Denver Broncos News

Champ Bailey still on top of Broncos' salary pile
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March 13
Denver Post
 
"It pays to be the Champ. As Champ Bailey's once-record, seven-year contract with the Broncos enters its final months, the left cornerback on Tuesday collected one more $3 million roster bonus. Running back Knowshon Moreno ($3.775 million), linebacker D.J. Williams ($3 million) and receiver Brandon Stokley ($500,000) were other Broncos players whose bonuses were exercised this week. Bailey's contract has held up through the test of time. Even though NFL salaries have soared since the Broncos negotiated the deal for their star cornerback after his trade from Washington in exchange for running back Clinton Portis before the 2004 season, Bailey will collect $13 million in salary ($9.5 million) ..."
Broncos release LB Andra Davis
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March 12
Denver Post
 
"In what may be the Broncos' most stunning transaction of the offseason, the team released inside linebacker Andra Davis. A starter in 13 of 16 games at the strong inside linebacker position in his first and only season with the Broncos in 2009, Davis said he had just finished a workout at a local 24 Hour Fitness Club when he received the bad-news call from general Brian Xanders. "It was definitely disheartening," Davis said. "But I've been in the game, this is my ninth year, and I've seen a lot of guys get that phone call and get that conversation. I have no ill-feelings towards the Broncos. I wish them the best." After seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Davis became a free agent and ..."
Willie Clark guilty of killing Bronco Darrent Williams
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March 12
Denver Post
 
"The courtroom was silent as the jury filed in, heads bowed. None of the 12 made eye contact with Willie D. Clark at the defense table. One juror began to cry. Then another. When the clerk first said the word "guilty," the mother of the victim, Rosalind Williams, shed tears of her own. They were tears of relief, not sadness. Clark was found guilty of 21 counts, including two of first-degree murder for the killing of Williams' son, Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams. As the verdicts were read, Clark looked at his sobbing sister and family, and sadly shook his head. The deliberations went on for nearly 12 hours over parts of three days before the jury of eight women and four men found ..."
"A start" to ending gang killings
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March 12
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"For three years, Rosalind Williams waited for justice for her murdered son. For three weeks, she sat stoically in a Denver courtroom, still waiting. During the prosecution's closing argument, they put up the awful postmortem close -up of a bullet jacket in her son's neck. She maintained, still waiting. And when the judge read the guilty verdicts on all counts against Willie Clark in that stone-silent courtroom Thursday morning, she wept. A few minutes later, she stepped to a microphone and put into words the lesson her son's death brought home to his adopted city: "Something has to happen in society for us to stop gang violence," she said. "It just has to stop." It took the death of ..."
Defendant Willie Clark has been found guilty for the 2007 murder
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March 12
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The jury in the Darrent Williams murder trial has reached a verdict after more than 12 hours of deliberations spread over three days. 26-year-old defendant Willie Clark has been found guilty of murder and attempted murder, according to Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post. Williams-who played cornerback for the Denver Broncos in 2005 and 2006-was gunned down while he was sitting in a limo outside of a Denver nightclub on New Year's Day in 2007. Clark pulled up in an SUV next to the limo and fired shots into the car, killing Williams and wounding two others."
Jury finds Clark guilty in Darrent Williams murder
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March 11
Denver Post
 
"A Denver jury has convicted Willie D. Clark of murdering Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams. Clark, 26, was accused of killing Williams and wounding two others early New Year's Day 2007 following an altercation outside the Shelter nightclub. Prosecutors said Williams and his entourage were traveling in a white stretch Hummer limousine when they were ambushed by at least two gunmen in a passing white Chevrolet Tahoe. Clark was facing 21 charges, including two counts of first-degree murder - one for murder after deliberation and one for murder with "extreme indifference." He also faces 16 counts of attempted murder, one each for the surviving passengers in the Hummer limousine. life ..."
Trial a teaching moment
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March 11
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"With the Darrent Williams murder trial in a state of suspended animation as the jury deliberates downtown, kids in east Denver had a question: Just how successful do you have to be to avoid getting shot? "We had a discussion with our kids at our afterschool program about it just because it's all in the media and our kids, they see it on the news," said Terrance Roberts, executive director of the Prodigal Son Initiative, a gang prevention program in Tre Tre Crips territory. "Their parents know some of the perpetrators, even some family members of some of our kids, like distant cousins or different things," Roberts said. "Denver's not that big, so pretty much east Denver, where we run our ..."
Broncos release DE Kenny Peterson
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March 11
Denver Post
 
