Denver, CO (Sports Network) - A snafu in paperwork has caused the Denver
Broncos to release star defensive end Elvis Dumervil.
The Denver Post reports Dumervil signed off on a new contract arrangement from
the Broncos and his agent faxed it the team, but it arrived at 2:06 p.m. local
time. That was six minutes past the deadline to file contracts with the NFL
office.
Because of the problem, the Broncos chose to release Dumervil instead of
guaranteeing him his $12 million salary for next season. The newspaper reports
the Broncos could be hit with a $4.889 million hit against their salary cap.
According to the report, Dumervil was asked to take a pay cut from the $12
million he was due to make next season, but whatever the arrangement he was to
be guaranteed a salary if he was on the roster by 2 p.m. local time. Dumervil
reportedly agreed to take a pay cut down to $8 million and the sides had
agreed to a restructured contract about 35 minutes prior to the deadline.
The newspaper reports the Broncos faxed the proposal to Dumervil and his
agent, but the signatures were needed by 2 p.m. The Broncos were reportedly
fearful they'd be stuck with the $12 million owed to Dumervil so a minute
prior to the deadline he was released.
The Broncos could re-sign Dumervil, but there are salary cap ramifications
according to the newspaper. He's now a free agent.
Dumervil had 11 sacks last season. He led the NFL with 17 sacks in 2009 and
has 63 for his career.
The Sports Network