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3 players Broncos could cut to create cap space

By Travis Wakeman

Denver Broncos - Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos - Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mike Purcell, Denver Broncos
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 21: Mike Purcell #98 of the Denver Broncos runs off the field during a game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 21, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Broncos could cut Mike Purcell, defensive lineman

Cap savings if cut: $2.799 million

Cap savings if cut after June 1: $3.573 million

The Broncos are thin along the defensive line and making this move would only add to that problem. But if the Broncos were to bring in Akiem Hicks as a free agent, as suggested here, and could do so on a cheaper deal, then cutting Purcell makes plenty of sense.

Purcell is only a year younger than Hicks but Hicks would be a massive upgrade over him. Purcell is stout against the run when healthy but Hicks is a much more complete football player and offers a threat as a pass-rusher, something you won’t get from Purcell.

Purcell saw his usage take a dip last season despite being a player that former head coach Vic Fangio was always big on. Four defensive linemen saw more snaps than Purcell and Stephen Weatherly would have if he had played with the team the entire season.

That put Purcell in the role of a slightly used rotational player and there is a chance he will be that with the Broncos this season as well. Hicks would be a more valuable piece and would likely be one of the starters on the defensive line along with Dre’Mont Jones and DJ Jones.

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