Broncos Cut Dre' Bly

The Denver Broncos are in the midst of some serious turnover on defense. The team flat-out stunk defensively last season, and the Broncos have already overhauled their coaching staff. Now, it's the players' turn to experience some change.

After cutting six defensive players Monday, the Broncos weren't done. They released veteran cornerback Dre' Bly Tuesday.

For the Broncos, Bly marks the fifth defensive starter they've canned. In addition to guys like Marquand Manuel, Dewayne Robertson, and John Engelberger, the Broncos also dumped backup linebacker Niko Koutouvides.

If that's not enough, the Denver Post says the Broncos are also not expected to re-sign a number of other defensive players, including linebacker Nate Webster.

New head coach Josh McDaniels has a trusted, respected defensive coordinator in Mike Nolan on board, and it makes sense to purge the defensive roster now. The Broncos were one of the worst defensive teams in the NFL in 2008, and it was especially bad as the team faded down the stretch and blew a chance to win the AFC West.

Tracking NFL Free Agents

Brandon Jacobs, Running back
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY GIANTS
The Latest: The non-exclusive tag means that Jacobs is still able to sign elsewhere, but would cost two first-round picks as compensation. He'll spend at least one more season in New York because of that.

Bill Kostroun, AP

Chris Johnson, Cornerback
RE-SIGNED WITH OAKLAND - 4 years, terms not announced
The Latest: Oakland wasted no time locking up Johnson with a multi-year deal, and now can focus all its attention on making sure Nnamdi Asomugha is lined up at the Raiders' other cornerback spot.

Paul Sakuma, AP

Karlos Dansby, Linebacker
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY CARDINALS
The Latest: For the second straight season, the Cardinals used the franchise tag on Dansby. He can still negotiate with other teams, but likely will spend next season in the desert - whether he wants to or not.

Ross D. Franklin, AP

Albert Haynesworth, Defensive tackle, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 14 starts, 51 tackles (41 solo), 8.5 sacks
The Latest: Haynesworth could be the biggest prize to hit the unrestricted free agent market. He's said he would prefer to stay with Tennessee, but the Titans promised not to franchise him again, so they'll have to pay.

Mark Humphrey, AP

Kerry Collins, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 16 games played (15 starts), 2,676 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, 80.2 QB rating
The Latest: Despite his age (36), Collins feels he is in line for a big contract -- comparable to whatever Kurt Warner receives. If Tennessee does not deliver, the Brett Favre-less Jets are a potential home.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

Ray Lewis, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 117 tackles (85 solo), 3.5 sacks, 3 INTs
The Latest: The franchise tag rules mean that Lewis would become the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history at more than $11 million if the Ravens went that route. Baltimore would prefer to re-sign Lewis.

Rob Carr, AP

Terrell Suggs, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 68 tackles (53 solo), eight sacks, two INTs
The Latest: Suggs suggested that he, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott all take hometown discounts and stay in Baltimore, so he wants to be there. He's a cheaper franchise tag option than Lewis.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Bart Scott, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 82 tackles (61 solo), 1.5 sacks
The Latest: Is there room for Scott in Baltimore? With the franchise tag likely landing on Terrell Suggs and the Ravens doing all it takes to sign Ray Lewis, it doesn't look like Scott is a priority.

G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Regular Season Stats: 15 starts, 92 catches for 904 yards, four touchdowns
The Latest: The only way Housh returns is if the Bengals franchise him. Otherwise, he'll sign a lucrative contract elsewhere -- possibly with Philadelphia, where he's already expressed interest in playing.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

Nnamdi Asomugha, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
Regular Season Stats: 15 starts, 40 tackles (33 solo), one interception
The Latest: Asomugha's numbers are skewed by opponents' fear of throwing anywhere near him. The Raiders will use the franchise tag on him if they need to.

Greg Trott, Getty Images

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-17-2009 @ 9:22PM

Jeremy said...

bly was at least a servicable corner the real question is who are they going to replace him with and can they aford the heafty free agent contracts that good corners command.