Broncos release LB Joe Mays

The Denver Broncos are saving $3.5 million with the release of linebacker Joe Mays, who lost his starting job and then broke his left leg last season.

Not long after signing for $12 million over three years, Mays was suspended a game and docked $50,000 for an illegal hit on Houston's Matt Schaub. He then lost his middle linebacker job following a poor performance by the defense in a loss at New England.

That relegated Mays to special teams, and he was blocking on a punt return Oct. 28 when a Saints player inadvertently leg-whipped him, fracturing his fibula just above his left ankle, ending his season.

Although healthy again, Mays was the odd man out with Nate Irving, Stewart Bradley and Steven Johnson vying for the job this summer.