Denver Broncos safety and 16-year NFL veteran Brian Dawkins first spoke three weeks ago about whether he will announce his retirement of return to the Broncos via free agency, but GM John Elway revealed to MaxBroncos.com on Friday that he has yet to speak with the unrestricted free agent leader. The 38-year-old safety played his way into the Pro Bowl during the first 12 games of the 2011 season, but he suffered neck injury in week 13 and missed the rest of the season.
With the 2012 NFL Draft drawing closer and prospects like Alabama Crimson Tide safety Mark Barron possibly available with the No. 21 overall pick, the dialogue between Elway and Dawkins should begin soon. The back end of the secondary is an important aspect of any defense, so if the Broncos hope to develop a top-tier unit on that side of the ball, Dawkins will have to show he is ready and willing to step up for another NFL season or let the team move on in another direction. In any case, the conversation needs to happen soon to the team knows where their safety position stands.
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