Broncos Release Justin Bannan And Jamal Williams

The Denver Broncos have announced that they have released defensive lineman Jamal Williams and defensive lineman Justin Bannan.  Bannan, who came to Denver last season from Baltimore, started all 16 games for the Broncos last year and registered 35 tackles with one sack and one forced fumble.  Williams came to Denver from San Diego and also started all 16 games for the Broncos.  He registered 47 tackles.

These moves come only a day after the Broncos chose to part ways with tight end Daniel Graham.  Earlier today the Broncos also waived running back Laurence Maroney.

With the move to John Fox’s 4-3 defense, the Broncos may have found that keeping a nose tackle and a five-technique didn’t make sense at the prices that they were paying for them.

Williams was due a $1 million bonus on the third day of league year to go with his $4.2 million salary.  Bannan was due a $500,000 bonus on two days later in addition to his $3.5 million salary.

The Broncos appear to be shaking up their roster, and while both players could conceivable resign with the Broncos at a reduced price, it would likely have to come after a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is met, as the current one is scheduled to expire at 11:59 P.M. EST today.

The Broncos have admitted that the defensive side of the ball will receive special attention this off-season, so this could be just the beginning of a handful of moves the Broncos might make while reshaping their roster.  It definitely makes the defensive tackle position a higher priority at the second overall pick in the draft.

Stay tuned for more information.

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