Elvis Dumervil was expected to accept a pay cut with the Denver Broncos in the final hours prior to a salary deadline. Multiple sources reported that Dumervil had agreed to a $4 million salary cut, reducing his salary to $8 million a year and keeping him on the team. However, Dumervil's agent failed to file the paperwork back to the Broncos in time for the 4 p.m. deadline, leaving him on the open trade market.
"As an ex player, I hate to see that. I hated to see that happen to a teammate. And I hate having to do it, in the position I'm in. But I've got to do what's best for the football team," executive vice president John Elway said.
The Broncos do want Dumervil back, so the chances they will re-sign the linebacker are high. Head coach John Fox has called the seven-year veteran essential to the defense. Keeping Dumervil would help their defense for next season. The free agent market is not exactly crowded with pass rushers and teams are not jumping at the opportunity to sign a veteran like Dumervil. John Abraham and Dwight Freeney are the two names garnering the most interest.
It would be wise for Dumervil to remain with the team. The $4 million pay cut puts him more in line with the salary Michael Bennett will be earning. With the retaining of Dumervil and the signing of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the Broncos defense would be just as deadly as their offense.
The signing of Dumervil closes the market for Freeney and Abraham. Both players have a handful of teams showing interest but no one has yet to pull the trigger. They are they only two decent pass rushers left on the market. Both have led their teams in sacks in recent years and would be essential to a defense. Both Freeney and Abraham have stopped by the New England Patriots for official visits. With Dumervil signed, those two could be locked to sign eventually with New England.
