As I predicted in December, and again last week several times on KOA as well as "The Broncos Daily Podcast," Denver has informed Defensive Lineman Jurrell Casey of his release. The team had to wait until the 5-Time Pro Bowler was cleared medically to release him, or they would've had to negotiate an injury settlement as he had 2 years left on his current contract.
The move save the Broncos just under $11.874 Million this year, and $13.85 Million next year. The Broncos owe Casey no guaranteed money, as it was already paid by the Titans, prior to the team trading him from Tennessee to Denver in a salary dump last March.
Casey only played in 3 games this season for The Broncos before a torn biceps suffered against Pittsburgh in Week 2, and injured more significantly the following week against the eventual Super Bowl Champion Buccaneers would cost hit the remaining 13 games.
Although Casey's departure was expected, it reiterates the Broncos need to beef up their Defensive Line, literally and figuratively. Highlands Ranch native and Wyoming product Mike Purcell is set to return at Nose Tackle after a lisfranc injury in his foot forced him to miss the final 10 games of the year. Dre'Mont Jones is expected to resume his increased role. In year 2, the former 3rd rounder had 6.5 stats in 8 starts.
Re-signing Shelby Harris remains a priority for many in Broncos country. Denver reportedly made a preliminary offer to Harris in December, but no long-term deal has been reached.
Harris could become an even bigger priority if the Free Agent Defensive Line market is as limited some think it may be. Obviously, looking to bolster the D-Line in the draft will also be top of mind. The Broncos also return 3rd rounder from 2020, McTelvin Agim, and they added Isiah Mack, who's spent his first 2 seasons in Tennessee and New England.