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Since the NFL's 2012 Free Agency period began at 4:00 pm ET on March 13th, the Denver Broncos roster has changed it's appearance. A few players were lost (Fells, Quinn, Rosario, Bunkley and Royal) and some were retained (Woodyard, Ball, Willis, Mays and McBean). The additions haven't quite offset the losses, but landing the biggest name in Free Agency was a good start. Plus there is still time remaining. The additions of QB Peyton Manning, S Mike Adams, WR Andre Caldwell, WR Jason Hill and OT C.J. Davis will ensure new blood circulates through and heals the team. That brings us to what has been and is currently going on with the Free Agent who have shuttled through Dove Valley and an update as to what's going on.
Earlier today, Lindsay Jones tweeted this message from John Elway:
@PostBroncos
Lindsay Jones Elway said Bunkley signing with Saints is "tough." "We'll find a solution," he said.
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I have to agree, losing Bunkley was a little harsh because of Ryan McBean's looming suspension and Ty Warren and Kevin Vickerson coming off injuries. As of late Wednesday, the Broncos had been at the negotiating table with DT Marcus Thomas, who made $1 Million in 2011. According to Jeff Legwold, Marcus is being seriously courted by two other teams. Thomas is almost a crucial re-sign in my opinion. The pickings are a bit too slim for my tastes in what's left in the Free Agent Pool.
The news on LB Jameel McClain is that he wants to re-sign with the Ravens. After the Broncos brought back Joe Mays and Wesley Woodyard, McClain saw his chances dwindling and felt far away from everything he'd known in Denver.
The Inside Linebacker market has been very slow. Curtis Lofton, David Hawthorne, London Fletcher and McClain remain unsigned, while Stephen Tulloch (Lions) and Dan Connor (Cowboys) are among the better players that have found new homes. There isn't much after Luke Kuechly in the draft and this is a position that I have wanted the Broncos to address for years. Nate Irving remains an unknown entity to those of us outside the walls of Dove Valley, so it is a concern for me.
Tight Ends Jacob Tamme and Matthew Mulligan have visited this week and CSU alum Joel Dreesen is here today. Joel backed up Owen Daniels for the Texans in the last 5 seasons. He has visited the Saints, Titans and Bengals so far. The chances of him becoming a Bronco have to be pretty good. He is a native Coloradan from Ft. Morgan. A recent development says that Dreesen is going to make a decision between the Texans and the Broncos by Friday. I like our chances. Maybe Tamme will join the Orange and Blue as well. Having Peyton Manning throwing to them has to be an enticement. I would rather bring these two guys in than spend another draft pick on a Tight End too.
The last report about CB William Gay, was that he was going to decide between the Cardinals, Broncos and Titans after visiting all three teams. Speculation is that he would have a better chance to start in Denver, but is more familiar the the Cardinal's philosophy.
Center Jeff Saturday isn't scheduled to visit Dove Valley until Friday, even though he may already be hanging out with another former teammate Brandon Stokely nearby. Jeff has already made stops in Tennessee and Green Bay, so we will know tomorrow whether the Broncos allow him to leave the premises.
The New England Patriots added another former Broncos with the addition of FB Spencer Larsen. With the arrival of Peyton Manning, FB's aren't as key in his offense, while Josh McDaniel's offense uses FB's heavily.
That's all the updates for now. After the hubub over the last few days, I imagine things will be rather quiet. But if any news breaks this afternoon, you will find it here.