The Broncos made the release of former defensive captain Al Wilson official on Tuesday. The middle linebacker held a news conference on April 13 to thank fans, after being told by the team he was going to be released.
The Broncos designated Wilson as a post-June 1 cut. That means beginning June 2, the salary cap effect will be spread over the next two years. Wilson was due to make $5.8 million this season.
Wilson suffered a neck injury Dec. 3 against Seattle at Invesco Field at Mile High. He was carried off the field on a stretcher and taken to an area hospital for observation and was released later that night.
He played the next week at San Diego, but doctors have since diagnosed him with a neck injury.
Wilson played eight seasons for the Broncos. The 1999 first- round draft pick was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, including last season. The Broncos attempted to trade Wilson to the New York Giants, but he failed a physical with the Giants on March 23, nixing the trade that would have given the Broncos a third-round pick in this weekend’s draft.
Wilson is expected to see Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles next month to determine whether he can play this season.
At his farewell news conference, Wilson said he had no regrets about his departure and he hoped to resume his NFL career elsewhere.
The Broncos’ current starting linebackers are Ian Gold and D.J. Williams, who could move from strongside linebacker to middle linebacker. Nate Webster may get an opportunity move up the depth chart. However, the Broncos will be looking to find a potential starting linebacker during the seven-round draft.
Linebackers Denver will be looking at with its top pick at No. 21, include Florida State’s Lawrence Timmons, Miami’s Jon Beason and Penn State’s Paul Posluszny. Second-round possibilities include Michigan’s David Harris and Hampton’s Justin Durant.
There has been speculation the Broncos could make a run at trading for Chicago’s Lance Briggs, a franchise-tagged linebacker who wants to be dealt. Washington, Buffalo, Tampa Bay and the Giants also may be interested.
The Broncos have a history of going after veteran players who are unhappy in their current situations. But a deal for Briggs could be difficult to pull off because the Bears likely would want more than the No. 21 pick in the draft and Briggs could seek a hefty contract extension.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
