Broncos OLB Elvis Dumervil suffered a pectorals injury on the practice field Wednesday evening.

The extent isn't known, but a pectorals muscle tear could sideline Dumervil deep into the season. He was spotted holding his arm "tightly" to his body after the injury. The Broncos' defense would fall to pieces without Dumervil.

Broncos agreed to terms with OLB Elvis Dumervil on an undisclosed contract extension.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Locking up Dumervil is an important signing for the franchise. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall were rewarded for their petulance with lucrative new deals in other cities while Dumervil spoke softly and carried a big stick on the field. One of the few Mike Shanahan leftovers still thriving under Josh McDaniels, the 2009 NFL sack leader is the cornerstone around which the Broncos will build their defense.

Broncos re-signed restricted free agent OLB Elvis Dumervil to a one-year, $3.168 million contract.

According to Denver Post reporter Lindsay Jones, the sides will continue to work on a long-term extension. Dumervil, 26, set or tied career highs in tackles (48), sacks (17), and forced fumbles (4) last season. Despite Denver's coordinator change from Mike Nolan to "Wink" Martindale, Dumervil's role should be unchanged as the team's right outside 'backer and premier pass rusher.

Unsigned restricted free agent Elvis Dumervil showed up for the Broncos' mandatory minicamp on Friday.

It's a show of good faith for Dumervil, who deserves a big extension after leading the NFL in sacks last season. He worked out in individual drills, but sat out the team work. The two sides are said to be far apart from a deal right now and the Broncos have reportedly threatened to reduce his 2010 salary if he doesn't sign his tender by June 15.

The Denver Post reports the Broncos recently sent a letter to unsigned restricted free agent Elvis Dumervil indicating that they will exercise their right to reduce his 2010 salary to 110 percent of last year's pay if he doesn't sign his tender by June 15.

It was easy to understand the Broncos' hard-line stance in response to the petulance of Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, but this is simply unreasonable. Dumervil, a holdover from the previous regime, has been a good soldier and an ultra-productive player. This threat will go over like a lead balloon in the Broncos' locker room. Per the Post, Logan Mankins, Vicent Jackson, and Marcus McNeill received similar letters from their teams.

Coach Josh McDaniels indicated that the Broncos are not close to a long-term deal with unsigned restricted free agent Elvis Dumervil.

Dumervil has done everything asked of him and more during McDaniels' one-year tenure (led the league in sacks, currently working out on an injury waiver), but the Broncos may not be willing to give him DeMarcus Ware money. "We'll be in communication with (agent) Gary (Wichard) and keep working," McDaniels said. "It's hard to gauge (the status of contract negotiations)."

Restricted free agent Elvis Dumervil confirmed that he signed an injury waiver to protect himself before reporting for OTAs Monday.

The title of the article we've linked to reads, "Dumervil signs $3.17M tender, reports to Broncos," but that's incorrect. "We have a couple tweaks terminology-wise as far as defense so I don't want to fall behind mentally," Dumervil explained when asked why he signed the waiver. The sides have begun long-term contract talks, but no deal is believed to be imminent.

Unsigned restricted free agent Elvis Dumervil is participating in the Broncos' current Organized Team Activity.

It's a show of good faith on Dumervil's part. The 26-year-old is in search of a long-term extension, and certainly earned one with an NFL-best 17 sacks last season. He's believed to have signed an injury waiver as protection.

Unsigned restricted free agent Elvis Dumervil is expected to be present at Dove Valley when the Broncos begin OTAs on Monday.

Dumervil hasn't signed his tender, so he can't participate in practices unless he signs an injury waiver. His willingness to show up, however, is a positive sign that he harbors no ill will toward the Broncos for not locking him up long term.

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels acknowledged that the restricted free agent Elvis Dumervil's contract dispute is a "frustrating situation for all of us."

Dumervil is working out on his own in Florida while he waits for the Broncos to step up to the plate and give him a long-term deal. With Patrick Willis, DeMeco Ryans and Jahri Evans among the RFAs getting new blockbuster contracts, Dumervil should be next on the list. The blueprint has been set for getting around the "30 percent" rule.

Restricted free agent Elvis Dumervil is not expected to sign his one-year tender "anytime soon."

He's Denver's only unsigned RFA. "I am not frustrated with Elvis," coach Josh McDaniels assured. "I totally understand Elvis' position. I respect whatever he chooses to do." Dumervil is staying in shape on his own and sitting out voluntary workouts. He probably won't skip anything mandatory.

The Colorado Springs Gazette believes the Broncos need to reward Elvis Dumervil with an extension as an example of the kind of player the team values.

Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall both pouted their way into lucrative extensions with other clubs when Josh McDaniels gave in. Dumervil bought into scheme change, kept his mouth shut and led the league in sacks. The "30 percent" rule makes long-term deals difficult, but Denver needs to send a message that it's not just the squeaky wheels that get the grease.

Restricted free agent Elvis Dumervil could potentially hold out of training camp if he doesn't have a long-term deal by then, speculates beat writer Mike Klis.

Klis thinks that Dumervil will sign his $3.168 million tender and show up for the mandatory minicamp on June 11-13. It would then behoove both sides to hammer out a multi-year extension before camp at the end of July. Dumervil led the league with 17 sacks last season.