Broncos' O-line won't suffer identity crisis

[1niksder]

Broncos' O-line won't suffer identity crisis
New deals blunt salary-cap fears; Neil facing release

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
February 12, 2005

Three players with salary-cap figures in excess of $5 million. Pending free agency for two others. That reality signaled a possible overhaul of the Denver Broncos offensive line this off-season.

Instead, as the team moves toward the March 2 start of free agency, the unit could have much the same look in 2005.

Four-time Pro Bowl center Tom Nalen assured his return late last month by renegotiating next season's contract.

Nalen's base salary dropped by $2.9 million, but he was given $2 million in a guaranteed roster bonus and a chance to earn $100,000 more based on games played and team success. Overall, his cap figure fell from $5.8 million to $4.3 million, saving the team $1.5 million toward the signing of free agents and rookies.

But getting Nalen squared away was only the first step in an anticipated flurry of activity in the next few weeks.

Indications are the Broncos are interested in giving left tackle Matt Lepsis a contract extension as a means to pare his $6.1 million cap figure for '05, rather than asking him to take a pay cut - a request he agreed to last February.

Right tackle George Foster already is locked in at a reasonable price ($1.59 million), which now leaves guard as the lone question mark on the line.

Denver wants to retain left guard Ben Hamilton, an unrestricted free agent, particularly because he's slated to take over for Nalen at center as soon as the '06 season, when Nalen's contract is expected to void. The Broncos have initiated preliminary talks with Hamilton and soon are expected to submit an offer.

Right guard Dan Neil, a starter since 1998, probably will be released, unless he decides to accept a dramatic pay cut. Neil's cap figure is slated to be $5.055 million, but even if Denver cuts him, the Broncos will be liable for $3.32 million in prorated bonuses Neil already has been paid, leaving a potential cap savings of only $1.74 million.

Cooper Carlisle, another unrestricted free agent, replaced an injured Neil in the second half of last season as starter but is viewed more as a versatile reserve, should he re-sign.

The Broncos are about $2.1 million under next season's projected cap.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/b ... 64,00.html

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Ben Hamilton and Dan Neil, both starting Guards who have blocked for Portis and we need a Guard