On Wednesday, the Denver Broncos surprised the football world by releasing a player who they backed up a Brinks Truck for last year, signing him to a five-year, $70 million contract.
What went into Denver’s decision to release outside linebacker/defensive end Randy Gregory. The following is how Broncos coach Sean Payton explained it in his Wednesday press conference:
Q: Why did you guys release Randy Gregory?
Payton: We felt like with some of our younger players and where we are going, it was best for our team right now.”
Q: Was releasing Gregory a mutual decision or that was determined by the Broncos?
Payton: This was something we made and decided. You spend a lot of time on decisions like this. Like I said, we felt that it was best for our team.
Q: Was the decision performance based?
Payton: In fairness to the question, it was a number of things. He played 30 snaps last week. We just felt like these other guys were playing better. It happens in this league. We want the best players possible. There was a combination of things. Those other guys stepped up, and we felt like they’re playing better.
Q: What is your message to the outside linebackers moving forward?
Payton: I don’t know if there is any message other than these guys are getting more work, more reps, and they understand the business of it.
Q: Did Gregory ask to be released?
Payton: No. I think I just answered that. No.
