One day after they cut ties with tight end Daniel Graham, the Denver Broncos released defensive linemen Jamal Williams and Justin Bannan. Both players were signed as free agents during the 2010 offseason. Williams started all 16 games at nose tackle for the Broncos and will turn 35 in April. With the Broncos moving back to a 4-3 defense, Williams did not fit the scheme.
The same goes for Bannan, who started 16 games at defensive end and had one sack. Bannan, like Graham, played his college ball for the Colorado Buffaloes. While Graham was a first-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2002 draft, Bannan went in the fifth round to the Buffalo Bills. He eventually moved to the Baltimore Ravens in 2006.
These moves save the Broncos $1.5 million in bonus money and $7.7 million in salary.
Will the team now use the No. 2 selection on a defensive lineman?