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Published on 04/19/2010 at Mon Apr 19 10:56.
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Scheffler to Detroit a done deal

Posted Mon Apr 19th by

Tony Scheffler celebrates a touchdown with Eddie Royal in 2009. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Tony Scheffler celebrates a touchdown with Eddie Royal in 2009. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

You want out of Denver? Just ask…

The Broncos are slowly becoming known for being quite the concierge.

For the second time this offseason the much discussed duo of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders have granted the precise wishes of an unhappy player.

Brandon Marshall wanted to return to his home state and be amongst the highest paid receivers in the NFL – traded to the Miami Dolphins for a second round draft pick in 2010 and a second round in 2011.

Tony Scheffler wanted to return to his favorite team as a kid – traded to the Detroit Lions in a three way trade that involved the Philadelphia Eagles landing linebacker Ernie Sims from the Lions.

In the trade the Denver Broncos receive a 5th round from the Eagles and send a 7th round to the Lions.

Here’s the kicker, in order to facilitate the trade Scheffler only need to agree not to seek a new contract. So, he’ll be playing in Detroit for the exact tender that he signed with Denver.

This trade puts Scheffler in the same division as former teammate Jay Cutler and also allows Scheffler the opportunity to work with another great young quarterback in Matthew Stafford.

  • MrEast

    I wouldn't say another great young quarterback. Neither of them have really proved anything, besides that they can beat the Browns.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Josh Temple

    I hate this trade, a 5th is pretty weak, but we shouldn't have had to give up a 7th to make this deal go through.

  • http://broncoszone.blogspot.com/ Jon

    San Antonio Holmes and Ted Ginn Jr. both went for only 5th rounders, the trade market is rough these days. Tony Scheffler was also very unhappy in Denver, he now returns to his hometown, and is “relieved”. Obviously the Broncos wanted more in return, but because everyone knew Scheffler wanted out, his trade value probably dropped. Also, having a bunch of draft picks is kind nice.

  • alm034

    Considering the number of dropped wide-open passes and injury history, a 5th rounder isn't so bad, especially in a deep draft.

  • Scottey

    I don't care for the trade….we gain a 5th woopiee….but losing a 7th and the player is not a good match for us. Why would we do this?

  • Fan From Spain

    I don't under stand why they had to include a 7th with Scheffler? hes a solid receiver apart from the injuries.

  • TheTroglodyte

    In the last decade there have only been 3 truly dominate teams year in and year out. Colts, Pats, Steelers.

    The fact is they all did it by caring more about character, work ethic, football intelligence and unselfishness more than individual talent.

    True you can argue all 3 of those teams have good/great qb's. You can also argue that an awful lot of time has been spent on making sure those qb's are in the right “system” to succeed. Tom Brady won all 3 of his superbowls as a game manager. As a superstar, he failed to win it.

    Whatever the case, it doesn't change the fact that these 3 teams were built on a steady foundation first and foremost. Like the trade or not, Scheffler was the last remaining unstable block in our foundation. I wish him the best and am glad he is gone.

  • NAVYbsu_fan

    Wow, I am glad that we got something for Scheffler, but I thought we wanted a higher draft pick. I guess I just want to know why we got so little for him. Why a three team trade? we could have just gotten Sims for Tony and i would have felt more comfortable. We do need an inside linebacker anyway. Can we reasonably get a good player in the 5th?

  • Scottey

    Good thought process…but was Scheff a problem or did he just not get along with the coach. I see this as a common theme, disagreement or a issue with the coach, he calls them out and they are gone. There doesn't seem to be any decorum in handling it behind close doors.

  • NMBronc

    I am really thinking that Scheff had an issue with his role, much like Graham did in NE. I just hope the next one on the block is not Doom. It is a little odd that he has not signed his tender.

    I know McD wants his own guys, and he should, but starting to get concerned about losing all of this talent.

