Source: Broncos Release LB D.J. Williams

UPDATE: The team has confirmed that both D.J. Williams and Caleb Hanie have been released.

Very early on this, but according to Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network the Denver Broncos have released linebacker D.J. Williams:

Source: #Broncos have released linebacker D.J. Williams.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2013

This is a move that has been anticipated for at least a few months, but the timing comes just 24 hours before Free Agency begins in 2013. Williams was due a $6-million base salary, carrying an $8.082-million cap figure. Cutting him will cost the Broncos $2.082-million in dead money.

Denver’s KCNC-TV’s Vic Lombardi has confirmed that Williams has been in fact cut:

Did get it confirmed. Cutting DJ saves the Broncos exactly 6-mill in cap space.

— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) March 11, 2013

UPDATE: In a press release sent just minutes ago, Vice President of Football Operations John Elway released this statement:

“We appreciate the contributions made by D.J. Williams during his time with the Broncos,” Elway said. “He was a solid player with this team for a number of years, showing a lot of versatility at linebacker. Our organization wishes D.J. all the best going forward.”

with Denver, Williams played in 127 regular-season games with 115 starts. He totaled 886 tackles (673 solo), 20.5 sacks, two interceptions, 41 passes deffensed, 14 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. Not to mention supplying the world with his Dyme Lyfe movement.

Hmm, I wonder if that space is for Elvis Dumervil or Darrelle Revis? Maybe it is for a receiver after all…