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Broncos release Daniels, Vasquez , Brewers to free cap space

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, center, holds his 5-year-old daughter Mosley, center front, for a photograph with teammates after Manning's retirement announcement at team headquarters Monday, March 7, 2016, in Englewood, Colo. Manning, who has been in the NFL for the past 18 years, is retiring after winning five MVP trophies and two Super Bowl championships, the most recent last month against the Carolina Panthers. From left are, Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas holding Manning's son, Marshall, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo, strong safety David Bruton and outside linebacker Von Miller. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, center, holds his 5-year-old daughter Mosley, center front, for a photograph with teammates after Manning's retirement announcement at team headquarters Monday, March 7, 2016, in Englewood, Colo. Manning, who has been in the NFL for the past 18 years, is retiring after winning five MVP trophies and two Super Bowl championships, the most recent last month against the Carolina Panthers. From left are, Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas holding Manning's son, Marshall, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo, strong safety David Bruton and outside linebacker Von Miller. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By Associated Press March 8, 2016 1 min read

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – The Denver Broncos released three players who helped them win the Super Bowl: tight end Owen Daniels, guard Louis Vasquez, and long snapper Aaron Brewer.

Denver is trying to clear salary cap space to re-sign some of its key free agents, including Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, who received the franchise tag. With Peyton Manning retiring, the Broncos also need a starting quarterback and Brock Osweiler is a free agent.

Broncos general manager John Elway said Tuesday: “These decisions are never easy, but we appreciate the contributions Louis, Owen and Aaron made to our team, especially during our Super Bowl run.”

Vasquez started all but one regular-season game in the last three seasons and all seven postseason matches. Daniels, signed by Denver as an unrestricted free agent from Baltimore last year, ranked third on the Broncos in receptions (46), receiving yards (517) and receiving touchdowns (3) during 2015.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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