New Deal Keeps Rod Smith in Denver

[madaslives911]

[b] New Deal will Keep Smith in Denver
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 03/21/2007 11:32:35 PM MDT

It's official. Rod Smith will be a Bronco in 2007 - and perhaps beyond.

Beating a Wednesday deadline, the Broncos and the team's all-time leading receiver tweaked a temporary contract restructuring agreement, ensuring he will stay with the team.

The new deal includes incentives that would reward Smith should he have a strong 2007 season.

Smith, who will be 37 in May, restructured his contract March 7 down to a base salary of $1.5 million for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. The new incentive-based deal also covers the 2008 season, the final year of Smith's contract.

The agreement was made during a meeting at Dove Valley on Wednesday. Head coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Ted Sundquist were present.

When the two sides made the temporary agreement, it meant Denver wouldn't be forced to make Smith a salary cap casualty. However, it left three scenarios: Smith gets an incentive-based deal, the contract remains the same or Smith decides to move on.

"We're all very happy that this was the outcome," said Tom Mills, one of Smith's Boulder-based agents. "The most important part is Rod is satisfied and excited about it."

Mills said both sides hope Smith can play the next few years. If that happens, Smith's playing time likely will be limited. Smith essentially is a coach on the field, so his presence in the locker room is valued by the Broncos.

Smith had hip surgery last month and is expected to be ready for training camp.

[Flux]

He is past his prime. DEN does owe him though, so not bad giving him an incentive-type deal

[mrblitz]

I think keeping Rod in Denver is a good situation, for him and the team. The guy has certainly lost a step, but still has pretty sure hands.

[robnestrick]

It is nice to see this type of loyalty by a team. R.Smith is definitely at the end of his career and keeping him in DEN demonstrates to other players in the NFL that DEN is a great place to play. When guys like J.Rice and E.Smith are let out to dry, you get a bad feeling about the franchises. These are players who have dedicated their lives to your team, show them some respect and give them a good way to go out. An incentive deal is perfect because it says, we want you here, we hope you are still the same player you were, but if not, we aren't killing our own franchise.

Additionally, R.Smith should be revered for not going off the deep end and wanting a four year 20 million dollar contract like many vets would. He is handling himself like a professional.

[Kensat30]

Rod Smith = team player.

[Foolio]

Rod Smith = CLASS