Brandon Mebane Rumors: Broncos, Rams or Seahawks for the Tackle in 2011?

Brandon Mebane stands as the top unsigned defensive tackle.  He has played the one technique as well as the three for the Seattle Seahawks, showing the ability to be stout in the ground game and being able to rush the passer.

His best statistical performances were his first two years while playing inside the guard.  He has moved outside the last two seasons, with Colin Cole manning inside.

Mebane's size (6'1", 311 pounds) and skill set makes him a candidate to remain in a 4-3 defense or transition to a nose tackle in a 3-4.  However, most of the attention right now is from 4-3 defenses.

Brandon Mebane Regular Season Stats
SEASON	GP	TACK	SOLO	AST	SACK	FF	FR	INT
2007	16	29	23	6	2.0	0	1	0
2008	16	39	29	10	5.5	2	0	0
2009	15	49	40	9	1.5	0	0	0
2010	12	31	19	12	1.0	0	0	0
Career	59	148	111	37	10.0	1	1	0

Denver Broncos Conversion to a 4-3

The Broncos are making a conversion to John Fox' 4-3 set and are paper-thin at defensive tackle.  They do not have an experienced option on their roster and opted for Von Miller instead of Marcell Dareus in the draft.

Denver has been making a hard run at Mebane but have not been able to gain the traction they had hoped for.  To lure him away from Seattle they need to open the checkbook, but the Broncos started the offseason about $5 million above the salary cap.

Denver's purse-strings are somewhat tied at this point and their overhaul and defense has left many areas of needs.  They simply don't have the money to make any large-dollar investments.

Mebane made an impression on the Broncos early last season, recording one of his best performances of the season.  He had four tackles, two for loss in the contest, as the Seahawks held the Broncos to 65 yards rushing on 38 carries, for an average of just 1.7 yards per carry.

Editor's Note: Following the publication of this article, Broncos beat reporter Lee Rasizer stated Denver is likely out of the running for Mebane and DT Cullen Jenkins.  He expects Denver to wait until the big-name players land roster spots and then seek out a few bargains.

St. Louis Rams Look to Steal Division Talent

The Rams don't have many glaring holes to fill, but an upgrade at defensive tackle is one of them.  Fred Robbins has been solid, but Gary Gibson lacks the size needed to man the middle.

With Barry Cofield signing with the Washington Redskins, options are getting thin.

The Rams are yet to offer the kind of money that would get Mebane to jump ship, but negotiations are continuing.  

Early indications are that it is unlikely that they will make a high enough offer to pull Mebane away from Seattle.  They will out-bid the Broncos, but that won't be enough.

The Rams had close to $20 million in cap room, and DT was second to safety on their list of needs.  This is not the position to be frugal with.  Justin Bannan, who was cut by the Broncos, may be the next-best option.  There is clearly a significant drop-off in talent.

It appears as though head coach Steve Spagnuolo and the Rams' front office will come up short in their bid.  At some point next season they will regret their decision.

Seattle Seahawks Likely to Re-Sign Their Star Defensive Tackle

Mebane has been one of the top performers for a struggling Seattle defense.  His effectiveness against the pass hasn't shown in the stats column the last two seasons, but the pressure he takes from his line mates has been an important part of the team's pass rush.  

Part of the decline in sacks is likely from the change in position, while diminished support from his adjacent defensive tackle has also impacted his stat line.

Seattle is making a hard push keep Mebane, who has been spending time meeting with the coaching staff.  

There were even reports that Seattle reached an agreement with Mebane.  However, Mebane replied via Twitter, "No, it means a deal has yet to get done. Don't believe the rumors."

Mebane took issue with not having a contract offer from the Seahawks before the lockout.  He was concerned that he wasn't valued.

However, Seattle has made it clear they want him to stay with the club, and Pete Carroll has called him their top priority.  

Given what the Seahawks have accomplished with their other priorities, it is unlikely Seattle will let him get away.  They simply can't afford to lose him, as other potential free agents wouldn't be able to carry the load that Mebane has.

Editor's Note:  Following publication, Mebane Tweeted "I pray I made the right choice."

This set off a flurry of Twitter activity, with followers speculating he had made a decision on where he would sign.  He later said it was a misunderstanding and he was deciding on what DVD to pick up.  Seriously, Mr. Mebane?  You mean you don't have a Blu Ray player?

Mebane subsequently removed his original post, creating speculation that he has, in fact, made a decision.  Seahawks fans are eagerly awaiting word on if the core of their defensive line will return next season.