  • darwinj

    They gave up the 7th round pick because they probably feel picking up an extra free agent is about the same. Save some money-no big deal. A 5th round pick for Scheffler is about right. I am liking where McDaniels is headed with this draft. Plenty of depth for offensive line is on the horizon.

  • Andy

    So with all the trades, ectc… what picks do we have this year???

  • cdubarkansasrep

    Why is MC.D trading away our O it was bad enough last year we were below sub-par, but this trade just leaves me in ahhhhh. I mean as a rue fan I can actually say I feel like theres nothing to look foward to next season. Also we have to rember that our D is getting old looking at Dawkins and Champ there is no telling how much longer they have in them. This is a horrible time to try and start rebuilding. Hopefully he proves me wrong and everything works out, but its not looking to good. ONe last thing on my mind is the issue of us picking up Dez Bryant I just dont see him getting alone with Mc.D either because in alot of ways he just another Brandon Marshal SO THIS IS A WASTE OF TIME

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    The compensation was low because Scheffler only had one year left on his deal. The Denver Post is reporting that Lions coach Jim Schwartz only agreed to the deal after he spoke to Tony about not seeking a new contract this year. My guess is that, as part of the deal, the draft pick compensation would go up if they re-upped Tony.

    That being said, the Broncos got fleeced. Should have sat on Scheffler for another year. We could have tendered him an RFA again, I believe.

    These trades are getting maddening to me. Where's McD's vision for the future? All I see him doing is trading away unhappy players on offense and filling in gaps on defense that won't remain filled beyond 2011.

  • TheTroglodyte

    He was a known problem with a known lazy work ethic when Shanahan drafted him. Laziness should never be tolerated at any level, at any job. But especially when you are being paid millions of dollars to perform.

    Cutler was a known pouter and was known to be uncontrollable on the field.

    Marshall was a known attitude problem.

    Dre Bly was a known attitude problem.

    Other than Hillis, all of the players we have said goodbye to were known problems. Anyone who has been tasked with overhauling an organization full of malcontents can appreciate what McD is trying to do and the team will be better off for it.

    Whether or not he can actually “coach” is a totally different story, but anyone who is not at the very least OPEN to his personnel decisions, has never been in charge of running an organization at a high level, it really is that simple.

  • http://manchester-architects.com T-Money

    Next Jersey that I'm buying is going to be a blank one and once I have a new favorite play I”ll tape him name in…. Then when he gets traded like everybody else I can just take the tape off instead of buying a blank jersey. Funny how McD could teach you some financial responsibility through all of this.

  • Banjo

    Manning, Brady, Big Ben is by far the #1 reason those teams are good year in year out. These teams were built on a soon to be hall of fame qb's shoulders (if Ben gets it together off the field). As long as Orton is the answer to who is Denver's qb, the team will not be competing for any super bowls or challenging for anything other than a 1 and done playoff year. McD needs to find a qb that can get it done or he will be searching for a coordinator job in a few years. These teams were built not on a steady foundation but the way all perennial contenders are built, on the shoulders of a stud qb. This is the same way all dominate teams are built. Elway, Favre, Aikman, Kelly, etc, etc, etc, etc…
    The list of dynasties built around below average qb's is short to non-existent.

  • Mergrath

    Currently the Broncos are sitting on 7 picks in the 2010 draft and are in good position to capitalize on one of the deepest drafts in recent memory.

    •1st Round, pick #11 overall
    •2nd Round, pick # 43 overall
    •2nd Round, pick # 45 overall
    •3rd Round, pick #80 overall
    •4th Round, pick #114 overall
    •5th Round, pick #137 overall
    •6th Round, pick #183 overall

  • steeplebomb

    I don't understand why everyone is so down on this trade. Overall we received around a late fifth round pick:
    NFL draft pick values:
    #137 (received from Philly via Cleveland): 37.5
    #220 (Given with Scheff): 3.4
    difference is 34.1 which is, according to the same chart, about midway through the fifth round. Compared to the going rate of talent in a year before a possible lockout, this is FINE value:

    Santonio Holmes: 5th round pick
    Bowldin: 3rd and 4th
    Marshall: two seconds.

