Report: Elvis Dumervil open to negotation, wants to remain in Denver

Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil has three years and about $30 million left on his contract. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The agent for Denver Broncos linebacker/defensive end Elvis Dumervil responded to the team's desire for Dumervil to take a pay cut, telling the Denver Post's Mike Klis that he and his client are open to negotiation.

The Broncos made their stance clear on Wednesday, when reports said that the team would consider trading or cutting the 29-year-old if his salary could not be slashed.

Dumervil's agent, Marty Magid, said the sides have mutual interest in what he termed a "restructure" rather than a pay cut.

"They informed us they want to do a restructure," Magid said during a phone interview. "I'm not classifying this as a pay cut. I'm going ahead with this being a restructure. If we can meet on some common ground, there's a potential we can get it done. If we can't, they'll have to make a decision. But we're definitely in good faith going to try to negotiate this out.

"Elvis wants to return as a Bronco if it all possible, and that's what we're trying to do — make the client happy and try to appease the team."

Dumervil, a three-time Pro Bowler with 63.5 career sacks in six seasons, signed a six-year, $61.5-million contract extension in July 2010 after posting a career-high 17 sacks in 2009. He subsequently tore a pectoral muscle and missed the entire 2010 season.

Based on the offseason timeline, the situation will likely be resolved within the next 10 days.

Magid said no deadline has been given to him, but two are out there — Tuesday, when NFL free agency opens, and March 16, when Dumervil's $12 million salary would become guaranteed.

If a deal isn't worked out, Dumervil probably would go to the top of the free-agent, pass-rushing defensive ends or outside linebackers available, along with Paul Kruger, Cliff Avril, Dwight Freeney and John Abraham.