The reality of the NFL is that each year several veterans end up cut by their teams before the start of the regular season. That will likely be the case this year for the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are trying to win now, but they'll cut veterans if it's in the best interest of the team.
The Broncos would likely try to trade most of these players before cutting them, but more often than not, the players are simply cut. This list only focuses on some of the more notable players, which means we're ignoring the undrafted free agents or other players who don't quite move the needle enough. With that in mind, here are five players the Broncos could cut before the season.
RB Jamaal Charles
Charles is a big name, but there's no guarantee he joins a depth chart that features C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker. The main problem for Charles right now is that he's still not healthy and is aiming to be good to go by training camp. Despite his talent, the reality is that Charles is a 30-year-old RB with knee injuries who hasn't even really played half a season the last two years. That's why it took so long for him to sign and why there's no guaranteed money on his deal. Hopefully Charles can get healthy, but if not, his $1.48 million cap hit can be saved. If Charles does make the roster, Juwan Thompson is likely cut, again.
DE Jared Crick
Signed to replace Malik Jackson, Crick struggled for Denver last year. With Adam Gostis in his second year and DeMarcus Walker coming from Florida State as two second round picks, Crick won't be in Denver forever. If one or both show promise in the preseason, the Broncos could elect to take the $1.75 million in cap space and dump Crick.
TE Virgil Green
This is perhaps the most likely "surprise" cut on the roster. Green remains a good blocker, but he doesn't offer a ton in the passing game. He held off Jeff Heuerman and A.J. Derby for the bulk of the snaps last year, but that could change. If Jake Butt is healthy and able to start the year (a real question mark), the Broncos could need to cut someone. They could even add a veteran like Gary Barnidge. Green is in a safe spot for the time being, but Denver can save $2.8 million in cap space by dumping him.
WR Cody Latimer
A former second round pick, Latimer has posted just 16 career receptions and has been a total bust. This preseason might be his last chance with Denver. The Broncos drafted Carlos Henderson in round three and Isaiah McKenzie in round five, selections which could allow Denver to cut Latimer. Unless he shines in the preseason, Latimer is likely gone. Denver will save $925K by cutting him.
OL Donald Stephenson
After adding Menelik Watson and drafting Garret Bolles in round one, the Broncos are cutting at least offensive tackle. The three notable candidates are Ty Sambrailo, Michael Schofield and Donald Stephenson. Stephenson and Schofield are the two most likely, with Stephenson the pick here. The Broncos restructured his deal this offseason to avoid paying him a $4 million bonus, giving him $2 million in March and making the other $2 million a roster bonus. Given how poorly he played last year, there's a good chance Stephenson doesn't see that money. Cutting Stephenson would save more money than Schofield or Sambrailo
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