    Late seventh round picks have almost 0 value. Scheffler was NEVER going to get us anything better then a late 4th or 5th. Given that all player values are down because of a possible lockout and that lands this trade right where one would expect it. Not to mention that this coming draft is, according to Kiper & McShay, one of the deepest in the last decade. Overall, not so bad…

  • Andy

    thanks Mergrath. That is pretty deep.

  • Scottey

    Good points, I actually didn't know that Scheff was a problem at all. I do look forward to the day when I look at the players and am proud that they represent my team, rather than themselves. Much like I do the Rockies and their players.

  • herc_rock

    Having to throw in the 7th rounder is insanity.

  • roshon2411

    Talent + Winning hide flaws. Every team has them and have prima-donnas including the Colts, Pats, and Steelers.

    When you win, and speak up, your a leader.
    When you lose, and speak up, your a whiner.

  • broncoinva9986

    considering we could have gotten ernie sims ya terrible

  • broncoinva9986

    Dumervil is next watch he will go for a third and thats it

  • dru_down

    With these two moves alone, MC.D is just ensuring that the Chargers will continue to win the division.

    Sheffler is a damn good player and Marshall arguably the best young WR in the game. The two best playmakers. Get rid of the coach next time?

  • cdubarkansasrep

    I agree with you man

  • Gary_in_SD

    Detroit is his favorite team?!! Geez, welcome to never being seen on TV anymore Mr. Scheffler!

  • Doom92

    I'm glad that I'm not the only one that see a bit wrong with this, BUT I will qualify the statement (as is totally needed here most of the time. He was tendered with a #3 on him and just as with Marshall McImmature settles for less, again… Although he was a player I liked a bunch as a fan I have no issues with with trading him, even it would have been for a 5th but to toss in the 7th as well just makes no sense I don't think. McImmature is quickly being becoming the guy that every one will just say “hold back, he'll come down on his asking price… always does”, thats not good for the future, least I don't think so. Sure getting something instead of nothing is better but at what point do you make a guy live up to his end, happy or not. Just my thoughts…

    A couple responses…

    ***”As long as Orton is the answer to who is Denver's qb, the team will not be competing for any super bowls or challenging for anything other than a 1 and done playoff year.”***

    A-freakin-men… Call the others what ever you want to but Orton will NEVER hold a candle to those 3 guys no matter how much you hold you breath, no matter how true blue (and orange) you are, simply will never be…

    Thinking of Brady…

    ***”Tom Brady won all 3 of his superbowls as a game manager. As a superstar, he failed to win it.”***
    WOW… I cant even begin to talk about what is wrong with that statment…lol. I suppose Payton managed his as well and couldn't pull it off as a super star??? I hate it when people put another down on here SO I'm refraining from that, as that is your opinion… I just don't see that at all, if McImmature pulled Brady he while he still had gas in the tank I might actually call him McDa… Um OK not gonna get to crazy there…lol

    ***”Having to throw in the 7th rounder is insanity.”***

    Herc… We finally agree on something, thats awesome…lol.

    Qualifier: I truly hope that you realize thats a joke and I'm poking fun at myself as well… :-)

  • isaac

    Ok i just hAVE TO SAY THIS Mac Fag needs to stop Playing Coach because it just dosent fit him..he might have been a god offence cordinator but head coach way to much for him.. plus there is more qualified coaches out there that are proven..all im saying is if mac Fag dos not go to playoff he should be fired period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and the way the teams look now its very dougthful because not all draft picks help out first year after there drafted..

  • isaac

    I agree with the guy on top not only we will not win Div. this year but i think were perty close to insuring were going to end last by the moves we have done so far..unless we make some trades after the draft or on draft day i dont see the broncos wining any game in Div even thougth raiders and chief havent done much in the off season

  • dru_down

    Broncos best chance is to make a trade for Big Ben and draft a top WR and good TE (Florida's Hernandez or even Iowa's Moeaki).

