Good Morning, Broncos fans! Let's again get caught up on where things stand with Charles Woodson.
The 36-year-old visited Dove Valley on Wednesday, meeting with players, coaches, and of course, front-office folks. He left without a contract, but Mike Klis characterizes the Broncos as being the likely favorites to procure Woodson's services.
Vic Lombardi thinks their chances are pretty good, but he hears that Woodson is seeking a two-year deal.
Is that a problem? Well, it could be, if it means he's looking for guarantees that extend into that second year. If it's a two-year deal in name only, meaning one that contains no guarantees in the second year, then who cares?
According to Mike Klis, Charles Woodson's visit to Dove Valley ended with no contract agreement. However, both Klis and Vic Lombardi seem to think this story isn't over yet:
All things quiet on the Broncos front, which means they're probably negotiating a deal right now.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) May 15, 2013
Osweiler Taking Command in Year Two
www.denverbroncos.com
“I can see him taking another step as far as his command of the offense—him being able to communicate with guys as far as, ‘Hey, this is what I need from you here,’” Gase said. “You can see him kind of working that way already on the field. When you’re a young guy, there are a lot of things going on, and he’s eliminated, ‘Well, is this guy supposed to be lined up here? Is this guy motioning?’ He’s not doing that anymore. It’s quicker for him. If somebody screwed up this year, he can fix it, and I think he’s taken a big step this year so far in Phase Two (of the club’s offseason conditioning program).”
Not that there's anything wrong with guys who do that...
Oakland Raiders sign receiver/returner Josh Cribbs
www.contracostatimes.com
Cribbs, who turns 30 on June 9, spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, where he developed into one of the game’s most productive kick and punt returners.
His eight kick returns for touchdowns are tied for the most in NFL history. He also amassed 1,914 yards and nine touchdowns rushing and receiving for the Browns.
Reggie McKenzie continues to make wise decisions; anyone else missing Al Davis right about now?
Oh yeah, and this signing is a perfect reminder of why special teams ace David Bruton is so vital to the Broncos' sustained success.
Chiefs’ Dwayne Bowe: ‘I’m going to lead the league in receptions’
www.kansascity.com
“(Jamaal Charles) is going to lead the league in rushing this year,” he said, “and I’m going to lead the league in receptions and touchdowns.
“When we get in full gear and pads and close to the season, it’s going to be a show to watch.”
That's fine, Dwayne - the two of you may very well rack up some nice stats this season. Meanwhile, your team will win maybe seven or eight games, and the Broncos will win twelve or thirteen.
Which would you rather have?
Charles Woodson meeting with Broncos; defensive back has other suitors
www.denverpost.com
Although the Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers also are interested in signing the versatile defensive back, the Broncos likely are the leading candidate for Woodson because they have the best chance to win a Super Bowl this season.
An opportunity to win a second Super Bowl ring, not money, is the primary objective for Woodson, who turns 37 in October.
...
He has struggled with shoulder injuries since breaking his collarbone in Green Bay’s Super Bowl victory in 2011, but he is healthy now.
If the ring's the thing, then this apparent choice for Chuck Wood is a no-brainer, isn't it?
Rolando McClain informs Ravens that he will retire
www.baltimoresun.com
McClain, who was taken eighth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2010 draft, is just 23 years old but off-the-field issues have marred his NFL career. Released by the Raiders earlier this offseason, McClain was arrested April 21 in Decatur, Ala., just 10 days after he signed with the Ravens, a team willing to give him another shot.
His third arrest in a little over 16 months, McClain was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He allegedly yelled an expletive at police officers after they responded to a disturbance at Pines Park.
You'll recall that in the months leading up to the 2010 Draft, the talk the Broncos would draft McClain--even move up to get him--was busier than an Oakland police blotter. Incidentally, that's where McClain went. At the time, the debate centered around McClain's alleged Crohn's disease and his off-the-field behavior. It's hard to say if either figured in McClain's decision, but 23 is about as young as it gets for NFL retirement. Columnist Monte Poole believes McClain's heart was never really in football.
The Broncos, for their part, ended up taking Demaryius Thomas with pick #22, then traded back into the first round to draft their most controversial pick in team history, Tim Tebow at #25.
The 50 highest-earning American athletes - 2013 Fortunate 50
sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Manning’s salary suddenly pales in comparison with Brees’s (and with the new ones signed by Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers), but he remains football’s biggest endorser and one of the most marketable athletes in American sports: Reebok, Wheaties, DirecTV, Gatorade, Papa John’s and Buick all see the 37-year-old QB as a sure-thing investment.
Thanks to his $37M signing bonus, Drew Brees is the only NFLer above Manning on SI's list. FWIW, their contracts are very similar, with Manning's $19.2M AAV just a shade under Brees's $20M figure.
But in terms of endorsements, PMFM's $13M haul from 2012 dwarfs the $7.8M number drawn by Brees.
I'd like to take a moment to address some comments from my piece two weeks ago on Denver first-rounder Sylvester Williams.
Broncos777 talked about what had struck him while considering Sylvester Williams (emphasis mine):
Sylvester has a great story. Elway's emphasis on chemistry in the locker room is going to pay off for a long time. Sylvester's experience reminds me of a story a friend from San Diego whose parents had immigrated from Mexico once told me. He said that his parents took him once to the village where they were from and he came back with straight A's!
