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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 10:47 a.m., Friday, April 13, 2007

Broncos release five-time Pro Bowl LB Wilson

Advertiser Staff

DENVER — The Denver Broncos have released five-time Pro Bowl linebacker Al Wilson.

Wilson said today the team had told him the news the previous night. A Broncos spokesman declined comment earlier in the day.

"I've had a great time here. I feel like I've got a few more good years in me, too," Wilson said.

He said he might play with another team if he can get medical clearance from a neck injury he suffered in a Dec. 3 game against Seattle.

"I'll only get out there and play if I'm healthy," he said.

Wilson led the team in tackles last season but was plagued by injuries in the second half.

He played the next three games after the neck injury but sat out the season finale, a loss to San Francisco, due to thumb and back injuries. That defeat knocked the Broncos out of contention for the playoffs.

His agent, Peter Schaffer said previously the Broncos were shopping Wilson around for a possible trade. The Broncos have committed big money to several free agents during the offseason, and Wilson is due $5.2 million in base salary this year.

He was nearly dealt to the New York Giants earlier this spring. However, he failed a physical and the Giants backed out of the trade. The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions also showed interest.

Wilson was a fan favorite and a locker room leader. He spoke at the funerals of cornerback Darrent Williams and running back Damien Nash this offseason, two young teammates who died in separate incidents.