Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton shook up the team’s roster this offseason, parting ways with eight starters from last season.
Several departures were expedited by the team, but a few happened merely because other clubs were able to out-bid Denver in free agency.
The biggest departure was that of quarterback Russell Wilson, who was released by the Broncos in March in move that created the largest dead money salary cap hit in NFL history.
Denver also traded wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns for a pair of late-round draft picks. A third starter on offense, center Lloyd Cushenberry, left during free agency to sign a massive contract with the Tennessee Titans.
On defense, the Broncos cut safety Justin Simmons to save $14.5 million in salary cap space. The team also lost linebacker Josey Jewell during free agency and let defensive lineman Mike Purcell and cornerback Fabian Moreau walk when their contracts expired. Kareem Jackson was also a starter in Denver last fall before being released.
So, ahead of the start of training camp later this month, the Broncos are poised to have at least eight new starters this fall.
1
QB Russell Wilson
2
WR Jerry Jeudy
3
C Lloyd Cushenberry
4
DL Mike Purcell
5
ILB Josey Jewell
6
CB Fabian Moreau
7
SS Kareem Jackson
8
FS Justin Simmons
