NFL players say they don’t play for the money. Brian Dawkins just proved it. Check that. The Broncos’ passion-playing safety has been proving it every Sunday for 15 seasons in the league — and has his “Wolverine” alter ego to prove it.

But Dawkins showed it again last week by accepting a substantial pay cut so he could play a 16th season.

Scheduled to make $6 million this season with the Broncos, Dawkins instead will play for $2 million — $1.6 million in salary with a $400,000 signing bonus, according to contracts turned into the league Tuesday.

“Where I am in my life as a person, this is no big deal to me,” Dawkins said. “It’s what I felt was right. The last 2 1/2 years, I had a horrible taste in my mouth. I really wanted to be part of this team, part of the Denver Broncos — how do I say this? — without any dark clouds over us. I could have decided to continue my career some other place, but that’s not what I wanted to do.”

Another aspect to Dawkins’ new contract: The final two years of his original five-year deal were canceled. Instead of his contract expiring in 2013, it concludes after this season.

A starting strong safety, Dawkins turns 38 in October. He has played in one Super Bowl and five conference championship games and has earned berths in eight Pro Bowls. His new contract would suggest he wants one final glorious season.

But if this is his final season, Dawkins won’t say.

“I’m taking it year by year,” he said. “I know the situation. I know they drafted young guys at my position. But I wanted to play and help us move in the right direction.”

The $4 million that Dawkins saved the Broncos helped them restock their roster, which in turn improves the odds of a more competitive season. Newly signed running back Willis McGahee will get $3 million this year — $1 million in salary and $2 million in signing bonus.

Defensive tackle Ty Warren has a two-year, $8 million contract — a $2.5 million signing bonus, $1.5 million in 2011 salary and $4 million in 2012.

The Broncos’ third highest-paid free agent was their own Marcus Thomas. The defensive tackle will make $1 million this year.

New starting tight end Daniel Fells and slot receiver David Anderson are scheduled to make $735,000 each. Receiving tight end Dante Rosario and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, acquired from Philadelphia in a trade, will make $685,000 each. Defensive end Derrick Harvey, the No. 8 overall draft pick just three years ago, will make $650,000.

Add it up and the Broncos allocated $11.49 million in cash this year for their eight new acquisitions. Factor in the $4 million they saved from Dawkins’ deal and the Broncos got McGahee, Warren, Fells, Thomas, Bunkley, Harvey, Anderson and Rosario for a mere $7.49 million.

“I’ve put down some roots here with my home and my teammates,” Dawkins said. “And a huge factor in this decision was having Coach (John) Fox here. I like what he’s brought here. I’m excited about what we have going on here with the Denver Broncos.”

Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com