Breaking News – Brandon to be Released

Sam Brandon, S, has been informed his time is up. Photo Courtesy

The Denver Post reports that Sam Brandon and his agent have been informed by the Broncos that they intend to release the veteran Safety in the near future. The move comes in light of Brandon’s inability to recover from his recent knee injury, and the likelihood of Brandon to have to go under microfracture knee surgery again to continue his rehabilitation. The surgery would put him on the Injured Reserve, ending his 2007 campaign.

Brandon’s agent indicated that there is no animosity between the Broncos and Brandon, and that the team has voiced interest in resigning the veteran in 2008. It was reported that an injury settlement might be reached between the team and player – I even reported this on the Worst and 10 last night – but it now appears that the new Collective Bargaining Agreement does not allow this, and insurance will be paid instead.

Brandon is focused on returning in 2008, where he will still be facing his 2-game suspension upon his return.

What this means for the Broncos

I can already hear the secretary: “Yes, Mr. Shanahan, please hold for Greg Wesley‘s representative.” This leaves the Broncos extremely thin at safety, which could re-ignite trade talks between the Chiefs and Broncos for their veteran safety. I’m not as opposed to the idea as some Broncos fans – hell, I’m desperate for a little help at safety at this point. I don’t see Quentin Harris, Steve Cargile, or injured UDFA Roderick Rogers stepping up this year if Nick Ferguson goes down – we need another name in there to fill the void, and as much as Broncos fans don’t care for him, Wesley is a better option than any of them easily.

Good luck with the rehab, Brandon, and thanks for all of your efforts. Hope to see you in the orange and blue again in a year.

[tags]NFL, Denver Broncos, Broncos, Sam Brandon, Safety[/tags]