    I saw Sheffler play in person against SD and was exceedingly impressed. A 5th rounder?

    Try to be serious.

  • dru_down

    Second thing.

    I also agree with you re the Raiders and Chiefs, i.e., it is NOT the time for the Broncos to be rebuilding when the other teams in the AFC west (besides the Chargers) are so weak.

    So WHAT if your players are (sniff, sniff) “unhappy”. What did Xavier McDaniels (i.e., different MC.D) once say in the playoffs against MJ?

    “This is a man's game”

  • dru_down

    If late seventh round picks have “almost 0 value”, how can you credibly contend that giving up one of the most underrated receiving TE in the NFL for a 5th rounder should not be disheartening to Broncos fans?

    Santanio Holmes was going to be released due to misconduct and further defiling the tainted Steelers organization. So…not sure that is a fair comparison with Sheffler, much less “good” for the Broncos.

    We'll see.

  • steeplebomb

    First off, I never said it was a good trade for the Broncos. I just think it wasn't as horrible as people think. People here read the headline that we gave up a draft pick with Scheffler to get a fifth and they get pissed off. In reality, the marginal difference we are talking about here is the fourth to last pick in the entire draft. Is that really such a huge difference that if we had kept it, it would have somehow turned this into a 'good' trade for the Broncos? I don't think so. And yet people are saying that if only we had kept it, this would have been fine. My point is that the two outcomes are practically the same.

    I will miss Tony Scheffler. He was always an exciting player to watch. But the fact of the matter is that he was never going to fit well in our system. It sucks that his career as a Bronco had to end this way, but the trade turns a pick that has, again, almost no value, into something that is actually worth while in a deep draft.

  • dru_down

    No need to impute a straw man argument to me re people's purported misplaced reaction to a headline. My analysis is twofold. First, future draft picks have no intrinsic value in the abstract (see, e.g., Vernon Gholston, Ryan Leaf, et al.). Players that can actually play in the NFL have value. In the instant case, MC.D has traded away arguably the best young receiver in the NFL and (in my mind) one of the most underrated receiving TE in the NFL. Both are proven producers.

    Second point. You know what makes disgruntled NFL players happy? Bigger contracts. What, am I to believe that the Broncos brass couldn't have handled both players differently and offered more money under long term deals? Obviously, it's a moot point, both are gone.

    As for a college player's “potential”, both McShay and Kiper were prating on and on about, for example, Aaron Curry being the “best linebacker prospect the have seen in a decade”. What is the (I can write this) “NFL draft pick value” for the 3rd pick in the entire draft (which is where I believe Curry was drafted)? It is worth ZERO when the player is a bust.

    So, the fact of the matter is that MC.D shipped out the two best playmakers for two second rounders and a 5th, while giving up a 7th without possibly using the right strategy. That play Brandon Marshall had against the Cowboys speaks volumes to his ability. If MC.D can replace that with two mid-late 2nd round picks, more power to him. To suggest it isn't a huge gamble seems silly. Look, I'm not saying that's your position, I'm just saying it seems like a huge gamble.

    You did say, however, that a 7th rounder has a value of “0”. Is that so? Ever heard of these 7th rounder playmaking guys: T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Donald Driver, Ahmad Bradshaw, Marques Colston, Patrick Crayton?

    It proves my point, i.e., where a player comes from is immaterial; if they can make plays in the NFL determines their value. If a player is “unhappy”, restructure their contract instead of rolling the dice.

    Best,
    drudown

  • steeplebomb

    You make some excellent points, many of which I agree with. However, I think that many are tangential to the relatively narrow argument my post was making. The Brandon Marshall trade has been discussed to death. I am unhappy he had to be traded, but have no idea what was happening behind closed doors in dove valley. draft picks may be a risk; how about giving a guy that has known maturity issues and is close to a large ban a record breaking contract? Talk about risk.

