Horse Tracks 7/30/10 - Tebow on Board

by John Bena on Jul 30, 2010 7:23 AM MDT in Horse Tracks Comment 11 comments

Tim Tebow is officially a member of the Denver Broncos. Depending on where you read, the deal is worth somwhere between $11.25 and $33 million. To his agent, Jimmy Sexton, it is a 5-year, $33 million contract. Filled with escalators and incentives likely never to be reached, the deal will actually fall far below that. The important number, of course, is the g-jack(guaranteed money). In this case, Tebow will receive $8.7 million, or about $400,000 more than Dez Bryant of the Cowboys, who was drafted one slot before Tebow. As is standard practice in the first round, Sexton wanted the so-called 'quarterback premium'. He got it.

Interestingly enough, Tebow's contract is eerily similar to the deal Brady Quinn got as the 22nd overall pick in 2007. That deal, reported as a 5-year, $30 million contact saw Quinn get $7.75 million in guaranteed money. That makes Quinn's contract much easier to swallow, one reason the Broncos decided to make a move on him.

What am I getting at? Like Quinn, who was reported to have a huge contract, Tebow is making decent backup money in the NFL. For now. If he plays, and plays at a high level, he'll get paid much more - a price the Broncos will be happy to pay since it would mean the team is winning. If not, as was the case with Quinn in Cleveland, the salary, in NFL-terms, is team friendly. If we've learned anything from Tebow, however, I wouldn't bet against him.

On to the Tracks....

Tebow Agrees to Terms " DenverBroncos.com
The timing of the agreement will allow the quarterback to join his fellow rookies and early reporting veterans including Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn on the practice field. Training camp officially begins with the first full-squad session on Sunday, Aug. 1.

Thursday Afternoon Practice Report " DenverBroncos.com
The Broncos completed their second practice of the day Thursday afternoon — essentially a walkthrough.

Tebow, Broncos agree to 5-year deal worth $11.25 million - The Denver Post
Rookie quarterback Tim Tebow officially became a Bronco on Thursday afternoon after signing a five-year contract only two days and three practices late.

Broncos' Dumervil still has abundance of motivation - The Denver Post
There was a time when earning a Pro Bowl spot fueled Elvis Dumervil. Well, he's done that.

Broncos' Jamal Williams not ready to practice - The Denver Post
Williams still is recovering from an arm injury that kept him out of all but one game last season, or another injury, or the Broncos want him to improve his fitness. The team likely will not have him on the field to start two-a-days.

Floyd Little: Looking back at a big Broncos career - The Denver Post
In this special installment, Broncos soon-to-be Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little talks about his favorite Mile High memories, meeting the legendary Ernie Davis, getting fired by Lou Saban and his brief career singing a commercial jingles for a local hot dog company.

Broncos' deal to sell jersey ads arrives at Dove Valley - The Denver Post
The Broncos decided to wait a year before placing advertising on their practice jerseys. But when they broke out their new look for 2010 rookie training camp this week, Broncos players did not become walking billboards for Motorola or General Electric or Chevrolet. Their sponsorship patch reflects the team's deal with HealthOne Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.

Shanahan holds his ground with Haynesworth - The Denver Post
A slimmed-down Albert Haynesworth was deemed unfit to practice, even though the players were wearing shorts, contact was sparse, and the whole thing lasted only 70 minutes.

Future Broncos hero: Ben Garland | All Things Broncos
Josh McDaniels’ best comment of the young training camp occurred when he answered a question Thursday about Ben Garland’s military commitment. Garland, an undrafted rookie defensive lineman from Air Force, was signed by the Broncos even though he must leave the team next month to honor his military commitments.

Come to training camp, help sick kids | All Things Broncos
As if you didn’t already have enough reason to make your way out to Dove Valley for Broncos training camp starting Aug. 1, the team has given you another.

