03/05/10; 6:03 p.m.MST 

It’s been 33 days since Broncos tight end, Tony Scheffler, missed the team’s regular season finale for disciplinary reasons. Within that time, both the Broncos and their disgruntled player have weighed their futures without one another.

Fox31’s Josina Anderson spoke to Scheffler’s agent, Bus Cook, to update where he and his client stand in this process.

“We haven’t gotten into that too deep just yet. We are just getting started. I think there is decent interest out there for Tony (Scheffler), but it’s hard to tell what team is going to be willing to give up that second-round pick. Hopefully I will know something soon,” said Cook to Anderson early Friday afternoon.

On Mar.3, the Broncos announced their decision to tender Scheffler at the second-round $1.76 million level, which could be viewed as a favor by some.

Although Cook acknowledged the lower tier makes it easier for Scheffler’s acquisition by another team, he’s unsatisfied with the possibility of his client earning less money if he can’t generate another offer.

“It is what it is. I am not still sure whether they want Tony or not. Obviously they don’t value him the way they value their other guys. Elvis Dumervil, Kyle Orton and Brandon Marshall were all drafted lower than my client, but tendered at a higher level,” said Cook.

At least Cook can look forward to exploring other options, and finding Scheffler an opportunity for a fresh start.

According to sources, the veteran tight end was overheard saying he wanted out of Denver following their 30-27 loss to the Eagles Dec.27. Some say this outburst was connected to Scheffler’s benching against the Chiefs a week later, and now indications are that Scheffler’s anger hasn’t totally subsided since then.

“We have the opportunity to negotiate with 31 other teams for agreeable contract terms; then if we do the Broncos have seven days to match. Either way we have to April 15^th to pursue an offer. By rule we can’t generate another offer from our end after that except through the Broncos,” explained Cook.

Cook didn’t seem too concerned about Scheffler’s market status, because he’s always very emphatic in expressing his belief in his client’s performance.

Interestingly, Scheffler had his best year in Shanahan’s last season with the Broncos as one of Jay Cutler’s favorite targets, catching 40 passes for 645 yards in 2008.

However, last season his numbers declined under McDaniels when he caught just 31 passes for 416 yards from Kyle Orton, and scored a career-low two touchdowns.

His raising productivity prior to the arrival of the Broncos’ new regime is undeniable. So perhaps this serves some indication that Scheffler’s star may shine brighter elsewhere.

“Tony has led the league in yards per catch for tight ends for four straight years. If the Broncos decide they don’t want Tony, and they want to discount what he has done statistically, then that is their choice,” added Cook.

When Cook, who also represents Cutler, was asked if Scheffler’s personal feelings have been ruffled to the point of no return, Cook evaded the question on one end, but threw the hammer done on the other.

“I have no idea about Tony’s personal feelings, but I know that he is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and that he shouldn’t be coming off the bench.”