Tim Patrick

Broncos release veteran defensive tackle Jurrell Casey

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Jurrell Casey’s stint in Denver lasted just three games. The Broncos released the veteran defensive tackle Thursday, freeing up about $12 million in salary cap space two weeks after the release of veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye saved them a similar amount against the cap. The Broncos are projected to have more than $40 million in salary cap space as they head into free agency under new general manager George Paton, who took over from John Elway. The Broncos acquired Casey from Tennessee for a seventh-round pick a year ago. But his acquisition didn’t turn out to be the bargain they thought it was. A five-time Pro Bowl selection with the Titans who had two years remaining on his contract, Casey made 14 tackles and knocked down three passes before a biceps injury in Week 3 ended his season. In his absence, the Broncos turned to DeShawn Williams and McTelvin Agim to fill in at the position. Casey’s injury came shortly after season-ending injuries to stars Von Miller and Courtland Sutton last September. The Broncos finished 5-11 and missed the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. Casey spent his first nine seasons with the Titans. Including playoffs, he has 522 tackles, 53 1/2 sacks, 16 pass breakups, nine forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in his career. ___ Follow Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapleton ___ More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press