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Lelie's route leads out of town
No. 2 wide receiver wants upgrade or trade
By Bill Williamson, Denver Post
Ashley Lelie's absence from the Broncos' offseason program may be the beginning of the end in Denver for the wide receiver.
Lelie, who is in the final year of his contract, would like to play where he has an opportunity to be a No. 1 receiver, according to two NFL sources. He doesn't think that is possible in Denver, where he has played since being the 19th pick in the 2002 draft. It appears likely that if he is not traded, this will be his final season here.
Lelie's representatives are gauging interest for a trade. Players with only one year remaining on their deals rarely have high trade value, and the Broncos may prefer to keep Lelie rather than dispatch the playmaker for a low-round pick.
With the venerable and reliable Rod Smith entrenched in the No. 1 receiver spot, Lelie is unlikely to move up the depth chart.
Lelie made 42 catches, one for a touchdown, in 2005. His best season came in 2004 when he had 54 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. He has been inconsistent, but his deep-threat ability has kept opposing teams honest.
Denver's offseason workout program began April 3, but Lelie is working out on his own at a performance center in Tempe, Ariz. He could have earned a $100,000 bonus by participating in 90 percent of the voluntary workouts. Most Broncos players have participated in the program during the Mike Shanahan coaching era.
The Broncos also have discussed the possibility of trading for disgruntled Green Bay receiver Javon Walker, who could be dealt before or during the draft. Lelie and a midround pick might be enough to entice Green Bay to part with Walker.
Teams that might have interest in Lelie include San Francisco, Philadelphia, New England and Seattle.
No. 2 wide receiver wants upgrade or trade
By Bill Williamson, Denver Post
Ashley Lelie's absence from the Broncos' offseason program may be the beginning of the end in Denver for the wide receiver.
Lelie, who is in the final year of his contract, would like to play where he has an opportunity to be a No. 1 receiver, according to two NFL sources. He doesn't think that is possible in Denver, where he has played since being the 19th pick in the 2002 draft. It appears likely that if he is not traded, this will be his final season here.
Lelie's representatives are gauging interest for a trade. Players with only one year remaining on their deals rarely have high trade value, and the Broncos may prefer to keep Lelie rather than dispatch the playmaker for a low-round pick.
With the venerable and reliable Rod Smith entrenched in the No. 1 receiver spot, Lelie is unlikely to move up the depth chart.
Lelie made 42 catches, one for a touchdown, in 2005. His best season came in 2004 when he had 54 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. He has been inconsistent, but his deep-threat ability has kept opposing teams honest.
Denver's offseason workout program began April 3, but Lelie is working out on his own at a performance center in Tempe, Ariz. He could have earned a $100,000 bonus by participating in 90 percent of the voluntary workouts. Most Broncos players have participated in the program during the Mike Shanahan coaching era.
The Broncos also have discussed the possibility of trading for disgruntled Green Bay receiver Javon Walker, who could be dealt before or during the draft. Lelie and a midround pick might be enough to entice Green Bay to part with Walker.
Teams that might have interest in Lelie include San Francisco, Philadelphia, New England and Seattle.
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