It was only a matter of time and now it's a matter of millions.
As someone who would buy three-winged turkeys on the day before Thanksgiving to save a few bucks, I can tell you that procrastination almost never pays. No one knows that more than Elvis Dumervil. The Denver Broncos Defensive End had until 2 p.m. MT to fax in the paperwork that would've renegotiated his salary from $12 million next season to $8 million. When the Broncos didn't get the fax, they released him in lieu of having to pay the entire $12 million. The fax arrived at 2:07 pm, according to Mike Klis fo the Denver Post.
So who's fault was it?
Dumervil's agent is blaming the Broncos, according to Mike Garafolo of USA Today. Dumervil's camp claims the Broncos changed the terms of the deal at the last minute and that they faxed the paperwork at 1:55 MT, just as the Broncos released him. This one could get ugly.
Although, the team is officially sans Dumervil, they could re-sign him, but it's become far more complicated due to salary cap reasons, in particular, because Dumervil's contract ran through 2013. Last season, Dumervil had 54 combined tackles, 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles.
In other free agent news...
Cardinals - Kevin Kolb and Arizona couldn't come to terms on a restructured deal, so Kolb was released. The Cardinals would've had to give Kolb a $2 million bonus if he was still on the roster on Saturday. He also would've made $9 million for the season. The writing was on the wall for Kolb when the Cardinals signed quarterback Drew Stanton to a three-year contract. Stanton will compete with Brian Hoyer for the QB job next season. Last season, Kolb played in only 6 games. He threw for 1,169 yards with 8 TDs and 3 INTs.
Cornerback Antoine Cason didn't have those problems. The former San Diego Charger signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Cardinals.
Vikings - Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported that they've signed receiver Greg Jennings to a five-year contract. Jennings, 29, caught 36 passes last season for 366 yards and 4 TDs. He should help quiet some of the disappointment of fans following the departure of Percy Harvin and boost the production of young QB Christian Ponder.
Patriots - Kyle Arrington signed a four-year contract with the club. Indianapolis free agent linebacker Dwight Freeney, defensive end John Abraham, and safety Adrian Wilson visited the New England Patriots on Friday.
Buccaneers - Receiver Arrelious Benn was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Buccaneers will receive a 6th round pick this year and a conditional pick in 2014. The Eagles also will receive a seventh-round pick this year.
Atlanta - Tony Gonzalez constantly said that he would likely retire, but nothing changes minds like money. The long-tenured TE signed a two-year, $14 million contract with $7 million guaranteed.
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