    As for draft pick values, obviously the system isn't perfect. But what other method is there other than relative draft pick value to gauge trades? Obviously draft picks don't always pan out, but I don't think its unreasonable to say that picks have value relative to each other (ie pick 1 is objectively worth more than pick 100). In this case, there is almost no functional difference between pick #220 and bringing in UFA's. For every 7th round star, there's one that went undrafted and our chances of finding either are, realistically, the same.

    I guess my last point is that players don't have equal value to all teams. In this case, Tony Scheffler didn't fit into our system because he was a poor blocker. He was being underutilized and everyone knew it. We were always bargaining from a weak position on this trade because of it.

  • dru_down

    Sheffler didn't fit into your system?

    That is a non sequitur.

    They guy is a talented, receiving TE. He can fit into any system.

    Not going to argue with you, but I will revisit the Broncos board after the draft- and after we see how MC.D's picks perform in contrast to Sheffler and Marshall.

  • steeplebomb

    Probably the best thing to do. I see people already trying to make season predictions based on our schedule. Way premature. Excited for the draft tomorrow. I saw ESPN was doing a mock first round and they had the broncos choosing Clausen at 11. Wouldn't be my choice.

  • dru_down

    What do you think of the Broncos draft? I was surprised MC.D. passed on Dez (a la Randy Moss draft free fall?). I think Tebow is going to be effective coming in for special packages.

    Raiders' draft was good- but Cambell is not an elite NFL qb…nor ever will be. I think Chiefs had a very, very good draft (so did Ravens, Seachickens and NE). Ryan Matthews is going to have a big year for the Chargers, I think.

    “He's good.” – Lee Corso

  • steeplebomb

    Not sure. Only time will tell. This draft was definitely high risk, high reward. Tebow has big upside and I think he'll start a lot sooner than people think but have no idea how good he can be. D Thomas is also high risk but I think he'll put up numbers if he can stay healthy and learn pro route trees. Beadles looked like a reach but he should flesh out our line at G and (maybe) provide depth at tackle if he can build strength. Walton was a good pickup. Loved both Decker and Perrish. Everyone loved the Perrish pick but I'm liking Decker more and more. Tough, fearless, smart. He had the highest score on the wonderlic this year.

    As for the Raiders, they had a good draft. Here's to hoping Al snaps out of it and has a few more horrible drafts before he retires.

  • dru_down

    Decker is a playmaker. Physical guy, not afraid of contact.

    I expect Riley Cooper to do well for the Eagles. Same with TE Hernandez for NE. All three may not be the fastest, but all get open and make plays.

    As for Tebow, if he does play well in the pros (even if in, say, Wildcat packages), a lot of people are going to say “duh”, i.e., hindsight is 20/20.

  • steeplebomb

    Not sure. Only time will tell. This draft was definitely high risk, high reward. Tebow has big upside and I think he'll start a lot sooner than people think but have no idea how good he can be. D Thomas is also high risk but I think he'll put up numbers if he can stay healthy and learn pro route trees. Beadles looked like a reach but he should flesh out our line at G and (maybe) provide depth at tackle if he can build strength. Walton was a good pickup. Loved both Decker and Perrish. Everyone loved the Perrish pick but I'm liking Decker more and more. Tough, fearless, smart. He had the highest score on the wonderlic this year.

    As for the Raiders, they had a good draft. Here's to hoping Al snaps out of it and has a few more horrible drafts before he retires.

  • dru_down

    Decker is a playmaker. Physical guy, not afraid of contact.

    I expect Riley Cooper to do well for the Eagles. Same with TE Hernandez for NE. All three may not be the fastest, but all get open and make plays.

    As for Tebow, if he does play well in the pros (even if in, say, Wildcat packages), a lot of people are going to say “duh”, i.e., hindsight is 20/20.