Al

Wilson

The Broncos could use their franchise tag on him, but both sides don’t want to do this. Wilson figures to get a signing bonus over $10 million when he signs. Getting this deal done is Denver’s foremost offseason priority.

The franchise tag would pay Wilson $5,834,000 on a one-year contract. The team could continue to negotiate after the franchise label is placed on Wilson. Wilson is Denver’s #1 offseason concern and would one of the top defensive player on the market if available.

Wilson said after the game that he caught the finger in another player’s helmet, but stayed in the game after a trainer popped the finger back into place.

Wilson, 30, is still hoping to get a chance as a free agent next spring. He’ll need to be medically cleared and pass a physical after suffering career-threatening neck and back injuries. Wilson was released last April.

If Wilson doesn’t receive medical clearance soon, his playing career is probably over.

“I’m just trying to stay in shape and see where it goes from there,” he says. We suspect the Lions would be one of the teams interested in the veteran.

Wilson, who turns 31 in June, was out of the game in 2007 after suffering a neck injury late in 2006. He’s a free agent and can be signed before March.

“I don’t want to go too far down the road with you guys. We just had a chance to bring him in and see what he’s about and see where he’s at,” Marinelli said. Marinelli also refused to say whether Wilson passed a team physical.

“All went well,” said the agent, indicating Wilson passed his physical. Wilson, who has visits planned with other teams, will likely try to max out his value.

Wilson, who sat out 2007 while recovering from a neck injury, would be a nice risk for a team like the Lions. Interest in him is expected to pick up after the Super Bowl. Wilson was still playing at a high level before the injury.