"After signing two new front-line players to its defense this week, the Broncos on Wednesday released defense end mainstay Kenny Peterson. Peterson started 14 games for the Broncos last season, recording a career-high 40 tackles to lead all Denver lineman. But Peterson became expendable after Denver signed defensive ends Jarvis Green and Justin Bannan in recent days."
Seattle's silence says Marshall's move unlikely
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March 10
Denver Post
 
"As the "Silence from Seattle" continues, the message from Puget Sound reverberates all the way to the Rocky Mountains. The more time passes without the Seahawks submitting an offer sheet, the more they are telling the Broncos they do not want star receiver Brandon Marshall at the expense of the No. 6 overall draft pick. As a first-round tendered, restricted free agent, Marshall was the Seahawks' guest last weekend in the Seattle area. He flew out there by private jet, then traveled by seaplane to the Seahawks' headquarters, where the team's brass awaited on the dock for a welcoming handshake. Marshall told friends that as he flew past Seattle's Qwest Field, the video board carried the ..."
Broncos' hired help on the way
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March 10
Denver Post
 
"Bring it on, Jamaal Charles. Go ahead, Michael Bush. Do it again. The Broncos just completed a stunning and utterly complete overhaul of their defensive front three by signing nose tackle Jamal Williams (three years, $16 million) and right end Jarvis Green (four years, $12 million) on Tuesday — four days after acquiring left end Justin Bannan with a five-year, $22 million contract. For an offensive-oriented head coach, Josh McDaniels appreciates defense. All four of the Broncos' free-agent signings — Bannan, Williams, Green and nickel back Nathan Jones — are defensive players. "I can't speak for Josh — I know he's taken a lot of heat, but what he's trying to bring in that locker room is a ..."
Jury gets Willie Clark murder case
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March 10
Denver Post
 
"Prosecutors closed their first-degree-murder case against Willie D. Clark on Tuesday by telling jurors they had delivered bricks of evidence that form a "box of guilt" around the defendant. But during defense closing arguments, Clark's attorney said the evidence in the case was flimsy and that witnesses brought in to testify about the murder of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams couldn't be trusted. Interviews with two jurors, one dismissed Monday and an alternate dismissed Tuesday, suggest the jury might be divided. Juror Ray Barrientos, 42, said he was prepared to find Clark guilty and believes his former fellow jurors will do the same. But the 19-year-old alternate juror said he ..."
Denver defense back on track
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March 10
Denver Post
 columnist Woody Paige
"The Oh'Jays — Justin, Jarvis and Jamal — have ridden the Love Train into Denver. The Broncos' reconstruction period continues to build momentum and build a contemporary team. In one year, from March to March, Josh McDaniels has created a new regeneration at Dove Valley. These are not your Shanahan's Broncos. With the addition of Justin Bannan, Jarvis Green and Jamal Williams — 18 feet, 9 inches high and 880 pounds wide — the Broncos have a fresh starting defensive line. Overall, the McDee-Fence has signed 17 free agents, drafted four players and changed three others to different positions. The offense isn't so far behind. At least five, maybe more, of its 2010 starters will be McDaniels' ..."
Broncos' hired help on the way, signed NT Williams and DE Green on Tuesday
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March 10
Denver Post
 
"Bring it on, Jamaal Charles. Go ahead, Michael Bush. Do it again. The Broncos just completed a stunning and utterly complete overhaul of their defensive front three by signing nose tackle Jamal Williams (three years, $16 million) and right end Jarvis Green (four years, $12 million) on Tuesday — four days after acquiring left end Justin Bannan with a five-year, $22 million contract. For an offensive-oriented head coach, Josh McDaniels appreciates defense. All four of the Broncos' free-agent signings — Bannan, Williams, Green and nickel back Nathan Jones — are defensive players. "I can't speak for Josh — I know he's taken a lot of heat, but what he's trying to bring in that locker room is a ..."
Jury gets Willie Clark murder case
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March 10
Denver Post
 
