Unexpected moves: Davis, Peterson, 2 others cut

Today the Broncos released Inside Linebacker Adra Davis and DT J'Vonne Parker. Yesterday the club released Defensive End Kenny Peterson and Mitch Erickson who has spent the last two seasons on the practice squad. I was very surprised that the team let Peterson go, he was a good player, and the only starting down lineman our Denvers' 3-4 to record a sack last year. The move is not totally out of the blue, the Broncos have just signed D-linemen Jamal Williams, Justin Bannan, and Jarvis Green. The Broncos have high hopes for Ryan McBean, who is a possible fill-in, while Shanahan leftovers Jarvis Moss and Marcus Thomas are also younger, and waiting for an opportunity.

The Broncos also re-signed defensive lineman Le Kevin Smith today. Smith, who was acquired by Denver in a trade with New England on Aug. 17, played in 13 games for Denver in 2009. He notched his first career sack against Baltimore in Week 8, and made his first career start against Pittsburgh in Week 9.

The biggest story of today was Andra Davis. He played in all 16 games in 2009, starting 13, and finished third on the club with 72 tackles, including a team-high 14 for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. After such a successful first year with the Broncos, I don't think anybody saw this coming. Although, there are some good reasons for it. Davis slowed down toward the end of the season, as did the entire Broncos defense. On the Broncos roster, Wesley Woodyard and Spencer Larsen back up Davis, both are very young and talented. To go along with that, there is no shortage of good LB's in this years draft. (Rolando McClain anyone?)

"It was definitely disheartening," Davis said. "But I've been in the game, this is my ninth year, and I've seen a lot of guys get that phone call and get that conversation. I have no ill-feelings towards the Broncos. I wish them the best.

It is always sad to see guys you've become attached to leave, but I'm excited to see the Broncos moving forward. I'm also very excited to see more of Wesley Woodyard, if he can get his coverage skills down he'll be a great success.