Broncos could sign Rice
Defensive end Simeon Rice flew to Denver on Sunday and could sign with the Broncos this week, barring a better contract offer from St. Louis.
Rice, who was let go on the first day of training camp by Tampa Bay after failing a physical because of a shoulder injury, was expected to meet with Broncos officials Sunday. Rice is one of the most consistent pass rushers among active players. He has 121 sacks in his 12-year career even after being limited to only two last season because of the injury.
He had more than 10 sacks in each of the previous five years and at least 10 in eight of his first 10 seasons. Rice was a key member of the Tampa Bay defense which finished No. 1 in the NFL in 2002 on the way to winning the Super Bowl.
Agent Tom Condon said Denver's interest picked up in the past few days after Rice met with St. Louis. He said the Rams were still interested in signing Rice, but were considering options.
Denver currently has second-year end Elvis Dumervil starting at right end. Dumervil had a strong rookie season with 8½ sacks last year after being a fourth-round pick out of Louisville. However, Dumervil is only 5-foot-11 and is considered a pass-rush specialist rather than an every-down player.
