ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Early in his tenure as general manager, George Paton has made another significant move on the defensive side of the ball.
The Broncos have released veteran defensive lineman Jurrell Casey, the team announced on Thursday.
Casey, whom the Broncos acquired for a seventh-round pick in 2020, spent one season with the team and appeared in three games for the team before suffering a season-ending biceps injury.
The former Tennessee Titan made five consecutive Pro Bowls from 2015-19, and he recorded 14 tackles, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits and three passes defensed in limited action in 2020.
Casey was one of several key defensive starters the team lost to injury this year. The Broncos' initial defensive line of Casey, Mike Purcell and Shelby Harris was lost entirely for a portion of the season as Purcell suffered a season-ending foot injury and Harris spent time on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
With Harris poised to become an unrestricted free agent in mid-March, the Broncos' defensive line could look significantly different in 2021.
Though Casey appeared in just three games, he managed to still make a significant impact in the Denver community. He helped launch the team's "We Stand For" campaign, which highlighted and supported social justice organizations chosen by players, coaches and staff. Casey and his wife, Ryann, worked to support the needs of at-risk youth and formerly incarcerated individuals. Casey previously led a "We Stand For" campaign with the Titans and brought the program to Denver.
Paton's decision to release Casey is the second big move he's made in recent weeks. The Broncos released veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye on Feb. 10.
