Broncos start with a run at running backs
02/27/09
The Denver Post
The Broncos opened the free-agent period Thursday night by going after a pair of veteran running backs.
J.J. Harrington of the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia's Correll Buckhalter are coming in for visits today.... The Broncos are also expected to meet with Miami Dolphins safety Renaldo Hill.
...Broncos defensive end Kenny Peterson... was not signed to a new contract and hit the free-agent market as of 10:01 p.m. MST Thursday.
...Veteran center Tom Nalen will officially retire once he files the paperwork.
...The NFL revealed the Broncos carried $37 million of salary cap space into the opening of free agency Thursday night.
...And if all goes according to plan, the Broncos will use much of their budget by early next week. The top free- agent priorities are right cornerback, where St. Louis' Ron Bartell would be considered the best available, and safety, where Rodney Harrison, Will Allen and James Butler could draw interest.
Bartell did hit the market late Thursday expecting a five-year deal approaching $40 million. Nevertheless, the Broncos were among the teams who expressed interest in him. He will visit New Orleans today.
Other cornerbacks the Broncos may be considering are Tampa Bay's Phillip Buchanon and Pittsburgh's Bryant McFadden.
The Broncos were expected to call the agent of Tampa Bay receiver Michael Clayton.
Nose tackle is another priority position. Possibilities are Atlanta's Grady Jackson, Green Bay's Colin Cole and New England's Mike Wright.
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No on RB J.J. Arrington, he is 26 year old and only a back up.
No RB Correll Buckhalter he is 30 old and over the hill.
Yes on Tom Nalen's retirement. Thank you Tom for your dedication the the great years. We will miss you...
What a SHAME the Broncos did not sign Defensive End Kenny Peterson. The best of luck to you Kenny! The Broncos will probable go for Mike Wright. He is four years younger with similar numbers.
Yes on CB Ron Bartell, he is 27 and could be a very good acquisition for maybe 6 years 36 million. I doubt if we get him.
No on CB Phillip Buchanon, he is 31 years old. We need a younger player across from Champ!
No on CB Bryant McFadden he is 27 years old and has about the same numbers Dre' Bly.
No on WR Michael Clayton, he is 26 years old with only fair receptions. A number three receiver in a high powered offense should have at least 60 catches.
NO, No on DT Grady Jackson, he is 36 years old. How can he help us?
No on DT Colin Cole he is 28 with only low tackles and sacks. His numbers are better than Dewayne Robertson.
Yes on DE Mike Wright he is 26 with only low tackles and sacks but his numbers show he is coming on.
I didn't see much difference in Mike Kills column on 02/27/09 Free agency, rebuilding on the clock Michael seems a little young to have five years experience. Kill also states he had 80 catches as a rookie. He has only had about 125 in the other four years.
AB Michael