"Prosecutors closed their first-degree-murder case against Willie D. Clark on Tuesday by telling jurors they had delivered bricks of evidence that form a "box of guilt" around the defendant. But during defense closing arguments, Clark's attorney said the evidence in the case was flimsy and that witnesses brought in to testify about the murder of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams couldn't be trusted. Interviews with two jurors, one dismissed Monday and an alternate dismissed Tuesday, suggest the jury might be divided. Juror Ray Barrientos, 42, said he was prepared to find Clark guilty and believes his former fellow jurors will do the same. But the 19-year-old alternate juror said he ..."
Broncos host veteran defensive linemen in free-agent quest
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March 9
Denver Post
 
"The Broncos' quest to bolster their defensive line continued Monday when the team hosted former Pro Bowl nose tackle Jamal Williams and defensive end Jarvis Green. The Broncos began revamping their defensive front Friday when they signed Justin Bannan to start at nose tackle. The potential addition of Williams and Green would give the Broncos two players with extensive starting experience in a 3-4 defense. Denver's line played well early in 2009, but the unit struggled, particularly against the run, late last season, and gave up 558 combined rushing yards in home losses to Kansas City and Oakland. Williams and Green have established connections with the Broncos' coaching staff. Williams ..."
Broncos busy on defense in free agent scramble
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March 9
Denver Post
 
"The Broncos on Monday made more moves to bolster their defensive line, looking for veteran players on the free-agent market. Defensive end Jarvis Green, a free agent from New England, is scheduled to arrive at Dove Valley later today to meet with team officials tonight and tomorrow. And veteran nose tackle Jamal Williams is currently in Denver for a visit with the Broncos. Green has been on the Broncos' radar since the free agency period opened late Thursday night. Green's agent told The Boston Herald late last week that Green's top options were to re-sign with the Patriots or join the Broncos. Green, who spent eight seasons in New England, would see plenty of familiar faces in Denver. The ..."
Trial shows glimpse of underworld
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March 9
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"With all the talk of intimidation at his murder trial Monday, I couldn't help thinking of what Darrent Williams had to say on the subject. It was the summer of 2005. Williams was a rookie Broncos cornerback. He had just spent part of his Saturday night checking Marvin Harrison, then one of the NFL's top receivers, in a preseason game. He held his own too. Afterward, he was asked the predictable questions about feeling intimidated as a 22-year-old cover guy trying to come between Harrison and Peyton Manning, the most prolific receiver-quarterback combination in NFL history. He gave us that big, gap- toothed grin. "I'm not really intimidated by too much besides God and my mom," he said. His ..."
Seattle Seahawks hot in pursuit of Broncos' Marshall
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March 8
Tacoma News Tribune
 
"Turns out the Seattle Seahawks are not going to tiptoe into the league's free-agency period after all. The team's methodical approach has now turned into a full-court press for one of the best receivers in the league, as the Seahawks are expected to meet with Denver Broncos restricted free agent Brandon Marshall today. The move was first reported by ESPN.com and later confirmed by the team. The Seahawks took an early hit in free agency by losing unrestricted free-agent wide receiver Nate Burleson to Detroit just hours into the start. Burleson, a Seattle native who had said he wanted to return to the Seahawks, signed a five-year, $25 million deal - $11 million of which is guaranteed - with ..."
Broncos to miss several key players in offseason program
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March 8
Denver Post
 
"Across the NFL, dozens of restricted free agents are expected to skip their teams' offseason conditioning programs. The Broncos will not be immune from it. When they open their offseason conditioning program next Monday, among the missing will be Elvis Dumervil, Tony Scheffler and Brandon Marshall. Those players belong to a four-year player group that feels trapped in a time when NFL owners have moved the eligibility for unrestricted free agency from four years of service to six years until they receive a new collective bargaining agreement. While Dumervil was tendered with a $3.168 million salary as a restricted free agent in 2010, he could have commanded at least 10 times that in ..."
Broncos still have time to make splash in NFL free agency
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March 8
Denver Post
 columnist Woody Paige
"Splash! No, more like a ripple. The Broncos barely have disturbed the surface of the free-agent waters in the opening days. But the second wave is coming this week. Get wet, C-McD and The X Man. How about wide receiver Antonio Bryant, running back Thomas Jones, quarterback Jake Delhomme, guard Keydrick Vincent, center Hank Fraley and defensive end Marques Douglas? Splatter! Those six should be persons of interest for coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders. I like what the Broncos are trying to do — becoming bigger and bulk- ier on both sides of the line — but, observably, they have more needs. It's understandable that the Broncos didn't sign the purported prize of free ..."
Wideout Marshall finally linked to Bengals
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March 8
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Brandon Marshall's name was bound to pop up in connection with the Bengals, and it did on Sunday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bengals have had discussions about making an offer for the Broncos wide receiver. The only scenario where Marshall would become a more viable is if their top two targets – Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens – come off the market. Right now the Bengals are the only team reported to have an interest in Owens."
Broncos get ready to entertain another Baltimore defender
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March 7
Denver Post
 
