The Denver Broncos are releasing veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye, according to Mike Klis.
Broncos are releasing CB A.J. Bouye per source. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) February 10, 2021
The move saves them $13,218,750, according to OvertheCap, and leaves them with no dead cap. Bouye was suspended six games due to a violation of the league’s PED policy, two of which will carry over into 2021. A shoulder injury in Week 1, the PED suspension, and his high price tag were all factors in the decision. He only played seven games in Denver.
John Elway traded a fourth-round pick to the Jaguars last offseason for Bouye. He was apart of one of the most talented defenses I have seen made up of Yannick Ngakoue, Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson, Telvin Smith, Myles Jack, Jalen Ramsey, Tashuan Gipson, and other role players. He clearly benefited from the surrounding talent the Jaguars had, but before management knew what they were getting from the Texans, they insisted on paying Bouye to bring him to Duval County.
David Caldwell gave him $67,500,000 on a five-year contract back in 2017, but Bouye is now 30-years-old and clearly losing his value. I still think there are plenty of teams — 49ers, Jets, Saints, Eagles, or Packers — who could use a reasonably priced veteran cornerback like Bouye, but should Terry Fontenot seek out his market value?
The Falcons need a starter opposite of A.J. Terrell; whether that position is filled through free agency or the draft is the unknown. Bouye will require a new contract, and in a down year, this could provide excellent value for Fontenot and the Falcons. There are similar schematic connections between Bouye and new Falcons’ defensive coordinator Dean Pees. He played in Vic Fangio’s defense, which isn’t exactly like Pees’ but is close in terms of what they ask of their defensive backs.
If Fangio didn’t want him, then it could be a red flag. More than likely, it wasn’t the head coach’s decision but a salary issue. Bouye had an up and down year last season but essentially played with one arm. I do believe he can provide value, especially for a young cornerback like A.J. Terrell.
Two A.J.s on the backend? I could be convinced at the right price.
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Photo: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire
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