Hall of Fame QB says situation is ‘unfortunate’
Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler throws against the San Diego Chargers during a December game. Trade talks involving Cutler have strained relations with the teams new coach Josh McDaniels.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – John Elway is saddened for both Jay Cutler and the Denver Broncos in the simmering feud that could end in an ugly split.
The Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback made his first comments about the conflict, telling The Pueblo Chieftain the rift between the quarterback and the new regime of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders is “sad and unfortunate.”
“Obviously, there was a lack of communication somewhere to where it blew this thing up to where it has got to now,” Elway told the newspaper while in Pueblo for a fundraiser on Thursday night. “I’m sad for both sides.
” . . . I understand Jay’s feelings got hurt, but it’s too bad it has got to where it is. I wish Jay would have got some better advice from whoever he was getting advice from.”
The feud started when Cutler learned McDaniels had brought his name up in trade talks that would have brought Matt Cassell from New England and sent Cutler to Tampa Bay.
The sides talked twice, once by phone and once face-to-face, but were unable to repair the relationship.
Cutler has instructed his agent, Bus Cook, to ask the Broncos to trade him. McDaniels still hopes to smooth things over with his quarterback.
Vikings sign CB Griffin
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Vikings have signed cornerback Cedric Griffin to a contract extension.
Griffin declined to divulge terms of the deal announced on Friday, though he said it was similar in structure to the four-year contract he signed after the Vikings drafted him in the second round in 2006.
That deal included $1.62 million guaranteed, though this contract is sure to be significantly richer because of his experience.
Griffin has started 38 games in three years. He has three career interceptions and has become one of the league’s hardest-hitting cornerbacks, forming a formidable run-stopping tandem with fellow starter Antoine Winfield.
Ravens sign TE Smith
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Baltimore Ravens have signed free agent tight end L.J. Smith to a one-year contract.
Smith, a 6-foot-3, 258 pound six-year NFL veteran, has caught 231 passes for 2,525 yards and 18 touchdowns in 86 regular season games.