"The Broncos apparently can't get enough of Baltimore Ravens' defensive linemen. They officially signed nose tackle Justin Bannan to a five-year contract Friday night. And they were getting ready to host Ravens' defensive end Dwan Edwards for a visit tonight and into Sunday."
Marshall to Seattle would mean No. 6 pick to Broncos
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March 7
Denver Post
 
"To clarify, if the Seattle Seahawks submit an offer sheet to Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall - and there's still plenty of "if" about that - they would do so knowing they would be forced to surrender their original first-round draft pick to the Broncos. The Seahawks' original pick is No. 6 overall in the upcoming draft. They also have the No. 14 overall pick, which they received in a trade from the Broncos last year that involved Alphonso Smith. As the Seahawks meet with Marshall today, the Broncos are to steer clear away from the matter. There is no compensation discussion in the offer-sheet process. Should the Seahawks submit an offer sheet for Marshall, the Broncos would have seven ..."
Brandon Marshall Worth No. 6 Pick and Money
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March 6
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 columnist Chad Klassen
"Brandon Marshall continues his NFL tour Saturday in Seattle, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Seahawks, who are in desperate need of a play-making wide receiver. The team lost reliable wideout and returner Nate Burleson to Detroit in the early hours of free agency on Friday. Deion Branch is an aging, injury-riddled veteran that has little value to any team around the league. Last offseason, the franchise tried to address its receiving core when it went out and won the sweepstakes for coveted free agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh. But Seattle is still without that elite wideout that can change a game on one play. Marshall is that player. In only four years in Denver, ..."
Marshall making his move?
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March 6
Longmont Times-Call
 
"Brandon Marshall's time with the Denver Broncos could end soon.Citing two NFL sources, the Denver Post reported on its Web site Friday that Marshall, the Broncos' star receiver, will visit the Seattle Seahawks today.Marshall is a restricted free agent, so the Broncos could match any offer he is given by another team.This week, Denver put a first-round tender on Marshall, meaning that if the Broncos don't match an offer, they would receive that team's first-round draft pick in return. Seattle owns the No. 6 pick in next month's NFL Draft. The Broncos also could choose to receive lesser compensation.Also on Friday, the Broncos signed three free agents - defensive lineman Justin Bannan, ..."
Broncos WR Brandon Marshall to visit with Seahawks
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March 6
USA Today
 
"Will the restricted free agent market heat up? This weekend could help gauge the market's temperature. RFA WR Brandon Marshall of the Broncos will meet with the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Any team signing Marshall to an offer sheet would have to surrender a first-round pick to the Broncos -- and the Seahawks have two such picks -- assuming Denver chooses not to match a prospective offer. Seattle has a need at wideout after losing WR Nate Burleson on Friday morning. New Seahawks offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates used to coach Marshall on Mike Shanahan's staff in Denver."
Broncos' signees bring plenty of beef
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March 6
Denver Post
 
"Josh McDaniels clearly has grown tired of watching his team get pushed around. As the free-agency period opened late Thursday night and continued Friday, the Broncos began making some big moves. Or, at the very least, moves to get bigger. Two of the first players contacted by the Broncos, center Rex Hadnot and tackle/guard Tony Pashos, would provide substantial beef at the line of scrimmage. These aren't big-name, splashy moves that match the megadeals done elsewhere (such as with Julius Peppers in Chicago) on Friday, yet the Broncos have made clear their offseason plan is to bulk up in order to fix a core weakness from 2009. As the Broncos lost eight of their final 10 games last season, ..."
Defense expert: Shots could not have come from passing SUV
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March 6
Denver Post
 
"Willie D. Clark, 26, is on trial in the death of Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams early New Year's Day 2007. Williams was riding in a stretch Hummer limousine near 11th Avenue and Speer Boulevard when a single bullet struck him in the neck. Clark is charged with first-degree murder, 16 counts of attempted murder, two counts of second-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm and other crimes that could land him in prison for the rest of his life. Clark's trial started Feb. 23; The Denver Post is blogging live from the proceedings. 5:00 Clark has once again declined to tell the judge whether he will testify, saying he would prefer to wait until he has heard from all the witnesses ..."
Broncos' Marshall to visit Seattle
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March 6
Denver Post
 
