Broncos release Andre’ Goodman
The Broncos announced today that they have released cornerback Andre' Goodman after three seasons with the team.
Goodie had been one of the first free-agent acquisitions made by Josh McDaniels and Brian Xanders in 2009, when he signed a five-year deal with $9.8M in guarantees. The 11th-year player was due to make $3.42M in 2012 and $3.96M in 2013, the final year of his contract; his original $6M signing bonus should mean he will count for $2.4M against the team's 2012 cap, which would translate to a cap savings of about $2.2M this season and $5.16M in 2013.
We had suggested two days ago that Goodman was a prime candidate for a contract restructuring, and the timing of his release (deep into free agency) tells us he likely turned down a request from the team to rework his contract. That's our pure speculation educated guess, at least.
Goodman was made expendable by the emergence of the undrafted Chris Harris last year, and the addition of Tracy Porter last month via free agency. Porter is likely to start across from Champ Bailey at the right cornerback spot, with Harris firmly entrenched as the starting nickel corner.
Beyond those three starters, Denver has Cassius Vaughn and Syd'Quan Thompson, along with Tony Carter, Joshua Moore, and Ramzee Robinson. Goodman's release would appear to increase the likelihood of the team drafting another corner two weeks from now.
According to PFF, Goodman graded out at minus-6.4 overall for his play in 2011.
