With NFL teams releasing players before roster bonuses are due, the Denver Broncos released tight end Daniel Graham on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Denver Post's Mike Klis, Graham was due a $1 million bonus and would have made $4.2 million in 2011 had he stayed with the team.
Taking to Twitter after the news was released, John Elway wrote: "We're thankful for everything Daniel Graham did for the Broncos and the Denver community. Tough to let him go. We wish him the best."
Graham, who played his college ball for the Colorado Buffaloes, joined the Broncos in 2007. In 63 games, he amassed 102 receptions for 1,072 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also served as the team's top blocking tight end.
Dan Gronkowski and Richard Quinn, a second-round draft selection of Josh McDaniels, will now vie for the starting position. Drafting a tight end later in the draft is not out of the question.