million contract, spurning the Broncos in the process.

The Seahawks had contacted Mare on the first day of the free-agency period when it became apparent they would lose their kicker, Josh Brown, to the St. Louis Rams.

Mare said upon completion of his two-day visit with Denver on Wednesday that he at least owed Seattle a look.

The Broncos entered the Mare sweepstakes much later, having lost Jason Elam in free agency March 21.

It's the second time in two seasons the Broncos have been outbid for a free agent by the Seahawks; defensive end Patrick Kerney headed to the Pacific Northwest last year. But tight end Daniel Graham chose Denver over Seattle.

Mare's signing leaves few veteran options available on the open market for the Broncos to consider. John Carney and Mike Vanderjagt have the longest resumes.

Matt Prater, a young player with a strong leg but little NFL experience kicking field goals, is the only kicker on the Broncos roster.

FINNERTY SIGNS: The Broncos signed quarterback Cullen Finnerty, who spent most of last season on the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad. Finnerty (6-foot-2, 223 pounds) was a four-year starter at Grand Valley State, which won three Division II national titles with him.

Comments

  • March 28, 2008

    6:16 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Broncos4Life writes:

    Sounds like the Patrick Kearney deal all over again. If you want someone to sign, don't let them visit Seattle. Make them a deal they can't pass up. I hope the Broncos are going to make a wise decision in the kicking game, they haev'nt seemed very inspired in their choices so far during the off season.

  • March 28, 2008

    6:30 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    DeimosJB writes:

    Thank you Jesus. The last thing we needed was Mare. This still leaves a gaping hole, but at least there's hope it can be filled with a respectable kicker rather than certainty of signing a worthless kicker.

  • March 28, 2008

    7:33 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    southpaw writes:

    We start scoring touchdowns instead of field goals, a kicker is less of a problem (unless he can't make PAT's). I won't deny that having a clutch field goal kicker is key, but we have so many holes to fill, doesn't make sense to over pay for one position. Maybe we can find someone in the later rounds of the draft. One thing is for sure, the difference between Denver being a contender and not, is NOT a kicker.

    I saw Mare beat the Broncos with a 50+ yarder at home, but his best days are years behind him.

  • March 28, 2008

    8:19 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    jhbronco writes:

    I say make an offer to Tennessee for Rob Bironas and see what happens. He is an RFA with a strong leg. if nothing else, force Tennessee to overpay for a PK.

  • March 28, 2008

    8:19 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    JohnnyBallgame writes:

    Southpaw I could not have said it any better. I say it is time to draft a young kicker to replace elam and move on.

  • March 28, 2008

    9:04 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    UncleBuck writes:

    Very well said southpaw. I don't see any reason a kicker cannot be found in the draft. Vanderjagt would be ok but I am not sure we need another headcase on the team. I am not sure if Carney is still as good as he once was but he was a good kicker. I wonder if he left New Orleans on bad terms when he played there?

  • March 28, 2008

    9:12 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    myerda00 writes:

    What is the difference between Matt Prater and getting a kicker in the draft? Prater has SOME experience. I like the quote 'score red zone touchdowns and field goals are no concern'.
    I also like the quote 'kicker is NOT a big problem for getting back to the playoff's'.
    Relax guys, give our young players a chance.

  • March 28, 2008

    10:01 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Seawen writes:

    Why don't we here any news about Mike Vanderjagt? He's a free agent.

  • March 28, 2008

    11:23 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Patriot writes:

    Vanderjagt dumped all over Peyton Manning, what do you think he would do to Jay Cutler the first time he has a bad game? Look to the draft, and move on, and I agree with Deimos, we didn't need Mare.

  • March 28, 2008

    2:39 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Coltgm writes:

    I agree. Score touchdowns and it does not matter who your kicker is. Find a young player in the Draft and go with him. We need to stick with our young players and let them develop. We will win again!!!

  • March 29, 2008

    1:09 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    broncoman writes:

    Charlie Hebert is a free agent and on the Broncos Radar. Sign him to replace Prader or we will Lose games
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtZVHd...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATNTRk...

    Prader cant perform in the heat of battle. He choked whenever he got the chance
    check out his youtube videos
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cGMc1...