ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – The Denver Broncos have released cornerback AJ Bouye.
The move is the first of a number to be made at cornerback as the Broncos rebuild their depth chart on position after a season in which four cornerbacks, including Bryce Callahan, ended the year on an injured reserve. Bouye also missed the last four games of 2020 due to a six-game suspension for violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
The 29-year-old is still suspended for the first two games of the 2021 season.
The move frees up $ 11.7 million over the Broncos’ salary cap, and the team will now have a total of just under $ 31 million in salary limit space if they start going through their off-season plan.
George Paton, who was hired last month as the Broncos ‘new general manager, had promised that the’ tough decisions ‘about some players’ futures would begin after meeting with the team’s scouting and pro staff, as well as with the coaches. Decisions to be made include option years in the contracts of linebacker Von Miller and security Kareem Jackson, as well as the short-term future of quarterback Drew Lock on the offense of the team.
The Broncos sent a fourth-round draft pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars last March in exchange for Bouye. At the time, the Broncos hoped that Bouye and Callahan would give them an experienced set of cornerbacks to aid their defense in the pursuit of the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.
Bouye’s game was uneven, however, as he missed four games with a shoulder injury and one more game in the concussion protocol before missing the last four games with the suspension.
He finished with 21 tackles and no interceptions in seven games.
At the time of his suspension, coach Vic Fangio said, “I was disappointed with him. Players have to make really, really good decisions about the people they trust with their careers and with their finances. Clearly something has gone wrong with him. this person he dealt with and trusted with. It’s a disappointing situation for everyone. “
An eight-year veteran, Bouye has 14 interceptions, 72 defended passes and 338 tackles in his career.