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DENVER -- The Brian Griese era officially came to a close on Monday when the Denver Broncos released their former starting quarterback to clear space under the salary cap.
Griese was once touted as the replacement for John Elway but two mediocre seasons led the Broncos to cut ties with the former Pro Bowler.
Griese was benched in Denver's final game in 2002, then was given permission to talk with other teams about a possible trade before Jake Plummer was signed to a seven-year, $40 million contract in March.
He never got out from under Elway's shadow.
Elway retired in 1999 after winning consecutive Super Bowls, Griese was just 27-24 as a starter and took the Broncos to the playoffs just once in four years.
And while Elway was a vocal leader who inspired his teammates to comeback victories, Griese was an introvert who rarely interacted with teammates.
By releasing Griese after June 1, the Broncos will save $4.9 million in cap space next season and $1.4 million in 2004.
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Griese was once touted as the replacement for John Elway but two mediocre seasons led the Broncos to cut ties with the former Pro Bowler.
Griese was benched in Denver's final game in 2002, then was given permission to talk with other teams about a possible trade before Jake Plummer was signed to a seven-year, $40 million contract in March.
He never got out from under Elway's shadow.
Elway retired in 1999 after winning consecutive Super Bowls, Griese was just 27-24 as a starter and took the Broncos to the playoffs just once in four years.
And while Elway was a vocal leader who inspired his teammates to comeback victories, Griese was an introvert who rarely interacted with teammates.
By releasing Griese after June 1, the Broncos will save $4.9 million in cap space next season and $1.4 million in 2004.
more
