The Broncos released offensive lineman Graham Glasgow, 30, running back Chase Edmonds, 26, and cornerback Ronald Darby, 29, in cost-cutting movies on Friday, as was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The cuts expand the Broncos’ budget significantly ahead of unrestricted free agency, which begins Monday morning.
By releasing Edmonds, the Broncos save $5.9 million in salary cap space. By releasing Darby, the Broncos will save $9.6 million in salary cap space. By releasing Glasgow, the Broncos will save $11 million. Spotrac reports the Broncos now have about $34 million in cap space, which is the seventh-most in the NFL.
With the three most clear-cut cost-saving decisions in the rearview mirror, the Broncos have a few more options if they want more money to spend in free agency.
Potential cuts:
- LB Josey Jewell — saves $4.9 million
- OLB Jake Martin — saves $3.8 million
- DT Mike Purcell — saves $3.5 million
- C Lloyd Cushenberry — saves $2.7 million
- K Brandon McManus — saves $2.5 million
- CB K’Waun Williams — saves $2.1 million
The Broncos could also trade away some big-name players to increase their cap space, and pick up some return capital in the process.
Potential trades:
- S Justin Simmons — saves $10.7 million
- LT Garett Bolles — saves $9.8 million
- WR Courtland Sutton — saves $6.8 million
None of the moves above are likely, but they are possible. The Broncos could also use restructures to push some of the cap hits they owe this year to the future. Clearing out another $15 million or more would be simple, but the bill would come due at some point down the line.
Glasgow joined the Broncos on a four-year, $44 million contract ahead of the 2020 season, but injuries derailed his first two seasons and he took a pay cut to stick around for the third. He started five games at right guard and 10 games at center this season because of injuries along the Broncos’ offensive line last season.
Edmonds joined the Broncos as part of the trade that sent Bradley Chubb to Miami, but he wasn’t able to stay healthy. He’d joined the Dolphins on a two-year, $12 million contract but was beaten out by other backs on the roster. Now he’ll hit free agency for the second time in two seasons.
Darby was electric for the Broncos when he was healthy, but a torn ACL ended his 2022 campaign short. In the five games prior to the injury, he allowed a 66.9 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks when they threw the ball his way. He’s missed more than six games per season over the past six years.
Click here for a breakdown of 37 offensive players the Broncos could have their eye on next week.
