Jun 2, 2026, 5:05 PM CUT
Broncos Gain Major Cap Flexibility by Releasing Former $31.5M Starter
Aug 27, 2020; Englewood, Colorado, USA; A general view of the Denver Broncos logo outside of UCHealth Training Center where practice was cancelled after a morning team meeting. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2020; Englewood, Colorado, USA; A general view of the Denver Broncos logo outside of UCHealth Training Center where practice was cancelled after a morning team meeting. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos made a notable move on their roster this Monday, releasing linebacker Dre Greenlaw with a post June 1 designation. The move allows the team to split the remaining dead cap hit over the next two seasons, which opens up more flexibility on their salary sheet.
As it stands now, Denver sits with around $25.66 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.
According to Mile High Sports, Greenlaw arrived in Denver during the 2025 offseason as a part of a group of veteran additions expected to strengthen key spots on defense.
However, his time in Denver was limited, as injuries once again impacted his availability, restricting him to just eight appearances during the season.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders Nov 30, 2025 Landover, Maryland, USA Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton 14 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders with wide receiver Troy Franklin 11 and running back Tyler Badie 28 in the second quarter of the game at Northwest Stadium. Landover Northwest Stadium Maryland USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPeterxCaseyx 20251130_hlf_bc1_037
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders Nov 30, 2025 Landover, Maryland, USA Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton 14 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders with wide receiver Troy Franklin 11 and running back Tyler Badie 28 in the second quarter of the game at Northwest Stadium. Landover Northwest Stadium Maryland USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPeterxCaseyx 20251130_hlf_bc1_037
The veteran linebacker also had a brief off-field headline moment following Denver's last season win, but overall, his impact on the field did not match expectations.
Among a league-high 68 sacks, he only contributed to one in 2025. After the season concluded, the Broncos opted to move in a different direction.
The cap space now gives Denver room to operate later in the offseason, something they have done before. Last year, the team made a late signing in J.K. Dobbins last June, suggesting the door is not closed on future moves.
Now, with their opponents making some strong moves, their schedule looks even tougher for next year.
Did the Broncos’ 2026 Schedule Just Get Even Tougher?
The Broncos already had a challenging road ahead in 2026, and Monday's NFL trade activity added another layer to it.
According to Denver Sports, the Los Angeles Rams acquired star pass rusher Myles Garrett from the Browns, while the New England Patriots landed wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Eagles. Both teams are set to face Denver this season.
The Rams come to Denver in Week 3 for a Sunday Night Football matchup. Garrett's arrival gives Los Angeles another marquee on a defense that will test the Broncos early in the year.
Later in the season, Denver heads to Foxborough for a Week 17 meeting with New England. Brown joins a Patriots offense led by quarterback Drake Maye, adding another proven target to the passing game.
Monday's move doesn't just change the schedule itself, but it certainly adds firepower to two opponents Denver was already preparing to face.
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Written by
Debanjali Rakshit
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote