It’s good that the Denver Broncos worked out a long-term contract with linebacker Elvis Dumervil, for multiple reasons.
First, after bungling the handling of quarterback Jay Cutler and receiver Brandon Marshall, the Broncos needed to keep the guy who figures to be the cornerstone of their defense for the rest of the decade.
Second, we’re hearing that Dumervil was ready to hold out of training camp, at least until August 10, the deadline for players under contract to show up and gain a year of credit toward free agency. For Dumervil, who has four years of service, a fifth year will be crucial if the new rules as of 2011 require five years to unrestricted free agency.
Dumervil opted to sign his one-year, $3.168 million restricted free agency tender in advance of the June 15 deadline, after which the Broncos could have reduced the offer to 110 percent of his 2009 base salary.
