Ah March in the NFL, bringing lots of crazy contract talk in what has become a year-round sport.
In six days, NFL Free Agency begins, and in the meantime, teams are working to clear up as much cap space as possible in preparation of landing a high-priced player.
According to Vic Lombardi's sources, the Denver Broncos are working to restructure defensive end Elvis Dumervil's contract.
And, now the Denver Post is adding more information. According to the Post's source, the Broncos are even willing to possibly cut Dumervil if he's not willing to take a pay-cut by March 17, when the $13.6 million would be guaranteed.
Dumervil, who's played well for six seasons in the Mile High City, is apparently being paid more than he's worth, in the eyes of the front office.
Though he's racked up 63.5 sacks and 16 forced fumbles, Dumervil's been wildly inconsistent throughout his career.
In the six seasons he's played, the defensive end has fluctuated from single-digit to double-digit sack efforts every season, and following last year's production of 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, maybe Denver is expecting a drop-off.
Whatever the reason, the team is asking him to take a pay-cut in order to help the overall makeup.
Undoubtedly, the Broncos are a Super Bowl contender already; they have Peyton Manning and young play-making receivers, a mostly strong secondary and with Dumervil and Von Miller, one of the best pass-rushing fronts in football. Even the special teams was well, special, at times last season, and the hope in Denver is that the team will only improve in 2013.
In fact, Miller guaranteed a Super Bowl XLVIII victory for the Broncos yesterday, and it's not out of the question; especially if Denver signs a few free agents that can make an instant impact on the team.
Dumervil's cap numbers are as follows:
2012: 15.62M
2013: 13.62M
2014: 11.62M
2015: 9.8M
Rich Kurtzman is a freelance journalist. You can follow Rich on twitter or facebook for all your Denver Broncos news and opinion.
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