The Denver Broncos cleared $6 million of cap space on Monday, as the Broncos released linebacker D.J. Williams, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.
Williams signed a six-year, $32 million contract with the Broncos in 2008, but won't be around for the final year of the pact.
Denver selected Williams with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, out of the University of Miami. Williams enjoyed a solid career with the Broncos, spanning nine seasons. The former Hurricanes linebacker led the AFC in combined tackles in 2007, with 141.
Williams' career in Denver was not free of off-the-field issues, however. Williams pleaded guilty in Sept. 2005 to drunk driving charges. Five years later, Williams was once again cited for DUI, and was stripped of his co-captaincy. Williams was eventually suspended by the NFL for nine games in 2012 -- six of which stemmed from a failed urine test.
2012 marked Williams' least-productive year as a professional. Appearing in just seven games, Williams recorded just 14 tackles.
Despite the poor year in 2012, Williams should land on his feet elsewhere in the NFL -- and possibly in Oakland, where he could be reunited with former defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen.
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