Kanell takes cut to preserve backup roleBy Patrick Saunders
Denver Post Staff Writer
Rod Smith, left, tries to make a point Thursday to newcomer Jerry Rice during the Broncos' three-day minicamp. Rice says he still is adjusting to Colorado's mile-high altitude, but is getting the concepts down on the field. (Post / Cyrus McCrimmon)
A chance to maintain his place as the Broncos' No. 2 quarterback was worth $350,000 to Danny Kanell.
That's how much salary the veteran gave up to better his chances of making the roster.
Kanell, penciled in as the primary backup to starter Jake Plummer, was scheduled to make $1 million this season. But when the Broncos recently asked him to take a pay cut, he obliged and now is scheduled to make about $650,000.
"They asked me to do it," Kanell said Thursday after the second day of the Broncos' three-day minicamp. "I didn't want any reason - other than my on-field performance - to determine my chances of making the team."
Kanell is running the No. 2 offense, but when training camp opens in three weeks, he is expecting a challenge from second-year quarterbacks Matt Mauck and Bradlee Van Pelt, who are making less money.
"They could have kept Bradlee and Matt for half of what I was going to make," Kanell said. "So it makes it a real tough decision for the Broncos."
Kanell said his new contract offers rewards if he fills in for Plummer.
"I have always been a team player and they have given me some incentives so if something does happen, I can earn some pay," Kanell said. "I think if I have the opportunity to play and I perform, then I should get paid accordingly."
Kanell, who joined the Broncos in 2003 after being out of the NFL in 2001-02, said he is pleased with how he has played during the Broncos' three camps.
"Everything feels more comfortable than it did a year ago, and I think my experience is starting to show," he said. "I am very confident with my reads, and when you're confident with where you are throwing the ball, chances are it's going to get there successfully. So everything is feeling pretty good."
Rice needs a breather
Veteran wide receiver Jerry Rice quickly is getting a handle on the Broncos' offense. Now, if only he could catch his breath.
"It's going OK, but I'm still trying to get used to this mile-high air," Rice said. "I look at some of the
other guys, and they're having a little difficult time, too. So there's hope. I'm getting the concepts down. I feel more relaxed now. Now it's just getting the conditioning in.
"I don't care what type of work you do down at sea level; once you get here, it's a whole new ballgame."
Draft pick signs
Punter/kicker Paul Ernster, a seventh-round draft choice from Northern Arizona, signed a contract, becoming the first Broncos draft choice to sign this year.
Three-time Pro Bowl selection Todd Sauerbrun is expected to be Denver's punter, but Ernster could compete for a roster spot as a kickoff specialist.
The Broncos have begun negotiations with their five other draft picks. Those contracts are expected to be completed in the week leading up to training camp, which opens July 28.
Footnote
Wednesday, safety John Lynch joined Kanell and Rice for a round of golf at Cherry Hills Country Club, site of last month's U.S. Women's Open. Kanell earned bragging rights with a 6-over-par 77, while Rice shot an 86 and Lynch a 92.
"I played very well and Jerry shot an uncharacteristic 86," Kanell said. "Now that I've told the media, I wonder what Jerry will say."
Rice's response?
"Tell Danny it's because he knew the course, and I'd never seen it before," Rice said.
Lynch said the rough that made the course so demanding for the Open still was thick.
"They've cut it some, but it was still tough," Lynch said.
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