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Lynch Apparently Leaving Broncos

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A Tribune staff, wire report

Published: July 31, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Former Bucs safety John Lynch's time with the Denver Broncos appears to be done. Apparently upset with the Broncos' plan to give him only limited playing time this year, Lynch created a situation that is expected to result in his release, perhaps as early as today.

The Rocky Mountain News reported Lynch skipped a team meeting Tuesday and was then excused for "personal reasons" from attending workouts Wednesday. Several Broncos players said, however, that Lynch had left the team.

Lynch is not expected to announce his retirement and has been given permission to seek other playing opportunities. It is believed San Diego, where he was raised and still lives in the offseason, is a possible landing spot.

Lynch signed a one-year deal with the Broncos during the offseason that represented a significant pay cut. He was told at the time he would be allowed to compete for playing time in every situation but Lynch was getting reps only in the team's base defense during the first week of camp.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said at the start of camp that he told Lynch there was no guarantee he would be an every-down player this year. That apparently did not sit well with Lynch, who spent his first 11 seasons with the Bucs and was a major player in their run to the Super Bowl XXXVII title.

Lynch, a nine-time Pro Bowler, made the jump to Denver following a 2003 season that was marred by a neck injury and his release by the Bucs. The Bucs told him upon his release he would not pass their physical, but a determined Lynch quickly found work with the Broncos. Since then he has returned to the Pro Bowl three times.

Lynch's likely departure hit his Broncos teammates hard. Some, such as cornerback Champ Bailey, said they were proud just to have spent time playing with Lynch.

"Oh, it's going to hurt," Bailey told the Rocky Mountain News. "But you've got to respect the way he's going out. He gave it another shot. It's not like he retired and then decided to come back, like some people. But I got to respect the way he's done it."

Roy Cummings

COLTS: Defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock has decided to retire at age 24.

BILLS: Backup quarterback J.P. Losman returned to practice, a day after being held out because of a swollen thumb on his throwing hand.

DOLPHINS: Signed free agent cornerback Chris Roberson and waived rookie corner Scorpio Babers.

JAGUARS: Receiver Reggie Williams will have arthroscopic surgery after reinjuring his right knee during camp.

SAINTS: First-round pick and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis practiced for the first time after signing a five-year contract.

TITANS: The team will bring in quarterback Byron Leftwich for a physical and to throw to some receivers.

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