Things Could Get Iffy for Broncos and Dumervil
Elvis Dumervil has emerged this season as one of the top linebackers in the NFL. He has a league-high 15 sacks and is undoubtedly a huge part of the Denver Broncos team.
Dumervil’s rookie contact from 2006 is set to expire after this season. Usually in the NFL, a young player will get a shot to impress. If he impresses, the player may get offers from several teams when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. However, seeing as there is no labor deal in place yet, Dumervil will be a restricted free agent. Free agency can get a tad confusing so let me break it down for you.
A restricted free agent is defined in the NFL CBA as:
A veteran who has three or more Accrued Seasons and who completes performance of his Player Contract, but who is still subject to a Right of First Refusal and/or Draft Choice Compensation in favor of his Prior Club.
The Right of First Refusal basically means that the Broncos have the option to match any offer given to Dumervil by another team. Draft Choice Compensation means that the Broncos can opt to receive draft picks from another team instead of matching the offer.
As of right now, it is unclear when a new labor agreement will be signed.
