Cutler Signs Contract with Broncos

July 26, 2006

7/27/2006

The Associated Press

DENVER (AP)– The Denver Broncos reported to training camp Thursday minus Ashley Lelie, but with rookie Jay Cutler agreeing to a last-hour deal.

Cutler, the 11th pick in the NFL Draft, agreed to a package worth up to $48 million over six years, agent Bus Cook said. The deal was expected to be signed in time for the Broncos’ first workout Friday.

“We got it done,” Cook said of the deal that includes a team option for the sixth year.

While Cutler cashed in, Lelie will be subject to $14,000 in daily fines after he held to his promise to boycott training camp as a way of forcing a trade.

Lelie’s agent, Peter Schaffer, hoped to secure a new address for his client during the offseason. With camps opening across the country, it may take an injury for a trade partner to emerge.

“We are diligently working toward a positive resolution,” Schaffer said.

Asked if Lelie was in town, Schaffer said, “That’s not relevant.”

Shanahan had a feeling Cutler wouldn’t hold out.

“I think Jay’s a pretty smart guy and I think his agent is a very fair guy,” Shanahan said before a deal was struck for the Vanderbilt quarterback. “We’ve always been fair.”

Cutler was the last of Denver’s seven-member draft class to reach a deal. Earlier Thursday, second-round pick Tony Scheffler, a tight end from Western Michigan, signed a four-year deal. Receiver Domenik Hixon and guard Chris Kuper also agreed to terms.

The Broncos also signed punter Micah Knorr to fill in for Todd Sauerbrun, who will serve a four-game suspension for using the banned dietary supplement ephedra.

Should Lelie have a change of heart and report to camp, he’ll be welcomed by teammates and coaches.

“I have nothing against Ashley,” Shanahan said. “I’m going to play the best players. Ashley made a business decision to do what he thought was right for him and his future.”

Shanahan said he wouldn’t be surprised if Lelie walked into training camp any time. They recently had an amicable conversation.

“If he doesn’t report, I’m going to treat him like he sprained his ankle,” Shanahan said. “I’m not going to worry about somebody who’s not at the camp. He’s got a contract and he’s obligated to be here. We’re holding all the cards.”

The Broncos tried to deal Lelie on draft day, but couldn’t get adequate compensation.

Lelie wants to be a No. 1 receiver, but doesn’t think he’ll receive that chance in Denver with Rod Smith coming off a Pro Bowl season and the Broncos acquiring Javon Walker on draft day.

“I want to see him playing,” Smith said Thursday. “I don’t want him to think he’s by himself.”

Because Lelie missed all the offseason workouts, Shanahan said he won’t be a starter but would have a chance to earn his position back.

“If he did come in, let’s go have some fun,” Shanahan said. “Let’s win a championship.”

He doesn’t see Lelie’s absence being a distraction, predicting his teammates would accept him quickly.

“I think it will take five minutes,” Shanahan said. “(He’d say) ‘Guys, I think I did the best thing for me, it didn’t work out, I’m ready to go, let’s get after it. I don’t care if I’m the third-team guy, the first-team guy, I’m going to show you at the end of the camp I deserve to be the No. 1.’ That’s the way men do it.”

Walker, who arrived at camp Thursday afternoon, would love to see Lelie show up. Walker went through a similar situation with Green Bay last season. He threatened to hold out, but arrived up in time for camp – then tore up his knee in the first regular-season game.

“We’d be joking around and laughing,” said Walker, who trained with Lelie in Phoenix during the offseason. “A lot of the guys would be excited to see him.”

Smith agreed.

“I told him, ‘I hope you get to play, and I hope it’s with us”‘ said Smith.

Given all that’s taken place, Smith thinks the chances of Lelie returning are slim.

“Honestly I would be happy, but at the same time, I can’t see it happening,” Smith said. “I would be shocked. I want to play with him, I really do. I think he’s a tremendous talent.”

One way or another, Shanahan just wants the situation resolved.

“Guys want players who are going to come in here and want to be part of the team and want to work hard to be part of the team,” Shanahan said. “If you don’t want to be part of the team, then don’t be part of the team. Just keep doing what you’re doing and hold out.”