Punter Todd Sauerbrun, a three-time Pro-Bowler, was traded to the Denver Broncos on Thursday after a troublesome year in Carolina. In exchange for Sauerbrun, the Carolina Panthers have acquired a seventh-round draft pick in 2006 and punter Jason Bake. Sauerbrun fell out of the good graces of the coaching staff and front office last season when he complained about being fined for being overweight and said he wouldn't handle place-kicking duties unless he was refunded the money. "Obviously, Todd is a very good punter,'' Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "Sometimes, a change of scenery is the best thing for a player. We wish Todd the best.''

The proposed trade that would send Carolina Panthers star punter Todd Sauerbrun to the Denver Broncos for a seventh-round choice in the 2006 draft has hit a snag and there is a chance now that the much-discussed deal might not be consummated. Absent a trade, the Panthers have indicated they will release the three-time Pro Bowl punter after June 1, when they can soften the blow to their 2005 salary cap. Both sides felt the trade would be completed last week, especially after Sauerbrun huddled with Denver officials, including head coach Mike Shanahan, and indicated his desire to play with the Broncos. But the Broncos are now balking at the request by Sauerbrun and agent David Canter that the team restructure the three years remaining on the player's contract. The Broncos, who have struggled in general with their special teams the last couple seasons, have taken steps to address their problems this offseason, and viewed Sauerbrun as a potential and significant part of the solution.