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After the “fax-gate” scenario that led to Elvis Dumervil being released by the Denver Broncos, it was clear to everyone that the All-Pro defensive end was looking for work elsewhere. Yet for all intents and purposes, there really was only one team other than the Broncos that had a chance of signing Dumervil all along: the Baltimore Ravens.
Today, according to NFL.com, Dumervil and the Ravens have agreed to a five-year contract worth up to $35 million. The decision leaves Dumervil making $1 million in salary this year with a $7.5 million signing bonus, and a guaranteed $3.5 million guarantee in case of injury in 2014. That secures that the end will make at the very least $12 million from the Ravens.
The Broncos, because of being forced to cut Dumervil, were automatically hit with about a $4 million cap restraint that hindered them from bringing Dumervil back at the originally agreed upon $8 million salary before his previous agent failed to send the signed documents in time.
The crux of the situation is that it was evident from the beginning that Dumervil was jaded because of the situation and did not feel wanted by the Broncos. Executive vice president of football operations John Elway commented on the signing by Dumervil, reassuring fans that he did all he could to retain him.
“As we have from the start of this process, we worked diligently over the last week to find a way for Elvis Dumervil to remain a Denver Bronco,” Elway said in the statement. “Although we made multiple contract offers to Elvis after being forced to release him, we were unable to reach an agreement and are now moving forward without him. Elvis was a team captain and a talented player who made a great impact during his seven seasons in Denver. I appreciate all of his effort on the field and the work he did in the community. I wish Elvis all the best as he continues his NFL career.”
Dumervil’s best years were in a 3-4 system in 2009 and 2010 when he recorded 26.5 sacks. The Ravens play that scheme and it looks as if Dumervil will become their new outside linebacker. He will be reunited with Ravens linebackers coach Don Martindale, who coached on the Broncos in 2009, Dumervil’s best year when he had 17.5 sacks.
I agree with Elway’s sentiments and wish Doom all the best no matter what team he is with. Elvis has been a consummate professional who is a leader on the field and around his community. He will fill a great hole in the Ravens defense that was widened with the exodus of some top players this offseason.
Yet for all Dumervil has done in Dove Valley, for similar money, he could have stayed and taken part in finishing what he started in Denver. The Broncos are closer at this stage than the Ravens at winning a Super Bowl, but Doom had to make the choice for himself. He made that choice it seems a week ago, and nothing was going to change his mind. In the end, Dumervil just did not want to be a part of the Broncos any longer.
“Rant” your thoughts in the comments section below on the Broncos missing out on re-signing Dumervil.
Craig Moir is a Denver Broncos writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @cmoir727. “Like” him on Facebook at CraigMoirRants and add him to your network on Google+
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