Elvis Dumervil released by Broncos, fax machine faux pas to blame

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Dumervil is a free agent after a fax machine mishap.

Three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Elvis Dumervil is a free agent after a stunning turn of events that forced the Denver Broncos to release him shortly after he agreed to a salary reduction to stay with the team, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

More: Visit Mile High Report for reaction to the Dumervil release Agent blames Broncos for mishap

The Broncos had until 4 p.m. ET to finalize a new deal with Dumervil to keep him in Denver and appeared to beat the clock as the pass rusher informed the team at 3:25 p.m. that he would take the smaller deal. But the team didn't receive the contract with Dumervil's signature on it by the 3:59 p.m. deadline and instead received it via fax at 4:07 p.m., seven minutes past the deadline, forcing the Broncos to release him prior to the contract coming through.

#Broncos had to protect themselves. It was 1:59. No signed deal. Had they not released Elvis Dumervil, $12 mil would have been guaranteed
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 15, 2013

Dumervil, 29, is now a free agent, although the Broncos are definitely not out of contention to bring him back. However, other teams are now free to contact the defensive end with contract offers of their own.

In 2012, Dumervil accumulated 11 sacks, upping his career total to 63.5 in six seasons with the Broncos.