An inside look at the NFL conditioning tests | National Football Post
There’s been a lot of talk this week about the conditioning tests conducted around the league on the first day of camp. And, when a big name player happens to fail one of these running tests, it becomes news. I will be the first to admit that these "tests" have nothing to do with a player's ability from a football standpoint. But, coaches aren't looking for that on these days.

Robert Kraft on Tom Brady: 'He's going to be here' | National Football Post
New England Patiriots owner Robert Kraft is determined that quarterback Tom Brady will remain with the team for as long as he's in the NFL.

Phillip Merling's contract an issue for Dolphins | National Football Post
The Miami Dolphins have a decision to make on defensive end Phillip Merling, who's out for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon: place him on injured reserve or the non-football injury list.

Source: Texans lasso Kareem Jackson | National Football Post
The Houston Texans have struck a five-year deal with rookie first-round cornerback Kareem Jackson, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.

Shawne Merriman wants to know if he'll be traded | National Football Post
Before outside linebacker Shawne Merriman shows up for training camp with the San Diego Chargers, he wants to know that he's not going to be traded.

Report: Niners nearing deal with Anthony Davis | National Football Post
Offensive tackle Anthony Davis is expected in camp later today with the San Francisco 49ers.

Saints ink Patrick Robinson to five-year deal | National Football Post
The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a five-year deal with cornerback Patrick Robinson, a league source confirmed.

Eagles sign Brandon Graham to five-year deal | National Football Post
The Philadelphia Eagles finalized a five-year contract tonight for rookie first-round defensive end Brandon Graham.

Joe McKnight flunks running test, Erik Ainge is ill | National Football Post
It's been an inauspicious start to his NFL career for New York Jets rookie running back Joe McKnight.

Fabian Washington passes physical, activated from PUP list | National Football Post
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington has passed his physical and was activated from the physically unable to perform list.

David Tyree will retire as a Giant | National Football Post
David Tyree helped the New York Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII with one of the most amazing catches in the history of the NFL’s championship game.

Todd Heap placed on non-football illness list | National Football Post
Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap was placed on the non-football illness list.

NFL.com news: Commissioner discusses hot-button topics at fan forum
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell attended the Green Bay Packers' annual shareholders meeting and hosted a fan forum at Lambeau Field with 120 Packers fans. Goodell answered questions from fans on a variety of key issues involving the league.

NFL.com news: Negotiations continue as Bradford misses Rams' first workout
The most prominent Rams newcomer missed the first day of rookie workouts Thursday. Teammates expect to see quarterback Sam Bradford soon enough.

NFL.com news: Steelers agree to two-year deal with free-agent OT Adams
The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms with five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Flozell Adams on a two-year contract Thursday, according to a league source.

NFL.com news: T.O. touches down, creates buzz at his first Bengals workout
Terrell Owens arrived fashionably late, received a white jersey with his favorite number and got a smattering of applause for doing even the simplest thing.

Tebow Watch: Done deal - AFC West Blog - ESPN
Tebow's contract is a healthy raise from the salary last year’s No. 25 pick received. In 2009 Miami signed cornerback Vontae Davis with the same pick and signed him to a five-year, $10.5 million deal. The difference is understandable since Tebow is a quarterback, which is a premium pay position. Tebow will likely be a backup in 2010 unless the season completely blows up in Denver. Tebow, who will likely be the starter in 2011, will likely play early in the season in the Wildcat formation and perhaps in some red-zone packages.

Report: Shawne Merriman to hold out start of San Diego Chargers camp - ESPN
Shawne Merriman will not attend the start of San Diego Chargers training camp, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Thursday.

Redskins' Haynesworth crossed the wrong guy - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
If Albert Haynesworth(notes) believed he could spend seven months challenging the icy will of Redskins coach Mike Shanahan then expect to be forgiven, he learned the futility of that hope halfway through a fitness test he would not pass on Thursday afternoon.