"Broncos star receiver and restricted free agent Brandon Marshall will visit the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, according to two NFL sources. Marshall recently received a first-round tender from the Broncos. For a myriad of reasons, Marshall would like to move on from the Broncos. His last three seasons have been both highly productive (at least 101 catches in each) and tumultuous. He held out from the team's offseason workouts last year and issued a trade request. This time, the Broncos may be getting close to accommodating Marshall's desire to leave. The Seahawks have both the financial wherewithal to submit an attractive contract proposal to induce Marshall into signing an offer sheet, ..."
Broncos agree with Bannan to play nose tackle
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March 6
Denver Post
 
"The Broncos are bringing Justin Bannan home again. The former University of Colorado star and Baltimore Ravens' defensive lineman reached an agreement in principal today with the Broncos on a five-year contract. The monetary value was not yet available, but it reflects that the Broncos are counting on Bannan to start. Although he has played both the 5-technique and nose tackle position in the 3-4 system, Bannan, 30, is expected to become the Broncos' new starting nose tackle. "He's excited about it," said Tom Mills, Bannan's Boulder-based agent. "He played college here and really enjoyed his visit with the team today. He just felt like this was the right fit.""
Rumor Mill: Seattle Seahawks Emerge as Leading Candidate for WR Brandon Marshall
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March 6
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
"So far, it's been a wild first day in the beginning of the NFL free agency period, with rumors of free agency signings and trades all around. Julius Peppers is nearing a deal with the Chicago Bears, which brings us to the other rumors surfing around the league. Moments ago, more rumors have begun involving the Seattle Seahawks and Denver wide receiver, Brandon Marshall. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com via his Twitter account, the Seahawks front office is considering signing the top receiver. If Seattle does give an offer, the Denver Broncos have two options. They can either match the offer the Seahawks have proposed or simply take the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, ..."
Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall Headed to the Seattle Seahawks?
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March 6
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
"It's not officially a done deal, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "It sounds like it absolutely can happen and will happen ". While the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins have long been the hot names in the mix for acquiring Brandon Marshall from Denver (and they still could be), the news is that Seattle is "strongly considering" signing Marshall. With Nate Burleson gone to Detroit and last year's huge free agent acquisition (T.J. Houshmandzadeh) not panning out as planned, this could be the move that rounds out Seattle's receiving corps and gets their offense back on track. Reports suggest that Seattle is the front-runner to try to add Marshall, as owner Paul Allen has the "deep ..."
The RFA wideout was given a first-round tender this past week
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March 6
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"One of the 32 NFL teams has officially entered the Brandon Marshall sweepstakes. That team is the Seattle Seahawks. Marshall is expected to visit with the Seahawks on Saturday, according to a tweet from Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The parties will meet to see if they can work out the parameters of an offer sheet. Since Marshall is a restricted free agent, any team interested in signing him would have to give the Denver Broncos a first-round pick as compensation-since that was the level he was tendered at this past week. In addition, the Broncos would have seven days to match any offer made to Marshall. Should they decline, Marshall would then be free to sign with the team that made him the ..."
Source: Seahawks hosting WR Marshall
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March 5
ESPN.com
 
"Brandon Marshall, the Denver Broncos' restricted free agent receiver, is scheduled to visit the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday regarding a possible contract offer, a league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday. The Broncos would have seven days to match any offer sheet Marshall signs. If Denver opted not to, the Broncos would receive the sixth overall pick in the April NFL draft. The Seahawks have several reasons for showing interest in Marshall beyond his potenial production. The Seahawks have two first-round picks, including the 14th overall pick they acquired from Denver last April. And Seattle's offensive coordinator is Jeremy Bates, who worked with Marshall in Denver; the ..."
Broncos add RB Arrington with one-year deal
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March 5
Denver Post
 
"J.J. Arrington was gone but the Broncos' interest in the former Arizona Cardinals back was not forgotten. Twice, the Broncos reached an agreement in principal with Arrington last year on a conditional four-year, $10 million contract that would have guaranteed him $3 million had he made their season-opening roster. Twice, the deal effectively fell through because of the condition of Arrington's right knee. Microfracture surgery finally took and after year-long rehabilitation under the supervision of Dr. James Andrews, Arrington is back with the Broncos after agreeing to a one-year contract. The league minimum salary for players with four years of service time is $635,000. Arrington will ..."
Broncos pursue OL help in free agency
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March 5
Denver Post
 
