If the Denver Broncos truly intend on moving on from veteran cornerback Aqib Talib, the 2016 All-Pro would prefer an outright release so he can have his pick of teams for the 2018 season Les Shapiro reported on Thursday.
Denver has the option to trade or cut Talib, who has two years remaining on his six-year, $57-million contract.
One of Talib’s preferred destinations is the New England Patriots, for whom he played 19 games between 2012 and 2013 before signing with Denver as a free agent. New England and head coach Bill Belichick have won two of the last four Super Bowls and appeared in three of the last four.
Talib’s other preferred landing spot, Shapiro reports, is the Los Angeles Rams, where he would be reunite with former Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Talib and Phillips were both part of the 2015 Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50. Phillips became the DC in Los Angeles after the Broncos did not retain him for the 2017 season.
According to Shapiro, Talib prefers “a situation he is familiar/comfortable with.”
The Broncos could try and swing a trade with either club, and knowing that the five-time Pro Bowler would like to land with either team could be beneficial for all parties in negotiations.
Denver is expected to move on from Talib, either by trade or release, in order to free up money to sign a free agent quarterback.
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