On the Road: Raiders on Day 6 - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
So much for the trip to Napa. My jaunt to the wine country ended faster than an Albert Haynesworth(notes) run in the 300-yard shuttle. It’s on to San Diego tonight. The Raiders are generally pretty good with access to players, allowing reporters plenty of time to get their questions in. However, the team has this annoying habit of trying to tape every single interview, having its interns stand there recording without asking any actual questions. Furthermore, practically every interview request is handled with an underlying fear the team has that it’s going to get ripped. Here’s the bottom line: The general media, both local and national, has nothing against the Raiders. Not a single thing. The reason the Raiders get criticized is because they’ve lost 11 or more games for seven consecutive seasons. That’s it, it’s that simple. There is no agenda against the team. However, the team has created this self-fulfilling prophecy, believing that the media is against the Raiders, then treating the media with suspicion which then leads to a spiraling of distrust and anger from both sides. It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.

Top 10 NFL Training Camp Position Battles : FoxSports.com Photo Gallery
With training camps opening this week, these are the top 10 position battles among teams with Super Bowl aspirations (with all due respect to Todd Watkins and Johnnie Lee Higgins of the Raiders, pictured). Without a positive result come September, these teams could miss out on their championship dreams, according to John Czarnecki.

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Thanks!

Let’s get DT in and focus on getting better.

by Todd Jewell on Jul 30, 2010 7:31 AM MDT reply actions

I have been rocking my Tebow jersey all over central FL for the past few weeks.

GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I love it when someone tells me that I can’t because it just pushes me that much more to accomplish that goal" - Tim Tebow

Go Broncos,Go Gators and Go Yankees

by Welcome2Dumervil on Jul 30, 2010 7:57 AM MDT reply actions

A few thoughts:

1. How in the H E double L is Sam Bradford’s deal not done yet? The mismanaged Rams should have used the draft as leverage to get a deal done even before his name was called at the podium (by playing him against Suh). Instead, they wait until their back is to the wall. For the kind of money they’ll be paying him, you’d think they’d want to give him every chance to get on the field early. Tic-tok.

2. The news keeps getting better in San Diego. First VJ and McNeil… now Merriman? I’ll be surprised if A.J. Smith gives the guarantee Shawn seeks, but I’ll also be surprised if Merriman holds out very long. He’s just not in position to do so. Either way, you gotta love the negative vibe and bad morale all this stuff has got to be causing… especially when players in their lockerroom can look over to how we’ve treated our guys in the same position with new contracts and respect. Gotta love it!

3. I’ll be watching closely how this Hanesworth fiasco turns out for Mr. Shanahan. I have faith in him, and I’m sure he’ll win the battle and show who’s boss… in the short term. But I think he’s playing with fire by pissing a guy like Albert off – a guy that’s already been paid, already wants a trade, and doesn’t really need anything from the team. It’s a risky game of hard ball when the only thing the team is really offering Albert at this point is that he’ll be allowed to play a position he doesn’t want to play… once he gets done with the embarassment of not passing his first two attempts at what most consider to be a toughly “modified” conditioning test. What happens if Haynesworth calls Mr. Shanahan’s bluff? Would he really care if he gets paid millions to ride the bench? I’m all for showing who’s boss, but you’ve got to know your situation. I’m not saying Haynesworth has all the cards, but he’s got more of them than management.

4. Hooray for Tebow. But where’s Demaryius Thomas already???

23-1. Determination. That which cannont be taught. The reult of finding yourself through adversity.

by Alex on Jul 30, 2010 8:05 AM MDT reply actions

Sort of agree

Absolutely ridiculous that the team with the # 1 pick doesn’t have the guy they want signed before the draft. Look what happened to the Raiders with JaFatso. Texans showed how it should be done in 06 when they negotiated with both Reggie Bush and Mario Williams and then signed Williams before the draft.
As to the Chargers and Broncos situations, think of Gates getting his deal because he dealt with the situation like Casey Wiegmann did with the Broncos a year ago, and like Kuper and Doom did this year. Then compare Vincent Jackson and McNeil to Marshall and Scheffler.
Shanahan inherited a real mess with Haynesworth. He’ll deal with it as well as anyone could.

