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Broncos Free Agency Horse Tracks: Did Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie overplay his hand?

The former Broncos cornerback was made an offer "similar to the money" the Broncos gave Talib, according to reports.

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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Broncos Country! What a first day of free agency, huh?

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie may have regrets today

It's the opening line of the Denver Post's top story: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie overplayed his hand.

The news of Aqib Talib's signing seemed to come out of nowhere; in fact, it stemmed directly from the negotiations the Broncos had with Rodgers-Cromartie. DRC and the Broncos were "deep in negotiations" Tuesday, according to the Post, when they reached a stalemate. John Elway looked elsewhere.

Welcome to Denver, Aqib Talib.

But it didn't have to be that way. Fans love the players they know, and after a phenomenal 2013 season, most Broncos fans were aching for DRC's return. It's fair to describe Broncos Country's initial reactions to the Talib news as a mix of excitement and disappointment.

According to reports, Rodgers-Cromartie had the opportunity to sign with the Broncos first.

DRC was offered around the same amount of money the Broncos gave Talib, CBS' Vic Lombardi says. The structure of the contract was "very different", which is of note, as DRC was offered a "pay-as-you-go" deal with less security than the $24 million in guarantees the Broncos gave Talib. But giving someone who was talking retirement days before the Super Bowl a pay-as-you-go deal seems reasonable, doesn't it Broncos fans?

Still, no one was as surprised, and presumably disappointed, as Rodgers-Cromartie.

The NFL cornerback gambled against John Elway. That hasn't been a good idea since 1983.

Eric Decker's rumored first visit

Broncos to introduce Ward, Talib Wednesday

The Broncos have scheduled their press conference with T.J. Ward for 12 p.m. MDT. Talib will be later in the afternoon.

DeMarcus Ware is coming to town

I just wanna be the first to coin "WareWolfe" : Broncos on Reddit
Well done, JohnathanMoxon.

DeMarcus Ware released by Dallas Cowboys, but where (and what) should he play? | Audibles - SI.com
From 2005 through '12, DeMarcus Ware was one of the best and most consistent pass-rushers in the NFL. The first-round pick out of Troy more than lived up to his small-school hype, amassing 111 sacks in his first eight seasons at the left and right outside linebacker positions in the Dallas Cowbo...

Land rush for DeMarcus Ware | ProFootballTalk
The Broncos get the first in-person crack at former Cowboys defensive end/linebacker DeMarcus Ware. But if the Broncos don't sign him, there are plenty of other takers. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, more than a dozen teams contacted Ware after the Cowboys cut him on Tuesday.

DeMarcus Ware's release shows Dallas Cowboys toughening up - NFL.com
DeMarcus Ware had long been a defensive cornerstone for the Dallas Cowboys -- and they cut him anyway. Judy Battista says this represents a significant shift for the franchise.

Reactions to Denver's three signings

Video: Schefter surprised by Talib signing - ESPN
ESPN Video: Adam Schefter on Aqib Talib signing a six-year $57 million deal with the Denver Broncos.

Talib deal shows Broncos are going all in to catch Seattle | ProFootballTalk
On February 2, the Broncos learned the hard way the importance of having a top-flight secondary. To repeat a Groundhog Day-style repeat of what happened on Groundhog Day, they spent the first day of free agency spending on help for the last line of defense.

Elway, Broncos air it out in free agency - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
Dropping $57 million in somebody’s lap means never having to say you're sorry. So while New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick may have thought Wes Welker's collision with Aqib Talib in the Denver Broncos win over the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game last January was "one of the worst plays I've seen," apparently, with a couple months to think about it, Talib had no such hard feelings.

What Ward Brings to Broncos - DenverBroncos.com
Independent analyst Andrew Mason gives his take on the Broncos' first signing of the free agency period.

Inside the Numbers: T.J. Ward - DenverBroncos.com
A look at some noteworthy T.J. Ward statistics.

What Talib Brings to Broncos - DenverBroncos.com
Independent analyst Andrew Mason takes a closer look at the Broncos' addition of free agent cornerback Aqib Talib.

Inside the Numbers: Aqib Talib - DenverBroncos.com
A look at some noteworthy Aqib Talib statistics.

Caldwell Valuable to Broncos - DenverBroncos.com
Independent analyst Andrew Mason gives his take on the Broncos bringing back wide receiver Andre Caldwell.

Inside the Numbers: Andre Caldwell - DenverBroncos.com
A look at some noteworthy Andre Caldwell statistics.

More free agency

I just wanna be the first to coin "WareWolfe" : Broncos on Reddit
Well done, JohnathanMoxon.

NFL free agent tracker, 2014: Follow all the moves from around the league - SBNation.com
It's that time of year when NFL teams go shopping. Follow all the moves, big ones and little ones, from around the league with SB Nation's NFL free agency tracker.

What we learned on an insane Day 1 of free agency - NFL.com
We thought free agency was slowing down after more than 20 signings in the first hour. And then things really got crazy at night highlighted by the Saints adding Jairus Byrd to team with Kenny Vaccaro.

2014 Free Agency Live Blog | ProFootballFocus.com
As the 2014 NFL league calendar begins and 2013 contracts end, we'll provide blow-by-blow analysis as the teams and players agree on free agent deals.

2014 NFL Free Agent Grades: WalterFootball.com

Chiefs free agency rumors: KC interested in Joe Mays, 2008 Andy Reid draft pick - Arrowhead Pride
The Kansas City Chiefs may have a need at inside linebacker and linebacker Joe Mays, a former 2008 draft pick by Andy Reid, is drawing the Chiefs interest.

Jonathan Martin traded to 49ers for conditional draft pick - SBNation.com
The San Francisco 49ers have made another trade, this time for Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jonathan Martin.

Kansas City Chiefs free agency tracker 2014 - Arrowhead Pride
Track the rumors, news and updates surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs 2014 NFL free agents here. Links to the most updated information will be included.