Warren didn't make the trip to San Francisco yesterday for the Broncos' 17-13 preseason victory over the 49ers. After the game, coach Mike Shanahan indicated Warren probably is on his way out of Denver.

"I'm not going to get into detail, but we thought we had a trade, and I'll talk about it a little more on Wednesday," Shanahan said. "Until things are finalized, I kept him home because I thought we had a trade."

Warren, the third overall pick in the 2001 draft by Cleveland, spent the last two seasons in Denver, making 49 tackles and 5› sacks. He revitalized his career with the Broncos after struggling through four seasons with the Browns.

But Warren apparently doesn't fit new defensive coach Jim Bates' scheme, which requires tackles who can hold their positions instead of penetrating the backfield. Warren seemed open to the transition earlier in camp, speaking optimistically about the new defense.

"He'll land on his feet somewhere, so it's a good thing for him," Broncos defensive end Kenard Lang said. "He'll get a chance to go somewhere else and play, and in a way it's a positive. He'll get some new scenery, and he'll be ready to go."

Jimmy Kennedy, a former starter for St. Louis acquired in an offseason trade, is listed behind Warren on the Broncos' depth chart, but Amon Gordon started in his place against the 49ers.