Broncos release quarterback Tom Brandstater

The quarterback competition at Dove Valley is down from 4 potential suitors to 3. The Broncos have just announced the release of second year quarterback Tom Brandstater, who was drafted in the sixth round of last years draft. Though the move makes sense, as it allows Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow to take more snaps during practice, it still comes as a surprise that Josh McDaniels has decided to waive him before the start of training camp. It is hard to imagine that Brandstater will clear waivers, as he has a lot of potential which he showed during last years preseason. Without any regular season experience, Brandstater is practice squad eligible.

Brandstater was released to make room for fullback Kyle Eckel, who will wear #39 for the Broncos. Eckel, who played college football for Navy, was an undrafted free agent of the Patriots in 2005. He spent time with the Patriots, Dolphins, Eagles and most recently won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints after Saints fullbacks Heath Evans and Marcus Mailei both went down with injuries. Eckel has rushed for 175 yards in his career and scored 2 rushing touchdowns. He has an average of 3.0 yards per rushing attempt.

With Brandstater gone, Tim Tebow moves up to third on the depth chart, with Kyle Orton still the starter and Brady Quinn second. Brandstater told the Denver Post:

"I'm learning as you go you can't worry about things you can't control. I've enjoyed my time in Denver. The people were great, the fans were great, they've got a good team coming up. I will still be rooting for them, hopefully (while I'm) with another team."