Rod Smith’s days numbered?
JIM ARMSTRONG
Denver Post Staff Writer
The biggest off-season story waiting to happen at Dove Valley?
Don’t look now, but it could be the retirement of Rod Smith.
Something has to give with Smith, who is experiencing his worst season since he moved into the starting lineup in the mid-1990s.
His 42 catches rank 26th among AFC receivers. And he’s averaging a mere 9.7 yards per catch, with two touchdown catches.
It’s conceivable Smith, a very popuarl figure in the locker room and Mike Shanahan’s office, could be back in 2007. Question is, in what capacity?
He doesn’t figure to be a starter, what with Javon Walker set as the No. 1 wideout and Brandon Marshall expected to move into the lineup. That would leave Smith fighting it out for the No. 3 receiver job.
So what will happen? One of two things. He comes back at a lower salary or he walks away on his terms, setting the stage for his induction into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame five years down the road.
And for all we know, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will follow.
