Sauerbrun might be gone soon

We'll know in a couple of days.

Sauerbrun deal still in works


By Darin Gantt The Herald
(Published May 11‚ 2005)


CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers should know soon if they'll get anything for Todd Sauerbrun.
And he, in turn, should find out whether he's going to get what he wants from the Denver Broncos.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said he spoke with Broncos officials Tuesday afternoon, and that some degree of resolution on the long-expected deal will likely come in the next 48 hours.

"I talked to them about it," Hurney said. "We should hear whether something's going to happen in the next day or two."

The Panthers and Broncos have agreed in principle to the terms of a trade for the talented punter, which would send a late-round pick in next year's draft to the Panthers. But all that's contingent on the Broncos and Sauerbrun coming to terms on an economic arrangement, the last hang-up to the trade.

If the Panthers can't trade him, they're expected to release him after June 1. Several other teams, notably Minnesota and Tampa Bay, have expressed interest, fueling Denver's desire to work a deal.

Sauerbrun flew to Denver on Sunday and met with Broncos coach Mike Shanahan on Monday, before catching a late flight to Miami to see his daughter and huddle with his agent.

"It was a great visit," agent David Canter said of Sauerbrun's trip west. "Todd really hit it off with Shanahan, and I think everybody's hoping something gets done."

There's one hitch, and it could be the thing that sends the deal in one direction or the other.

Sauerbrun has three years left on the contract the Panthers gave him two years ago, which at the time made him the game's highest-paid punter. Under that deal, he's due base salaries of $1.2 million, $1.295 million and $1.4 million the next three seasons.

He'd like the Broncos to restructure that deal, dropping the salary cap numbers they're concerned with and putting some guaranteed money into his pocket in the form of a signing bonus. Canter said he's had discussions with the Broncos about a potential new deal for weeks, and hopes something can be worked out soon so the deal can go through.

There seems to be some hesitation on the Broncos part to re-negotiate, in part because of the off-field issues that plagued Sauerbrun here.

He has a May 25 court date on driving while impaired charges, and sources have indicated he's cooperating with steroid investigation surrounding Columbia's Dr. James Shortt, who's alleged to have provided prescriptions for banned substances to Sauerbrun and two other members of the Panthers 2003 NFC Championship team.

Sauerbrun could potentially be suspended for his involvement in the steroid case, or the league could bypass any sanctions in exchange for his cooperation.

But Canter said Sauerbrun's three-time Pro Bowl resume and potential for bigger numbers in the thin air of the Mile High City should overshadow those concerns. The agent also went so far as to say he'd give the Broncos cover if the off-field problems are what they're worried about.

"We'll write a contract with any team with protections for them against any off-field stuff," Canter said. "I don't think that's an issue."

 

Man I wish the Panthers could fabricate some rumors that Tampa or other team is willing to give up a higher than 7th round selection to get Denver off of a 7th. Whatever gets him gone so we can move on. Rouen isn't that far of a drop off if I remember as a kicker and I am sure his salary is lower (vet minimum what 700k?) Opens up a little wiggle room with someone else that has less baggage

 

if saurbrun had only gone out and gotten himself a wizzenator, this would be a moot point

 

damn..a douche bag all pro punter is only worth a 7th rounder? How's that ego, Todd?

 

Getting a seventh rounder for a guy everyone knows we plan to cut is pretty good.

 

I think his demise is due to over hazing :banginghe

 

And knowing you will have to test him for roids every week and bail him out of jail once a month.

 

is that official? he is getting cut?

 

If the Panthers can't trade him, they're expected to release him after June 1. Several other teams, notably Minnesota and Tampa Bay, have expressed interest, fueling Denver's desire to work a deal.

 

oh.."expected" means it will happen.