Good pitching stops good hitting. And vice versa. Casey Stengel

by bradley on Jul 30, 2010 8:24 AM MDT up reply actions

I see your point, but I’m not sure I fully agree. Brandon Marshall had been arrested more than a dozen times, suspended once by the league and basically two more times by the team. He punted balls at practice and had a bad attitude. Tony Scheffler quit on his team with the playoffs on the line. You might make the comparison to Vincent Jackson (even that’s a little bit of a stretch) but not McNeil or Sproles.

Sproles got franchised last year then essentially franchised this year (tendered, but the same effect). That’s usually bad mojo by itself, forcing a guy to stay two years in a row on a one-year deal instead of allowing him to hit FA and gain long-term security. As for McNeil, he basically got tendered and told to shutup and play, even though he’s been a good teammate up until this point. And all Merriman is asking for is basically that the team say they still want him around.

Maybe they would have been handled differently if they had kept quiet. But maybe Doom would have handled things differently if he had been told from day-one that he would not be extended. Plus, Sproles kept quite and hasn’t gotten an extension.

As Coach McDaniels would say, these guys (McNeil, VJ and Merriman) are certainly not unique in this situation. So perhaps they should suck it up and go play ball like the other 200 resticted guys. I do see your point there. But it couldn’t have helped things when management’s excuse has been they don’t want to give out big contracts in these uncertain times… then the players see the Broncos do it for their guys… then see the Chargers do it for a guy (Gates) whose contract wasn’t even due yet. It’s got to make them feel like chop liver. And I think it absolutely has to have a negative effect in the locker room.

23-1. Determination. That which cannont be taught. The reult of finding yourself through adversity.

by Alex on Jul 30, 2010 9:07 AM MDT up reply actions

Good points

I do wish the worst for the Chargers.

Good pitching stops good hitting. And vice versa. Casey Stengel

by bradley on Jul 30, 2010 9:26 AM MDT up reply actions

San Diego’s ownership is cheap. Maybe it’s because their stadium sucks and maybe it’s because they are just cheap.

For such a nice player to live, they have a hard time attracting UFAs. Guys don’t want to play for this organization, regardless of their recent playoff run (sans Super Bowl appearances), Pro Bowl QB, etc.

This would be odd, but it’s not because it’s clear NFL players know (probably told by former and current Dolt players) to avoid that place like the plague.

Denver: 32-32 until we're not.

by McGeorge on Jul 30, 2010 9:46 AM MDT up reply actions

SD is the biggest bust of a team ever

No other NFL team has done as little with as much for as long. JMHO.

by The Wad on Jul 30, 2010 11:41 AM MDT up reply actions

Yo Hanesworth...

Welcome to Planet Mastermind.

Protest=Fail.

Why hate on your OWN team when you've got the Raiders?

by TheMastermind on Jul 30, 2010 8:35 AM MDT reply actions

looks like Bulaga has signed

should make it easier for DT to sign

by black_knight101 on Jul 30, 2010 10:22 AM MDT reply actions

Thanks for pointing out the salary cap friendliness of Tebow's deal

One of my biggest things I’ve been happy about re: our moving back to grab Tebow was the wiggle room we have if he doesn’t pan out (backup quality) or takes a few years of seasoning on the bench.

Folks who have signed Orton’s ticket out of town have simply not recognized this fact… I’m happy to see Orton go, and if Tebow is hitting his escaltors he’ll have to (too expensive to keep both if he’s hitting his escaltors)… but if Orton is performing at a high level and beating out Tebow (ala Warner/Leinart), there is no reason we can’t keep both and be perfectly fine.

Tebow, drafted at an appropriate slot in the late 1st or 2nd round, is a text book case of low risk, BIG potential reward, and I have really come around to McX’s decision to grab him. There really is no big downside, because worst case scenario we still have Orton and are where we would’ve been otherwise.

by cjfarls on Jul 30, 2010 10:39 AM MDT reply actions