"In replacing the void in the middle of their offensive line, the Broncos are pursuing the best center available in the free-agent market. Run-blocking mauler Rex Hadnot, a center who most recently played with the Cleveland Browns, will visit the Broncos on Friday. The Broncos currently do not have a center after they recently released Casey Wiegmann. Also visiting the Broncos Friday are San Francisco offensive tackle Tony Pashos, Miami cornerback Nathan Jones and Baltimore defensive lineman Justin Bannan."
Gang life goes on trial
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March 5
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"Here's a statement by a judge. Tell me what country it's from: "This case has been saturated with witness intimidation." If I picked up a paper and read it without any other context, I would guess: A) Mexico B) Colombia C) Russia D) Brazil E) Los Angeles In fact, it was uttered by Denver District Judge Christina Habas this week during the Darrent Williams murder trial. It is not just Willie Clark on trial in her courtroom for killing the former Broncos cornerback. It is also the justice system's ability to deal with street gangs that inspire "terror" — also the judge's word — in potential witnesses against them. For that reason, before the prosecution rested its case Thursday, it put gang ..."
Fellow gang member says Clark told him he shot Williams
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March 5
Denver Post
 
"Willie D. Clark paced, chain-smoked and appeared jittery in the days after Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was killed, according to a childhood friend who testified against Clark on Thursday. Vernone Edwards, a fellow Tre Tre Crips gang member, told a Denver jury that Clark said he shot Williams only because the NFL player pulled a gun on Clark following an argument outside the Shelter nightclub early New Year's Day 2007. "I told him he was lying," Edwards said. "He kept saying, 'I didn't mean to do it.' I told him, 'Ain't no famous football player with a lot of famous people around is going to pull a gun like that.' " Clark, 26, is on trial on charges of killing Williams and ..."
Moves spell out Broncos' offseason strategy
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March 4
Denver Post
 
"Beneath the otherwise dull mechanism of contract tendering lies so many double meanings, inferences and stories. The Broncos tendered contracts to five of their six restricted free agents Wednesday. The Broncos' Big Five — Elvis Dumervil, Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall, Chris Kuper and Tony Scheffler — are not exactly the Happy Five. None of them figure to sign those tenders any time soon. Two, Marshall and Scheffler, are set up to be traded. The other three — Dumervil, Orton and Kuper — are likely to consider joining the dozens of fourth- and fifth-year NFL restricted free agents in holding out from offseason workouts. The only potential restricted free agent not tendered a contract by the ..."
Clark lawyer challenges tip, jailhouse letter
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March 4
Denver Post
 
"Willie D. Clark's attorney put the Denver police on trial Wednesday, asking a detective why he changed his testimony about an incriminating letter Clark is accused of writing and questioning why some leads in the death of Darrent Williams were never followed. Jurors appeared to take notes throughout the cross-examination of homicide Detective Michael Martinez, who is the lead case agent on the Williams case. Clark, 26, is charged with killing the Denver Broncos cornerback and wounding two others who were riding in Williams' rented Hummer limousine early New Year's Day 2007. He faces life in prison if he is convicted. Clark's attorney, Abraham Hutt, accused the Denver police of not ..."
Broncos lock Dumervil with highest tender, use first-round on Marshall
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March 4
Denver Post
 
"Elvis Dumervil isn't going anywhere. The Broncos did what they could to stave off any possible suitors for the NFL's leading sacker as they slapped the first- and third-round tender on the restricted free agent. This means teams interested in signing Dumervil away would have to surrender a first-round and third-round pick in the upcoming draft. Dumervil will receive the highest salary of $3.168 million among four-year, restricted free agents. The Broncos also made contract moves today with four other restricted free agents. The team designated receiver Brandon Marshall as a first-round restricted free agent. This means if another team tries to sign Marshall, the Broncos would be entitled ..."
Source: Broncos tender Marshall
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March 3
ESPN.com
 
