ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --On the eve of free agency, the Broncos parted ways with two players -- linebacker D.J. Williams and quarterback Caleb Hanie.
Both players were released on Monday, an active day for the club, as Denver also agreed to terms with safety David Bruton on a three-year deal.
"We appreciate the contributions made by D.J. Williams during his time with the Broncos," Executive Vice President of Football Operations John 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."
Williams spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Broncos, starting at weakside, inside, strongside and middle linebacker. He owns five 100-tackle seasons, leading the team in that category in five of his nine years as a Bronco.
He is one of just five players with at least 800 tackles and 20 sacks since he entered the league in 2004, according to press box statistics, and was tied with cornerback Champ Bailey as the club's longest-tenured player.
He played in just seven games last season due to suspension.
Hanie, a five-year veteran, was inactive for all 16 games for the Broncos in 2012. In his career, he has started four games and thrown for 679 yards and three touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
"We're in that process of trying to improve our football team," Fox said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "We want to hoist that trophy. That's what every single thing we do is aspiring to do."
