Elvis Dumervil is close to being cut by the Denver Broncos reports the Denver Post.
Dumervil, a seven-year defensive end that was drafted by Denver in 2006, has excelled for the team ever since.
He's racked up a total of 63.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries and has even intercepted one pass. But, that production hasn't been consistent; he's never recorded double digit sacks in back-to-back seasons.
Even though Dumervil just enjoyed one of his best professional seasons – with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles – the Broncos are asking him to take a pay cut. Maybe they believe he'll have a down year next season, or maybe they just believe he's a bit overpaid currently. Whatever the reason, the over $12 million he's owed is too much in Denver's eyes.
They're trying to restructure his contract, something Dumervil agreed to go along with, but according to the defensive end's agent, the two sides have reached an “impasse.”
Denver's still reportedly working towards a deal, but Dumervil's agent says they're not willing to settle on what the Broncos have offered, which was not specified. And he went further, explaining that if the Broncos don't plan on signing Dumervil, to release him by the start of free agency, at 2 p.m. MT Tuesday.
"But if we can't reach common ground and you know as an organization that you're going to release him, then we'd like for them to release him by (2 p.m. MDT) and not wait another four days,” agent Marty Magid told the Denver Post. “No hard feelings. We disagree on their restructure option."
Dumervil is guaranteed the $12 million on Saturday, making working quickly of the utmost importance. Cutting him would save $8.75 million toward the cap this year, money they could spend on a new defensive end and possibly another player as well.
The Broncos may wish to move on without the All-Pro end, and if they do, Denver could sign Dwight Freeney or Osi Umenyiora.
Freeney was cut by the Indianapolis Colts, and Peyton Manning's former teammate may be in orange and blue soon. The 10-year pro has recorded 107.5 sacks with 44 forced fumbles over the course of his career, though his numbers have dropped off significantly the last three straight seasons. His 5.0 sacks last season were the second lowest of his career, behind only the 3.5 in 2007 when he played only nine games.
Umenyiora is a nine-year professional defensive end, formerly of the New York Giants. Much like Freeney, he's put up huge career numbers – 75 sacks and 32 fumbles forced – but those numbers have dwindled as of late. Umenyiora's 6.0 sacks were the second lowest of his career as well, to his rookie season's one in 2003.
The Broncos cut D.J. Williams and Caleb Hanie Monday, which saved the team $7.25 million, while they signed David Bruton to a three-year $4.5 million deal. If Dumervil is indeed cut, their total savings toward the 2013 cap will be $14.5 million, though they'll have to go out and sign multiple impact players with that money.
And quickly, because once NFL Free Agency begins, the transactions happen faster than a 40-yard dash.
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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