"The Denver Broncos have tendered wide receiver Brandon Marshall with a first-round tender, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. That means if another team makes Marshall a contract offer during the free-agency period beginning Friday and the Broncos fail to match it, the Broncos will receive a first-round draft pick as compensation."
Tattoos staining the truth
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March 3
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"It was one of those moments that come along every season on "Law & Order," when Jack McCoy gets big-footed by the feds. The prosecution in the Darrent Williams murder trial wanted to see defendant Willie Clark's tattoos. Street gangs don't issue membership cards, but sometimes body ink serves the same purpose. Prosecutor Tim Twining argued the other day that he needed fresh photographs in case Clark had added any new ink lately. Judge Christina Habas wondered how Clark getting a new tattoo could possibly be relevant to the trial. "Well, if it said 'Crip for life,' that would be relevant," Twining replied. Naturally, this meant Clark's defense team wanted to see Daniel "Ponytail" Harris' ..."
Drug dealer testifies Clark was lone shooter in Darrent Williams' death
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March 2
Denver Post
 
"A prolific and admitted crack-cocaine dealer now in the federal witness protection program told a Denver jury Monday that he saw Willie D. Clark shoot at a limousine carrying Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams. Daniel "Ponytail" Harris is the state's only witness so far who says Clark was firing at Williams' rented limousine early New Year's Day 2007 while driving a white Chevrolet Tahoe. "Is there any doubt in your mind that was the man firing the weapon?" Denver prosecutor Tim Twining asked Harris while pointing at Clark. "He was firing that gun right in front of my face, and he was shooting out the window just boom, boom, boom, boom," Harris said. "How many times did you see the ..."
Big linemen take priority on wish lists
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March 1
Denver Post
 
"The camera-flash setting is alive and well at the NFL's scouting combine. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has had his picture taken so often he just may be headed for an Indiana postcard. Other offensive skill players always seem to be front and center. But this year's NFL draft is a celebration of the dirt-under-the-fingernails guys. It's the defensive tackles who are the glamour guys. "Maybe so," Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams said. "The big guys are getting their due." Among the top-rated players on the board are Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy in what is considered the deepest draft in the interior defensive line in at least a ..."
With death of Broncos' Darrent Williams, what might have happened if not for lost chain?
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March 1
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"Musings for a Monday morning from the Darrent Williams murder trial as it enters its second week . . . If you're tempted to blame Brandon Marshall for Williams' death rather than the shooter who actually shot him, you should probably be aware of another less-reported factor: The departure of Williams' 40-foot Hummer limousine from the nightclub where the trouble began was delayed by a search for his famous chain, the one Javon Walker ended up holding after Williams was killed. Williams asked John Sheppard, a friend from Fort Worth, Texas, to hold the chain when the Broncos cornerback got out of the limo to urge his remaining teammates to quit barking at their antagonists and leave the ..."
2010 NFL Combine Chat With Josh McDaniels
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February 28
InDenverTimes.com
 
"Most of the coaches at the 2010 NFL Combine have taken the podium, cracked a joke, then exhaled a little monologue before opening themselves up for questioning. Not Josh McDaniels. No, he took the podium, looked around, and waited. Then, he simply said, "Go ahead." Dangerous words for a guy that many around Denver loved to hate, then loved, then loved to hate again. But, even if you're among the masses that would trade your firstborn to see McDaniels back in a Patriots hoodie and out of Denver, you can't deny that the guy just has a way with press conferences."
Five Prospects that Could Fix the Denver Broncos Run Defense
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February 28
InDenverTimes.com
 
"It's no secret that Denver struggled defending the run last season. All that hype you're hearing about Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is directly due to their season ending romp over the Broncos. And, by the way, the Raiders averaged around seven yards per rush in another late season slapping at Mile High. Yeah, it would be easy to blame the problems on the absence of a premier nose tackle. And yeah, even Josh McDaniels admitted that there's a "hole in the middle." But with a sliver of hope still remaining for last year's signee Chris Baker, and an absence of nose tackles worth the 11th overall pick, defensive end should be an earlier concern for Denver."
Offensive line's new look in need of a middleman
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February 28
Denver Post
 
"Let's say the Broncos have their first OTA tomorrow. OTA stands for organized team activity. Offseason practice, in other words. Who would the Broncos have hiking the ball from center? "We don't have an OTA tomorrow," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said with a smile. "That's the answer." The Broncos recently released veteran Casey Wiegmann, their starting center the last two years. The only other center the Broncos have in their control is Dustin Fry, who was signed last month to a reserve/future contract and has yet to deliver an NFL snap. Wiegmann, one of the league's smallest offensive linemen, was a victim of the Broncos' desire to fully transition to the power-blocking scheme. "We do ..."