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Elvis Dumervil thought he would continue with the Denver Broncos in 2013. He could never have imagined how the situation that led him out of the team unfolded. In one of the most embarrassing moments in NFL history, Dumervil was accidentally released by the Broncos.
Dumervil was a key defensive end and linebacker on the Broncos' defense. Drafted in the fourth round in 2006, he recorded 63.5 sacks in six seasons with the Broncos, missing the entire 2010 season due to injury.
The Embarrassing Release of Elvis Dumervil from the Broncos
Dumervil signed a new six-year deal with the Broncos in 2010. His contract included a clause that would net him a $12 million fully guaranteed salary for the 2013 season. This is provided he remained on the team's roster at 2:00 PM MT on March 15, 2013.
To create more space under the salary cap, the Broncos negotiated a revised contract with him that would lower his salary cap impact for the 2013 season. Everything seemed to be settled between the two parties, having reached an agreement to restructure his contract.
However, he and his agent failed to submit the paperwork on time, sending it at 2:06 PM MT, six minutes past the deadline. This eventually caused the Broncos to release him instead of guaranteeing him a $12 million salary for the 2013 season.
Consequently, the team could have re-signed the defender on March 16, but they ended up with $4.869 million in "dead money" against their 2013 salary cap. This would be in addition to any salary cap impact resulting from his new contract if he were to rejoin the team.
As a result, he signed for the Baltimore Ravens the following week.
The aftermath of the Dumervil Fax Fiasco
The fax fiasco led the player to fire his agent, Marty Magid, blaming him for the negligence of duty. However, Magid revealed that the player had contacted him a few days earlier about his desire to pursue a different path. This puts a dark shadow on what really unfolded.
It also raised questions from the media and fans about the effectiveness of the league's procedures in handling contracts and negotiations. Many wondered why fax machines are still used in an age where there are more effective mediums. The incident was a cautionary tale for the NFL on the importance of effective communication.
