Henry cut by Broncos

[MapleLeaf]

From espn.com

Big expectations in Denver for Travis Henry ended Monday when the Broncos released the running back one season into his five-year free-agent deal.

"Although Travis has the ability to be one of the top running backs in the NFL, we have to make decisions that are in the best interests of our organization and its goal of winning a Super Bowl," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said in a statement. "We did not feel his commitment to the Broncos was enough to warrant a spot on this football team."

Henry, who was signed by the Broncos as a free agent in March 2007, rushed for 691 yards on 167 carries with four touchdowns in 12 games in his only season with the team.

Henry, who suffered a hamstring injury last month while running sprints, has been slow to heal and the team did not expect him to return to offseason workouts until this week. Still, the addition last week of former Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman indicated Henry wasn't going to be a major factor in Denver's plans in 2008.

Henry signed a five-year, $22.5 million deal in 2007 and was considered to be the running back who would be the perfect fit for Shanahan's running offense. Included in the deal was a $6 million signing bonus. Henry restructured his contract after the season and took more than $11 million in pay reductions.

The move put his contract in very simple terms: He was making $1 million a year in base and $100,000 annually in workout bonuses. Financially, the Broncos had him as a starting running back at backup money. But apparently, Henry's off-the-field issues outweighed the finances and he was released.

Henry led the league in rushing after the first month of the '07 season before leg injuries and off-the-field troubles took their toll. He spent several weeks fighting the NFL over a failed drug test that would have carried a one-year ban, and he never recovered from knee injuries as the Broncos missed the playoffs with a 7-9 record.

Selvin Young, Andre Hall and rookie Ryan Torain were getting extra carries in Henry's absence.

 

[.GR]

Lol. Denver goes through running backs like crazy. Lol

 

[jarrod2323]

it's the system -- they feel like they can make any average RB good.

interesting to see if they pursue Kevin Jones or Alexander now

 

[AirForceFlash_3]

IMO Shaun Alexander would be a good there, especially to revitalize his career. As for Henry, I'm not shocked. Kid has gotten himself into a lot of trouble and the Broncos definitely don't need the distractions.

 

[Big Bid'Ness]

it's the system -- they feel like they can make any average RB good.

With our offensive line of course lol.

 

[DJT]

Pittman, ALexander, K.Jones all might be looked at. Selvin Young might even get the nod.

 

[Grandy28]

I think Selvin Young should just get it. He'll have a breakout year and get 1,200 yards. If I see them signing anyone it'll be Kevin Jones, he fits their system better imo.

 

[steven64]

They talked about Michael Pittman there, let's see how he does in Denver.