The Denver Broncos have released two starting defensive linemen who signed big-money contracts with the team a year ago.
Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams, both of whom started all 16 games in 2010, have been released, the team announced.
Bannan signed a five-year, $22 million contract with $7 million guaranteed last year. He had a $500,000 roster bonus due on the first day of the league year and was scheduled to earn a $3.5 million base salary in 2011.
Williams signed a three-year, $16 million contract with $6 million guaranteed last year. He had a $1 million roster bonus due on the third day of the league year and was scheduled to earn a $4 million base salary in 2011.
The cuts make a lot of sense, as Bannan and Williams are both in their 30s, and neither seems like a great fit in John Fox’s defense.